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Supporting you on your journey within
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor · Expressive Arts Therapist
I am passionate about self-discovery, embodiment, and creative living
My goal: To walk with you on your journey back to your truest self
"We are all just walking each other home"
-Ram Dass
Issues I work with:
Depression/Anxiety
Body image issues/disordered eating
Life transitions
Trauma integration
Relationship issues
Family conflict
BIPOC and LGBTQ+ issues
Neurodivergence
My practice is:
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Strength-based
Person-centred
Trauma-informed
Culturally responsive
Individualized
Holistic
Respect-focused
Non-judgemental
Creative
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Modalities and methods:
Expressive arts therapy
Gottman Method
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Body-centered practices
Poetic self-inquiry
Mindfulness-based tools
Ceremony and ritual
About Me
Natalia Sarmiento RTC
I am a registered therapeutic counsellor (RTC) and expressive arts therapist with a background in performing arts and creative writing.
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I work with concerns including eating disorders and body image issues, trauma integration, creativity and self-expression, and identity exploration.
I work on proactively building an anti-oppressive practice with intersectionality and cultural awareness at the core, and strive to create a safe, welcoming space where every aspect of our complex inner lives can come to light and be witnessed with compassionate curiosity.
I bring to my work tools from holistic practices including yoga philosophy, energetics, mindfulness-based approaches, arts-based explorations, and somatic awareness as tools of self-study.
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Expressive arts therapy, therapist, counseling, counselling, counseling therapy, Vancouver therapist, Vancouver counselling, Canada therapy, kelowna counselling, kelowna therapy, BC therapy, BC counseling
My Story
The Degrees
Education and Continued Training
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M.A. Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University*
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Certified Expressive Arts Therapist - Vancouver Expressive Arts
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Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy
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Level 2 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Association of Psychological Therapies
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Trauma Informed Practice - Association of Psychological Therapies
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22-hour Compassionate Inquiry workshop - Dr. Gabor Mate & Sat Dharam Kaur N.D.
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Compassion Fatigue - Dr. Gabor Mate
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200 Hour Certified Yoga Instructor Training - Karma Teachers
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B.A. Theatre Performance with minor in Dance - The University of Kansas
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A.A. Creative Writing - Langara College
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*Currently in progress
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I've lived a disembodied, disconnected life riddled with eating disorders, depression, and debilitating anxiety. My lived experience with these issues and the long healing journey that has come with them led me to the therapeutic field as an attempt to support others who may be struggling with similar challenges.
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As a creative and lover of all forms of art arts, I inherently knew from a young age that artistic expression has immense healing potential. Art became a powerful healing tool while fighting my own toughest battles. This brought me to integrate artistic expression into my practice.
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I believe that we are all on a winding road to remember who we are and embody our truth: A beautiful and powerful journey that can sometimes shake our very core with unbound emotion. I also know that the power to heal and thrive lives within each one of us and that healing from within is the only way we can start to heal our ancestry, our communities, and our future generations.
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My wish is to create a space to support others through their own inner processes with loving empathy, compassionate curiosity, and radical support.
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FAQs
How many sessions do I need?
It is hard to say exactly how many sessions you'll need to see progress as everyone's experience is different. Healing through psychotherapy takes time. It is a process of self-exploration, unpacking, and unlearning that needs to take its course. ​
Some people are satisfied with short-term treatment for a specific, acute issue, while others appreciate long-term process of deeper self-exploration.
In a therapeutic relationship, we need time to build trust in order to create a space where we can safely dive deeper into challenging topics. I recommend starting with five sessions. This will give you enough time to see if you feel comfortable working with me and for me to see a full picture of how I can support you.
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How frequent should my sessions be?
Session frequency is also decided on a case by case basis. There are no specific frequency rules that you need to follow for counselling, however, consistency is important in order to see results.
I usually recommend weekly sessions to begin with, especially for clients in crisis or who need frequent support. Biweekly is a good starting option for those who feel more stable and can go longer between sessions.
Ultimately when you book your sessions is your choice and there is plenty of flexibility to work out a schedule that works for you.
What is the cost for sessions? How can I make my sessions affordable?
For Canada based clients:
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Standard individual sessions: 120CAD*
Relationship counselling sessions: 145CAD*
Group therapy: 30CAD*. (Will only run on regular schedules with a set group capped at 5 participants)
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*Prices subject to change and GST
Extended healthcare coverage:
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Many extended healthcare companies help cover the cost of registered counselling. Check with your company to see what their specific coverage entails.
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Payment plans, sliding scales, and agreements:
I aim to make my services accessible to as many people as possible. In order to do this, I have a limited amount of slots allocated for sliding scale.
Please contact me to check availability or join the waitlist, or inquire about potential payment solutions. I will do my best to find an agreement that works best for both of us. I am also happy to agree on payment plans and package deals.
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For clients based in other countries: Contact me for country-specific prices
What happens if I want to stop treatment?
You are free to stop or pause treatment at any time. Your sessions are for you, so if you feel you are not getting what you want out of therapy you are absolutely welcome to terminate.
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Here are a few things to keep in mind when thinking of stopping treatment:
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There are moments when therapy may get uncomfortable as you dive into more challenging and vulnerable topics. This discomfort may lead to you wanting to stop treatment. If this is the case I encourage you to sit with the discomfort and continue with treatment as this is when many breakthroughs may happen. I will be available for additional support during these times of discomfort.
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I do everything in my power to be gentle and supportive in your journey, however, I am human and as such make mistakes. If there is something I say or do that ruptures our therapeutic relationship you are encouraged to let me know. Your feedback is invaluable and received with gratitude whether you choose to continue working with me or not.
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If for whatever reason working together isn't a good fit I am happy to refer you to someone who may be able to better support you.
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The door is always open for you to resume treatment or book single sessions after periods without treatment. The therapeutic relationship goes beyond your time of treatment and if at any moment you need support again you are absolutely welcome back.
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Will my sessions be confidential?
Absolutely! I do not share any information about our sessions with anyone else. However, there are a few exceptions when counsellors are required to breach confidentiality:
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If there is reason to believe that you are at risk of hurting yourself of somebody else
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If there is a known case of abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or other vulnerable dependant
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If there is a subpoena that requires me to testify at court
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I regularly attend supervision to support my practice and competency. There may be topics that I bring up to my supervisor that come up in session if I need further support. These are all shared in an anonymous matter and in a confidential setting
What languages do you work in?
English and Spanish
CONTACT ME
Note: This contact form is not for crisis response
If you have an emergency and need immediate assistance call 911.
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Crisis lines in BC:
For immediate mental health support: 310-6789 (no area code needed).
For suicide prevention services: 1-800-784-2433)
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Crisis lines in Colombia:
For immediate mental health support: 106 (no area code needed)
Whatsapp: +57 (300) 754 8933