My approach

Jennifer-Saunders-headshot-about-me

Hi, I’m Jen. I support people who feel caught in cycles of anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or emotional numbness. If you’re here, you might know what it’s like to live with a racing mind, a body that won’t settle, or the exhaustion of always trying to hold it all together. It can feel overwhelming and lonely.

I want you to know you’re not broken. The patterns that cause distress now once helped you cope and survive. Together, we can begin to understand those parts of you with compassion, while gently creating space for new ways of being.

My approach is holistic and trauma-informed. I draw from Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness practices. This means we don’t just talk about challenges — we pay attention to how anxiety shows up in your body, calm your nervous system, and explore the protective parts of you that keep you stuck. We’ll move at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you.

Clients often tell me that over time they begin to feel more grounded, less overwhelmed, and more at ease in their relationships. Many notice they’re able to set clearer boundaries, rest more deeply, and show up with a greater sense of authenticity and self-trust.

If you’re curious about working together, I offer a free 15-minute consultation. This is a chance to ask questions, get a sense of my style, and see if it feels like a good fit. You’re welcome to book directly online, or reach out to me with any questions.

My Background

My path into counselling began with a deep curiosity about the human experience—the ways we relate to ourselves, our bodies, and the world around us. I’ve always been drawn to understanding what it means to live in alignment, to reconnect with the parts of us that we sometimes lose along the way.

For much of my life, I saw success through a lens of striving—pushing forward, achieving, and performing. It’s a message so many of us internalize, only to realize that relentless effort often leaves us feeling disconnected and uncertain about what truly matters. This realization is what led me to explore what it means to pause, to listen inward, and to let go of the idea that we are something to “fix” or perfect.

I believe healing happens when we learn to come home to ourselves—when we honour all parts of who we are and allow space for both our challenges and our growth. As a counsellor, I bring warmth, compassion, and curiosity into my work, creating a space where you can explore your own experience and move toward deeper connection and meaning.

Training

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #22146

Masters in Counselling Psychology — Yorkville University

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) in-training — Somatic Experiencing International

Beginner Level I, II & III complete

Intermediate Level I complete

Internal Family Systems Training

IFSCA - Level 1

IFSCA - Level 2

IFS Institute - Level 1

Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention — BC Crisis Centre

Sex and Trauma —Allura Centre Vancouver

Reclaiming Pleasure: Trauma Recovery —The Embody Lab

Somatics and Psychedelics —The Embody Lab

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training — Mynah School of Yoga

Bachelor of Commerce —University of Victoria