Allegra Metcalfe, Intern Counsellor
Hi! My name is Allegra Metcalfe (she/her).
I am an intern counsellor at REV, and I am currently in the final year of my Master of Education in Counseling through City University. In the early stages of my career, I worked as a residential youth care worker in group homes and for a non-profit facilitating workshops and supporting adults experiencing poverty and homelessness on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. For the last decade I have worked as an educator in the public school system. Working as a resource teacher, classroom teacher and student support worker, I have developed a robust foundation for understanding the diverse needs of children, youth and families navigating various life challenges. My own transition to parenthood has taught me numerous and invaluable lessons. This experience has called me to work to support women and families through the stresses and anxieties of pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood.
I bring a collaborative, compassionate, person-centered approach to my sessions with the goal of fostering a safe space for you to explore, heal and build on the strengths you already possess. I aim to bring my authentic self with transparency and vulnerability to our sessions because I believe that with a connected and supportive therapeutic relationship you can, and will, be able to overcome your personal challenges, build resilience and thrive!
I believe that working with the feelings in our bodies and the responses of our nervous systems is an integral part of the healing process. My therapeutic approach therefore includes experiential methods, focusing on the waves of emotions and sensations you are feeling as we process together. This includes employing techniques from somatic therapy, emotion-focused therapy and internal family systems. My perspective is shaped by my personal life experiences, my identity as a woman and a mother and my own journey towards self-love, acceptance and nervous system regulation through counseling.
As a settler with French and Irish roots, I am incredibly grateful and privileged to be living in Vancouver on the unceded lands of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh people. I acknowledge that for many of us, a path to healing must include addressing root causes of suffering such as the impacts of colonialism, capitalism, patriarchy and white supremacy.
I am grounded by my personal relationships with my friends, my family and community. My strong and healthy relationships fortify me and allow me to do this work. I relish escaping the city for the woods, getting sweaty and competitive through exercise, taking hot showers and long hugs with loved ones. In my spare time I am usually building magnificent block structures with my three-year-old, spending time outdoors and cramming friends and family around a table to share delicious meals and conversations.
Modalities:
Person-Centred, Internal Family Systems, Experiential Therapies, Narrative, Mindfulness, Family Systems Theory
Areas of Special Interest:
Anxiety
Autism
Child and Youth Counselling
Education and Learning Disability
Family Conflict
Marriage
Parenting
Pregnancy/post-partum
Relationship and interpersonal issues
Self-esteem