My Story

 

My name is Harkamal (Har-kam-al) and I live, work, and play on the unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʇ̩ɛːɛ̯əm (Musqueam), Sẏwx̯wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I identify as an able-bodied, cis-gendered man of South Asian descent, shaped by my Sikh heritage and cultural upbringing. My family immigrated to Canada from the countryside of Punjab, India, and I am a first-generation settler.

I believe in the transformative power of therapy because I have experienced its healing effects firsthand. Throughout my youth and adulthood, I faced hardships related to belonging, identity, major life transitions, and loss. Although I had the support of family and loved ones, I eventually recognized that I needed the support of therapy to truly begin to heal.

It was through therapy that I discovered the healing effects of a compassionate, collaborative therapeutic presence. It provided me with a safe space to help manage difficult emotions, connect with my body, feelings, and thoughts, as well as process trauma and find healing. The experience planted a seed in me and made me deeply appreciate the role therapy can play in providing the necessary conditions to heal.

 

 

 

 

 

 My Path

 

My path into counselling started over a decade ago while working as a support worker in community mental health and addiction programs. I had the privilege of walking alongside youth and adults navigating tough life situations, and I was continually inspired by their strength and resilience. Those early experiences made me want to learn more and do more—which eventually led me to pursue formal training in counselling psychology.

For most of my career, I’ve worked in public health settings, supporting folks who are often underserved by our systems and dealing with a range of challenges—things like depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, substance use, and structural inequities. In 2021, I expanded my work into private practice, bringing with me the values and insights I’ve developed over the years.

Along the way, I’ve facilitated a variety of therapy groups, mostly in healthcare and community-based settings. These include groups focused on mental health recovery, grief and loss, substance use, and trauma. I also co-facilitate a group focused on addressing relationship violence, working primarily with men.

I’ve had the honour of volunteering with the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST), offering trauma-informed support to refugees and asylum seekers. This work deepened my commitment to culturally responsive and justice-oriented care—and continues to shape how I show up as a counsellor.

In the last few years, I’ve also started working with couples and families. I’ve completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method, both of which provide practical tools for helping couples reconnect, repair, and grow. Whether I’m working with individuals, couples, or groups, my focus is always on creating a space that’s collaborative, grounded, and attuned to your needs.

 

 

My Counselling Approach and Ethical Stance

 

My approach to counselling has been deeply shaped by my years of work with individuals and communities impacted by systemic inequities, trauma, and marginalization. I bring a strong commitment to anti-oppressive, intersectional, and trauma-informed practices—approaches that honour each person’s unique lived experiences, identities, and social contexts.

At the heart of my work is the belief that healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and understood. I strive to create a warm, inclusive space where you can explore your challenges without fear of judgment—where your voice, values, and pace are respected.

I am also committed to decolonizing counselling practices by questioning the dominant narratives that have shaped mental health services and by centering cultural humility. This means creating space for multiple ways of knowing and being, and respecting the wisdom you already hold about your life and healing.

My therapeutic stance is collaborative, person-centred, and strength-based. I view clients as the experts of their own lives, and see my role as a compassionate guide—someone who walks alongside you, helping you make sense of your experiences and reconnect with your sense of agency and wholeness.

In our work together, we’ll focus on what matters most to you. We may explore underlying emotional patterns, unpack the impacts of systemic stressors or trauma, and build practical tools to support you in daily life. My goal is to help you cultivate resilience, clarity, and a deeper connection to your own values and strengths.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my approach. I consider it a privilege to accompany you on this journey toward greater understanding, connection, and well-being.

 

Therapeutic Modalities

 

I integrate a variety of evidence-based modalities and philosophical approaches into my work, depending on your unique needs, goals, and preferences. These include:

 

  • Narrative Therapy – exploring and rewriting the stories we carry about ourselves and our lives

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behavior patterns

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy – building self-compassion and soothing inner criticism

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – helping you stay present, connected to your values, and take meaningful action

  • Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention – supporting recovery and self-regulation through mindful awareness

  • Motivational Interviewing – strengthening your motivation and readiness for change

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – processing and integrating traumatic experiences

  • Somatic Experiencing – helping the body release and resolve the effects of stress and trauma

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – deepening emotional connection and attachment in couples

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy – improving communication, managing conflict, and building lasting intimacy

 

I tailor these approaches to each person or couple I work with, drawing on what fits best for your situation and stage of healing. My intention is always to create a flexible, respectful, and effective path forward—one grounded in collaboration and care.

 

You can learn more about how we might work together on the Services page.

 

"The most powerful therapeutic process I know is to contribute to rich story development." 

—Michael White