Marian Shinuda, MDiv, RP (Qualifying)

I believe that people are much more understandable when you know their life journey. I believe in the power of human connection and the healing that this connection alone can bring about in therapy. My clients know that I am there rooting for them as they navigate difficult chapters: past, present, and future. This is why I am always honoured and excited to hear someone’s story. Looking at the different layers and pieces of a client’s story will help us track where certain patterns and cycles have started. Together, we will work through the parts that need healing. We will move forward with this information to strengthen the parts which work well for my client’s therapeutic goals in order to make positive changes in their lives.

I take great interest in learning about human relationships and how to strengthen someone’s self-esteem through them. Thus, I am always ready to connect with clients in a sincere yet professional manner. I use a solution-focused approach as well as emotion focused therapy to process past traumas and give clients power over previous hurts. I also encourage clients to continue to reflect on therapy goals and how these may begin to change or become more refined as we continue through the therapy.

Knowing whether I am the therapist for you begins with a quick, and free, 15-minute consultation over the phone. These can be booked by clicking the link on this page. The consultation allows us to get a better sense of your needs and goals for therapy. You can also book a first session as well! If I am not the right fit for you, I would be more than happy to refer you to a therapist who is more aligned with your specific goals.

Therapy with Marian

I often like to approach therapy from an attachment lens. I am interested in learning more about how your relationships looked growing up, whether there are any relationship patterns or difficulties that you are noticing now, and how to build and demonstrate a stable and secure attachment within the therapeutic relationship. This can certainly inform the work we do as we explore your presenting concerns and work towards your therapeutic goals.

Marian’s Story

My own journey to becoming a therapist started when I graduated my undergraduate degree and learned through a career aptitude test that psychotherapy was a top interest of mine. Before applying for a graduate degree in clinical counselling, I spent some time working as a flight attendant. Getting to learn more about different cultures, travelling, and working with people were some of the highlights of those few years. However, I found the need to connect with people on a deeper level remained, and I chose to pursue education in the field of mental health and psychotherapy. On the other hand, if you have any travel stories you would like to share during our sessions, please feel free!