Dorota Szelagowicz

Associate Therapist

Here when you’re ready

Individuals 16+

Virtual

Insurance Covered

Weekend and evening appointments available

Associate Therapist Fee

Hello, I'm Dorota

I have spent more than a decade supporting diverse individuals through trauma‑informed teaching, nervous system regulation, and relational attunement. My work is grounded in authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for each person’s lived experience. I’m drawn to counselling because I believe healing happens in safe, attuned relationships where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

I enjoy supporting adults and students who are navigating overwhelm, burnout, identity shifts, or emotional patterns that no longer serve them. My background in interpersonal neurobiology, somatic awareness, and arts‑based expression informs my approach, helping clients reconnect with their bodies, values, and inner resources. Above all, I aim to create a warm, grounded space where you can explore your story at your own pace.

In our work together, clients experience me as

Compassionate · Attuned · Grounded · Authentic · Culturally Responsive

My therapeutic approach

My approach integrates CBT with humanistic, somatic, and interpersonal neurobiology perspectives. I support clients in understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and nervous system responses, and in developing practical strategies to shift unhelpful patterns. Alongside CBT tools, I draw from Gestalt, mindfulness, and trauma‑informed principles to help clients build awareness and regulate their internal experience. Sessions are collaborative and paced gently, adapting to each client’s cultural context, readiness, and goals.

Working with me, you would learn to:

• Identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns
• Develop greater nervous system awareness
• Strengthen emotional regulation
• Build sustainable coping and grounding strategies
• Clarify personal values and identity

Training & professional development

• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (in progress), Yorkville University
• M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction: Contemplative Inquiry, Simon Fraser University
• Bachelor of Education, Secondary Education (English & FSL), Simon Fraser University
• B.A., English Literature & Art History, University of British Columbia
  TESL Teacher Training Certification, Oxford Seminars
• Advanced Training in Interpersonal Neurobiology & Somatic Therapy
  Nurturing the Heart with the Brain in Mind (50 CPD hours), Bonnie Badenoch
• Neuroscience & the Satir Model in Sand Tray (Level 1)
  Transforming Depression in the Sand Tray
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Pat Ogden
• Trauma & Neuroscience
• Conferences (Bessel van der Kolk, Ruth Lanius, Dan Siegel, etc.)
• Making Sense of Anxiety – Dr. Gordon Neufeld

Availability

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 3:30 PM–8:30 PM PT
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM PT

Fun facts

I’m passionate about art, love playing tennis, and spend as much time as possible outdoors with my micro‑mini labradoodle, Rudy.