Amanda Herron
Intern Counsellor

Theories Influencing My Work

When working one-on-one, I draw primarily from Internal Family Systems (IFS) or “parts work,” intersectional feminism, and somatics. This means that I assist you in exploring the parts of yourself that need attention and acknowledging all the creative ways that you have coped with struggle. I also understand that the different identities you hold may influence the way you move through the world and I believe in the importance of unpacking your experiences with that context in mind. During this exploration, I strive to support you in deepening your awareness of what’s happening in the present moment by noticing what you may be experiencing in your body and accessing your inherent wisdom there. When working with couples, I lean on Relational Life Therapy to support you and your partner in practicing skills that can shift you away from old patterns and towards closeness and connection.

A Bit More About Me

I was raised primarily by my mother and grandmother in a single household. It was these women who taught me that genuine warmth, compassion, and humor can create space for trust and healing to occur, and I strive to express these qualities in our therapeutic relationship. Before I returned to school to practice therapy, I spent six years in different roles at a local rape crisis center working with women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming survivors of sexual violence. There, I had the opportunity to learn from some of the wisest and most generous people committed to building a better world and experienced what an honour it is to be a part of one’s healing. I am also a white, cis-gendered, queer, able-bodied, neurotypical, third-generation settler on the occupied lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I approach all my work with thoughtfulness around social and cultural contexts and pay attention to how access to power and privilege can shape relationships. I deeply believe all healing takes place in relationships in one form or another and that our healing supports our loved ones and communities. On one last personal note, I feel most at home with myself when my feet are on the earth, particularly in forests or when I’m immersed in the ocean. In my downtime, I’m often hanging out with my cat in the garden, making playlists, or cooking for the people that I love. I’m also often caught up in a podcast or a book that captures the complexity and beauty of what it means to be alive.

Professional Training

• IFS Level 1 – IFS Institute.
• RLT Level 1 – Terry Real
•  ‘Trauma’; Resistance: Innovative Responses to Oppression, Violence, and Suffering - Vikki Reynolds
• Resisting Vicarious Trauma – Vikki Reynolds
• Land-Based Trauma Healing – Shirley Ward
• Supporting Sex Workers – Living in Community