Background

Welcome! My name is Yosra Matar (she/her), and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor at Avery Therapy Centre. I am dedicated to supporting a diverse range of individuals at various stages of their healing journeys, helping them navigate themes such as relationships, past trauma, and self-understanding. As someone with ADHD, I am passionate about working with clients who have or suspect they have ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence, as well as those who support loved ones with ADHD. My personal experiences allow me to approach therapy with a strengths-based perspective, tailoring therapeutic techniques to best support each client’s unique needs.

 

Born in Bahrain, I immigrated to Canada in 2000 with my family. I have since lived in Ontario and Saskatchewan, eventually settling in Vancouver to pursue my undergraduate degree at UBC. Beyond my role as a therapist, I am a trauma-informed yoga and Pilates instructor. My experience in mindfulness practices and somatic work informs my counselling approach, emphasizing the connection between mind and body. This holistic perspective is central to my practice, where I integrate somatic and sensorimotor techniques in our work to find a deeper sense of well-being.

 

Therapeutic Approach

The cornerstone of my therapeutic approach is person-centred and mindfulness-based, emphasizing the present moment and the human experience. By incorporating somatic and sensorimotor techniques, I help clients engage in a body-based approach to healing, building on self-awareness and mindfulness. Healing is not a linear process; it unfolds in layers, and I am here to support you through the messy, joyful, and painful moments alike.

 

My practice is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQ2IAS+ communities. Building safety and trust are important to me, so that you feel comfortable to be your authentic self and provide feedback— you always have the choice in what you wish to discuss. My areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and neurodivergence.

 

In addition to my person-centred and mindfulness-based approach, I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy into my practice. EMDR is an evidence-based method that is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma. By helping the brain process and reframe distressing memories, EMDR allows clients to reduce the emotional charge associated with these experiences, fostering a deeper sense of healing and resilience. Whether you’re dealing with past trauma or ongoing stress, EMDR can be a powerful tool in your therapeutic journey.

 

 

Starting therapy can be daunting, especially when the process is unfamiliar. To ease this transition, I offer a free initial consultation. This allows us to determine if we are a good fit before scheduling our first session together.

 

I look forward to supporting you on your journey to healing and self-discovery.

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My availability can be found here.