Interpersonal Communications

Interpersonal Communications Counselling in North Vancouver, BC and West Vancouver, BC

Feeling Disconnected due to Interpersonal Issues?

Interpersonal communication difficulties can hinder your relationships, both personal and professional. If you struggle with social interactions, you're not alone.

Understanding the Science of Communications and Interpersonal Issues

Effective communication involves a complex interplay of verbal and nonverbal cues. Challenges in social skills can stem from various factors, including neurodiversity, anxiety, or past trauma.

What does struggling with Interpersonal Issues feel like for you?

For Individuals Struggling with Interpersonal Communication:

  • Social anxiety:

"I feel anxious in social situations and avoid them whenever possible."

  • Difficulty starting conversations:

"I struggle to initiate conversations with new people."

  • Misunderstanding:

"I often misunderstand others or am misunderstood myself."

  • Conflict avoidance:

"I avoid conflict, even if it means sacrificing my needs."

  • Assertiveness challenges:

"I find it difficult to express my needs and boundaries."

For Loved Ones:

  • Frustration:

"It's frustrating to see them struggle to connect with others."

  • Concern:

"I worry about their social isolation and loneliness."

  • Feeling unheard:

"They may not fully express their needs or feelings."

  • Misunderstandings:

Misunderstandings can lead to conflict and hurt feelings."

Many clients pay little or nothing out of pocket — we direct bill Pacific Blue Cross, SunLife, Telus Health / Canada Life, GreenShield, and more. See all insurance & funding options → Direct billing available

Hope and Healing - Improving Communication and Interpersonal Issues

Our team of Registered Clinical Counsellors in North Vancouver and West Vancouver helps clients build stronger, more effective communication — in relationships, at work, and in family dynamics. Through Individual Counselling, we work on the patterns, triggers, and self-awareness that shape how you communicate. Couples Counselling using the Gottman Method is available for partners wanting to improve their communication together. We also draw on CBT and Mindfulness Therapy to build assertiveness, emotional regulation, and conflict navigation skills.

Ready to enhance your social interactions? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Need help finding the right counsellor for you? Get matched to one of our qualified Registered Clinical Counsellors

Work with our counselling team

Our counsellors help clients build stronger, more effective interpersonal skills — in relationships, at work, and in family dynamics. Sessions in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and by secure video.

Maryam Mills

Maryam Mills

MA, RCC-ACS, CCC, BCN, EMDRIA-Consultant — Clinic Director

“My aim is to guide clients toward realizing their highest potential — drawing on EMDR, neurofeedback, and a deeply holistic understanding of what shapes each person's experience.”

EMDR Neurofeedback Trauma Couples Hypnotherapy Farsi Full profile →
Teresa Berkholtz

Teresa Berkholtz

MA, RCC

“I believe every individual has the capacity to grow through their struggles and emerge with clarity, strength, and purpose — I use EMDR and parts work to help clients find what keeps them stuck.”

EMDR IFS / Parts work Somatic Gottman Full profile →
Alireza Badri

Alireza Badri

MA, RCC

“I bring a calm, thoughtful presence — helping clients build self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their sense of strength using EMDR, DBT, and ACT.”

EMDR DBT ACT Gottman Farsi Full profile →
Sogol Shams

Sogol Shams

PhD, MACP, RCC

“I'm dedicated to creating a culturally sensitive, supportive environment — drawing on CBT, EMDR, and play therapy to empower clients of all ages to build resilience and thrive.”

EMDR CBT Play therapy IFS Farsi Full profile →
Jackie McGregor

Jackie McGregor

MACP, RCC

“True healing involves attending to the whole person — I integrate IFS, somatic, and Gottman approaches to help clients achieve deeper self-discovery and lasting change.”

IFS / Parts work Somatic CBT Gottman Full profile →
Stephanie Stanton

Stephanie Stanton

MACP, RCC, RRT

“My background as a respiratory therapist shaped my understanding of how stress and anxiety live in the body — I work alongside clients to explore the patterns that may no longer be serving them.”

EMDR IFS Somatic Gottman Full profile →
Diba Ferdowsi

Diba Ferdowsi

Counselling Intern — available through our low-cost counselling program

“I offer a warm, non-judgmental space for clients navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions — supervised by our senior clinical team.”

CBT DBT Mindfulness Farsi Low-cost program only Full profile →

Ready to get started? Not sure who to book with — we'll match you with the right counsellor.

Book a free 15 min. consultation

Interpersonal Communications — Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling can help with a wide range of communication challenges — difficulty setting boundaries, conflict avoidance or escalation, people-pleasing patterns, assertiveness, navigating difficult relationships at work or at home, communication after conflict or betrayal, and the gap between what you mean and what the other person hears. These patterns are often deeply ingrained and respond well to therapeutic work.
Yes — significantly. Understanding your own patterns, triggers, and communication style can change the entire dynamic of a relationship even when only one person is in counselling. You can't control another person, but you can change how you show up — and that often shifts the system around you.
It can overlap, but interpersonal communication counselling is broader — it applies to any relationship, not just romantic partnerships. Workplace relationships, family dynamics, friendships, and community contexts all involve communication patterns that counselling can help with. If the primary concern is your relationship with a partner, couples counselling may be more targeted.
Communication patterns are learned over a lifetime, so changing them takes time and practice — but most people notice meaningful shifts within a few months of consistent work. Counselling gives you awareness of your patterns and new tools; the real change happens as you practise those tools in your actual relationships between sessions.

Community and Industry Resources for Interpersonal Issues

  • The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): A national charity dedicated to helping people achieve mental health.
  • Vancouver Coastal Health: The regional health authority responsible for providing health services in Vancouver and surrounding areas.