Meet Brooke Patterson:
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Meet Brooke Patterson, RCC
About Me
Hi there, I’m Brooke. I help individuals and couples thrive in their relationships. I believe that good relationships, including the relationship we have with ourselves, are an essential part of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
As a daughter, sister and partner, I know how important good relationships are to our overall wellbeing. I’m passionate about helping individuals and couples deepen their connection with themselves and others so they can trust themselves and feel deeply loved and connected.
As a recovering people-pleaser and conflict avoidance expert, I know first-hand the importance of having uncomfortable conversations, communicating needs and desires with clarity, and taking accountability. I work to translate these hard-won lessons to you in session by exploring and processing distressing life experiences and trauma and teaching you new skills for relational success.
My Approach
The strengths you’re seeking are within you. I’ll help you develop your self-esteem, mood regulation, and communication skills so you can thrive in your relationships and create the life you desire.
I specialize in EMDR therapy for young adults who struggle with anxiety and negative core beliefs, such as “I’m not good enough,” and help them develop confidence to create their version of a fulfilled and joyful life.
I also specialize in working with premarital couples to improve their relational skills so that they’re set up for a future built on trust, connection, and shared values.
Drawing on evidence-based methods including but not limited to EMDR, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), The Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I’ll collaborate with you to set goals and support you throughout the process of attaining them. As you explore and process difficult or traumatic experiences, shed old patterns, and learn new skills, you’ll create lasting change in your relationship with yourself and others.
Ultimately, my goal is to help you transform your inner world so you can thrive in your relationships.
Credentials
Education
- M.C. – Masters of Counselling, City University of Seattle
- B.A. – Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), University of British Columbia
Specializations
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- The Gottman Method
- Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
Training Completed
- Attachment, Trauma & Temperament Shape Personality: Applications from Interpersonal Neurobiology
- Behavioural Activation and Depression
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Crisis Line Responder Training
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Healing in Connection: The Power of Relational Presence in Trauma Recovery
- Janina Fisher’s Trauma Treatment Certification Training: The Latest Advances and Proven Techniques to Resolve Deeply Held Trauma
- Neurodiverse Awareness Training with Pacific Autism Family Network
- Relational Practices in Counselling
- Somatic Techniques to Decrease Defensiveness and Facilitate Trauma Processing
- Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment, and Management
- The Body Keeps the Score: Trauma Healing through the Senses with Bessel Van Der Kolk
- The “Not Good Enough” Treatment Plan: A Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist Training
- Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes for Anxiety and Depression
- Two-Day Intensive Training: Mindfulness Certification Course
- Widening the Window of Tolerance: Supporting Client Resilience
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is EMDR and how does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps you heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral simulation to allow your brain to reprocess painful memories and reduce their emotional intensity.
How Does EMDR Work?
When something feels overwhelming, your brain can get stuck and prevent you from processing the memory. EMDR helps by:
- Using bilateral stimulation that targets your working memory. This involves gentle, guided eye movements, taps, or sounds.
- Allowing your memories to be reprocessed so they no longer feel as triggering.
- Helping you develop healthier beliefs and perspectives about yourself and your experiences.
Q: Does EMDR work for low self-esteem?
Yes, research shows that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is very effective for low self-esteem. Many people with low self-esteem have had experiences that leave them feeling “less than” or believing “I’m not good enough.” EMDR works by targeting these distressing memories and present triggers in your life so that you can reprocess them. This allows for new adaptive beliefs about yourself to emerge.
I specialize in working with young adults who want to work on their self-esteem and their relationship with themselves. Throughout our work together, I’ll help you develop the confidence and skills to create your version of a fulfilled and joyful life.
Q: What is pre-marital couples counselling?
Pre-martial couples counselling is an opportunity for you and your partner to strengthen your relational skills so that you’re set up for a future built on trust, connection, and shared values.
During pre-martial couples counselling, we will discuss the relational pattern that you and your partner get stuck in and you’ll learn how to change the dance that happens between you. We will also focus on important relevant topics, including conflict resolution, finances, in-laws, intimacy, children, and, more broadly, your vision for your lives together. Pre-martial couples counselling is the best gift you can give your relationship as you begin this next phase of your lives, together.
Q: How to know if my partner and I need pre-marital couples counselling?
Pre-marital couples counselling can be helpful for couples who get stuck in conflict cycles, have competing core values, struggle to communicate effectively, or are dealing with external stressors and would like some support.
Attending pre-martial couples counselling is not a sign that your relationship is in trouble. Rather, you can view it as an investment in your relationship that will help you learn how to communicate effectively with your partner, understand each other’s needs and expectations, and collaborate on important decisions that work for both of you.
Q: How Can I Overcome My Phobia?
Evidence-based approaches, such as exposure therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), are very effective at treating phobias. In my work, I use both exposure therapy and EMDR to support clients who have a specific phobia.
Exposure therapy works by gently retraining yourself to learn that you can approach your fear and handle it. Together, we collaboratively develop an exposure ladder with each rung on the ladder representing a small step you can take to face your fear. When you face your fear in controlled, repeated ways, your brain learns that you’re actually safe. As a result, your fear response naturally decreases over time.
EMDR is an effective treatment for a phobia if a traumatic or distressing event led to the phobia. We will process any distressing events with bilateral stimulation (eye movement, taps, or tones) to reduce the emotional intensity associated with specific distressing memories. We will also work on developing a positive future template that represents how you would like to behave in previously feared situations as you move into the future.
“Brooke has been a supportive presence in my journey to regain empowerment. Brooke helped me develop valuable assertiveness skills, enabling me to confidently express my needs and boundaries. She also helped me challenge my anxious thoughts and replace them with a more balanced perspective. With her support, I discovered self-compassion and learned to treat myself with kindness. Brooke’s empathetic approach and practical guidance have truly improved my life. I’m very grateful for her support. “
A.K., Vancouver
“Brooke provided steady support during a transitional period of my life. I used to often expect the worst-case scenario but I have now learned how to challenge my anxious thoughts and see a new perspective. Brooke helped me accept my limit of control and focus on what I can do to feel prepared and at ease. She also guided me in improving my communication skills, allowing me to share vulnerable emotions with my partner. I now feel equipped with the tools I need to move forward. I’m incredibly grateful for Brooke’s support.”
T.G., Vancouver
“Working with Brooke has positively impacted my personal and professional life. She helped me to recognize my anxious thoughts and challenge them. Brooke also helped me to tap into and express my emotions in a healthy way. Over time, I noticed a significant boost in my self-confidence. Brooke’s compassionate and supportive approach made me feel understood and empowered. I can’t thank her enough for helping me find greater peace and strength within myself. Highly recommend!“
D.D., Vancouver
“My work with Brooke has profoundly impacted my life and relationship. I significantly improved my communication skills and learned to express my emotions more openly and authentically. Brooke also helped me embrace the differences between my partner and me with a sense of curiosity rather than judgment. This has deepened our connection and understanding. Her insightful and calm approach made every session a safe space where I was able to grow.”
S.H., Vancouver
Imagine a Life Where You Feel Empowered and Confident
Picture yourself overcoming challenges, building stronger relationships, and feeling more at peace.
At Quoin Counselling, we believe in your potential to achieve this and more.
Tanya Schecter's latest book is out and available for purchase
Mending Broken Hearts: Drawing on research, Relational Life Therapy, and the author's own work, Mending Broken Hearts provides a step-by-step treatment plan and specific skills for therapists. With these tools, the therapist will help couples to not only recover from infidelity, but transform their relationship into one that's more relational, more connected, and more satisfying. The end goal is a relationship grounded in intimacy and safety
Tanya Schecter's book is out and available for purchase
Lead from Your Heart: This insightful guide offers practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom to help you lead authentically, connect deeply with others, and create positive change in your personal and professional life. Embrace the journey of leading from your heart and unlock your true potential.
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