Brandon James
Individual Counsellor/Therapist
Registered Social Worker
BSW, MSW, RSW*
As a therapist primarily specialized in working with individuals, I work collaboratively with adults of all ages and genders to explore and support their neurodivergence, well-being, and self-esteem. I have a deep passion for supporting neurodivergent people living with and experiencing any of the following challenges: anxiety, depression, stressful life transitions, relationship and communication challenges, loneliness and social isolation, complex trauma, as well as challenges with shame, self-criticism, feelings of burnout, insomnia, addictions of various kinds, and existential concerns.
Many of the clients who work with me are confirmed or self-identified Autistic, ADHD, and/or Gifted. I also support many clients going through difficult life challenges and stressors, including neurodivergent individuals looking to understand how their experiences growing up and their relationships have shaped who they are today, and neurodivergent people who struggle with relationships for various reasons, and who value connection and want to enhance connection with others
With a therapeutic approach rooted in kindness and curiosity, we will gain deeper insight into your experiences, considering the role of your core values, pivotal life moments, and current life and cultural context. A key aspect of our work will be cultivating self-compassion as we discover ways to strengthen your well-being, agency, and personal identity on your path towards a meaningful life. My foundational intention is to support you in learning from and appreciating the multi-faceted elements of your own internal world and support you in cultivating a stronger internal connection to your authentic, true, wise, caring, curious, and courageous Self.
I am passionate about applying compassionate, culturally safe, inclusive care, and draw upon an integrative, strengths-based, person-centered counselling framework. I primarily integrate counselling modalities from Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS – Level 1 Trained), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and am also deeply informed by Polyvagal Theory, Trauma-Informed principles, and Non-Violent Communication principles.
My heritage as a second-generation immigrant and white settler shapes my awareness of the diverse systemic impacts of colonization, migration, and other social factors on well-being. I strive to provide a safe and inclusive therapeutic space that acknowledges the impacts of systemic inequalities for all cultural backgrounds.
I have both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia, along with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia.
I have current availability to take on new clients and look forward to connecting with you soon!
*Registered Social Worker (British Columbia College of Social Workers #15020)
Fees
Individual/Couple/Family Counselling:
$160 per 50 minute session, covered by some private insurance plans. Direct billing to Autism Funding is available.
Credentials
Additional Training
Internal Family Systems Therapy Level 1 Training Program (91 hours). IFS Institute.
Certificate in Compassion Focused Therapy Essentials (18 hours). The Association for Psychological Therapies.
Certificate in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Essentials (18 hours). The Association for Psychological Therapies.
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (19 hours). PESI Canada, Inc.
Trauma-Informed Practice Training: Level 1 and 2 (11.5 hours). Trauma Informed Practice Institute.