Before studying psychology, Gabriel explored other careers and life paths. He delved into engineering, management, and then Human Resources. There he found dealing with people was much more personally fulfilling than technology. The move from HR to Psychology was a natural step and so he started his studies in his current field as a Clinical Counsellor.
This personal exploration is very important to Gabriel. Now he helps others explore their life potential by using his extensive training to help guide each client through their own journey. Oceanview Counselling was founded to deliver effective help to people in need, who are ready to learn how their lives can improve.
Gabriel is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and has a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. He brings more that 20 years of multidisciplinary education and experience to the counselling field. He is committed to assist individuals, couples, and families to overcome life challenges and to help them be the best version of themselves.
Through heartfelt empathy, wise insight, and courageous honesty he demonstrates his passion for helping. He has experience working with individuals affected by depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, anger, guilt, low self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, loss, and cultural adjustment. He strives to ensure that each client finds healing from their personal wounds, freedom from destructive habits, and recovery from disheartening events. His sincere desire is to see individuals tackling life with renewed strength, courage, and hope.
Oceanview Counselling is committed to quality care. We maintain the highest professional standards in the field. We abide by the Ethical Code of Conduct and Standards of Clinical Practice set by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.
Oceanview Counselling is convinced that everybody deserves equal access to quality care. So that lower income people can be helped, we operate on a sliding scale which means that fees are proportional to one’s income.
Oceanview Counselling acknowledges that the relationship between the counsellor and the client is one of the most important factors in a positive therapeutic outcome. We seek to build a trusting, respectful, and genuine relationship.
Oceanview counselling is devoted to fostering education. The responsible counsellor is always finding ways to fine tune their skills. Through a variety of professional interactions with other health care professionals, training, and experiential learning, we are able to give each client highly personalized help and insight.
Counselling requires a commitment of time, money, and energy. Therefore, it is important that you feel comfortable with your counsellor. Unlike visiting a doctor, counselling requires your active involvement and efforts to change your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. These changes may at times be swift and easy, but more often than not, they will be slow, frustrating, and require consistent effort.
This journey is truly aided by the counsellor who has learned many tools for managing personal crises, emoting profound insight, encouraging purposeful action, and promoting integral wellness.
Gabriel’s counselling approach is based on genuine care, respect, empathy, hope, and courage. He understands individuals as whole beings where body, mind, and spirit interact in unity with emotions and behaviour to give direction to life.
Through respectful, egalitarian, and creative dialogue you will be invited to examine feelings, assumptions, and beliefs about yourself, others, and life. Together we will also explore the effect such beliefs have on the way you navigate through life. Gabriel’s experience in the helping profession has shown that understanding, warmth and encouragement will support your effort towards a fuller and meaningful life journey.
