Shila Avissa Dalidd MSW, RSW (she/her)

Registered Social Worker

Availability: Monday, Thursday-Friday
Types of sessions offered: Individuals (In Person, Online, and Nature-Based Therapy); BC and Ontario
Rates: $150 / 50 minutes
Languages: English and Bahasa Indonesia

The many upheavals in life can often be too overwhelming and unbearable to face alone. As a counsellor privileged enough to be allowed into another person’s life, I am committed to bear with-ness to your journey towards healing, while also offering practical tools that would help you cope with everyday challenges.

My work with you will be guided by the values of warmth, gentleness, and non-judgmental compassion. In a world filled with disconnection, I deeply believe that building a therapeutic relationship with you is key to our work together. I honour the power of simply sharing a cup of tea or exchanging easy laughter at the start of a session in cultivating healing relationships.

My 15+ years of experience in health care social work, social services, teaching, and political organizing and my living experience as an LGBTQ immigrant from Indonesia instilled a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience and our shared yearning for wholeness and connection. This is why my approach to therapy is rooted in the belief that true healing comes when we reconnect the mind, body, and heart.

I often incorporate somatic (embodied), mindfulness, and arts-based approaches in sessions, with the hope of helping you cultivate awareness of the present moment and better understand the roots of the challenges you face. Whether in office-based or nature-based session, I also weave in elements of nature as a “co-therapist” and “teacher” into my work.

“If you begin to understand what you are without trying to change it, then what you are undergoes a transformation.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

I am drawn to working with people facing a variety of life challenges. My counselling approach is holistic, with an emphasis on integrating the mind-body-heart. I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques (listed below).

I hold a Master of Social Work from York University, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of British Columbia, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy of Education at Simon Fraser University, hoping to research the political impacts of nature-based mindfulness practices. I am a member of the BC College of Social Workers (#1327), BC Association of Social Workers, and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

Among others, I have received training in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Nature-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cultural Safety & Humility, and Internal Family Systems Meets Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness.

In addition to in-office and online counselling, I offer Nature-Based counselling at an accessible park in Vancouver and Burnaby. If you want to explore what working together would look like, I also offer a free 20-minute Discovery Video Call.

To book with me, kindly email me directly at hello@shilaavissa.com or visit my website: https://www.shilaavissa.com