I feel called to be a therapist because I have been in the clients’ shoes and understand the vulnerability and challenge it is to do the work!  I enjoy being with clients and find people fascinating in the best sense.  I already admire you because you are walking in the door!  Coming to counselling and doing the work takes tremendous courage and guts.  I have always enjoyed people’s stories; I like the details.  I believe passionately in autonomy.  It is your life!  I am there only as a catalyst for the changes you want to make.  We get there together but the end point is yours. You have everything you need to heal and move forward.  I would be honoured to do that with you.

Elaine Binnema

MA, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor (#): 8089

Locations: Chilliwack Therapist Online

Serving: Adults Young Adults Couples Families Other Counsellors Children Youth

GET TO KNOW ELAINE

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GET TO KNOW ELAINE

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GET TO KNOW ELAINE

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GET TO KNOW ELAINE • GET TO KNOW ELAINE • GET TO KNOW ELAINE •

My Professional Background

    • Relational & Developmental Trauma, Childhood Abuse

    • Grief & Loss

    • Anxiety & Depression

    • Chronic Illness & Pain

    • Relationship Issues (Single/Dating, Partnerships/Romantic, Family of Origin; Friendship)

    • Identity crisis and personal struggles

    *if you want to work with me and don’t see your concern here, mention it on your inquiry form! I’ve worked with many areas and it’s possible I have experience working with yours before, too.

    • Emotionally-focused

    • Therapeutic relationship

    • Person-centred

    • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

    • EMDR – trauma-informed and trained

    • Somatic emphasis in trauma-related processing

    • Psychoeducation

    • Natural Processing: Integrating Somatic Psychotherapy with EMDR Therapy

    • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy

    • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

    • Enhancing Therapeutic Skills: Using Somatic Experiencing to understand and treat the symptoms of Trauma

    • Introduction to Narrative Therapy

    • Completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

    • EMDR – BC School of Professional Psychology

    • Depression – Practical Intervention Strategies, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute

    • Anxiety – Practical Intervention Strategies, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute

    • Grief and Loss, Trinity Western University

    • Master of Arts in Professional Counselling (Liberty University)

    • English

Get To Know Me Personally

  • I make sure I don’t over do it! I enjoy any form of exercise daily (walking, hiking, biking) and I spend time with the important people in my life.

  • My life was forever changed when I undertook my own counselling for about a year in my early 30s. This counselling experience changed the course of my life and eventually, this experience made me want to change career and help people the way I was helped. I enjoy being with people in the deep, vulnerable places because I know and believe that true healing and change can happen there.

  • I have gone through a struggle with chronic illness that has been the most challenging of my life. The level of loss and suffering was more than I thought I could bear. However, I have managed to come through this trial will a deepening of empathy, love, and understanding for life’s hardest struggles. I am pleased that this experience makes me an even more effective therapist.

  • I wanted to be a singer! This dream lasted a long time. I still love to sing.

  • I love Chilliwack and all the outdoor activities (hiking, SUP, biking). I also love a good coffee shop – sitting and mulling over life with friends. My doggie and husband are my main companions in a lot of these activities.

  • I think it’s important to know that you should feel comfortable with your therapist. If you don’t feel comfortable then it probably won’t be helpful. Shop around for the right fit if you need to!

    Also, you are the expert of your own life. The counsellor is there to walk alongside you so you can gain insight and understanding of your own needs, wants, and direction. The counsellor doesn’t have answers but should help you find your own answers.

  • I am a curious person by nature. Most of my family is in Ontario and I like to get all the details of what is happening when I can’t be there. Being a counsellor satisfies this part of me that loves to understand and know the deeper things or more detailed pieces of people’s lives. I will always be interested in you and curious about the details.

  • Easy to be around, non-judgmental, curious, and compassionate.

  • “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as I am, then I can change.” Carl Rogers

New Clients

Please fill out the New Client Inquiry form below to book an appointment with Elaine.

Existing Clients

Our online booking feature is available to clients who have already had a first appointment with Elaine.