COUNSELLING FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO RETURN TO SELF THROUGH MIND AND BODY — SUPPORTING YOU TO SLOW DOWN, MAKE SENSE OF YOUR PATTERNS, SOFTEN WHAT’S BEEN OVERWHELMING YOU, AND COME HOME TO WHO YOU ARE BENEATH IT ALL.

HOURSMonday - Tuesday
11:00am - 7:00pmWednesday - Thursday
7:00am - 4:00pmBy appointment Only

SCHEDULE YOUR
FREE 15 MIN CONSULTATION

This practice does not provide crisis support.
If you are in immediate distress, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services.

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I believe in cultivating respect for community and for nature, while recognizing the importance of remembering our connection to the land. I am deeply grateful to the people who have connected to these lands before us, and acknowledge that I reside on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.

© 2026 Ash & Aura Wellness. All Rights Reserved.

LAUREN MCKINNON — RTCc

Hi, I’m Lauren — a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor based in BC. I’m honoured you’re considering including me in your healing and growth process. I know how vulnerable it can feel to reach out for support, and I aim to create a space that feels warm, collaborative, inclusive, and grounded in curiosity.I’m a white, cisgender, non-disabled, heterosexual woman (she/her/hers) born and raised in Ontario, now grateful to call the West Coast home. Outside of work, I’m usually backpacking in the mountains, surfing in the ocean, running the seawall, or spending time with the friends who I consider my chosen family.Mental health and self-growth have been an integral part of my life from a young age. I truly believe in the power of therapy as I’ve experienced its impact firsthand. I attribute who I am today to the people and spaces that encouraged me to lean into authenticity, vulnerability, and the values that matter most. I prioritize ongoing learning, clinical supervision, and deepening my practice so I can provide mental health information in a way that’s more relatable and accessible.

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent years in people-focused roles, consistently being drawn to spaces where deep connection and meaningful conversation are central. I’m continuously inspired by the resilience, honesty, and humanity of those I work with. Healing can be hard, and is rarely linear. I want clients to know they don’t have to navigate it alone.

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THE PHILOSOPHY

I don’t believe people are “too much,” broken, or failing. I usually see someone who has been surviving in the best ways they could for a long time — ways that made sense then, but may now feel exhausting or out of alignment.At the core of my work is the belief that healing isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about learning how to stop fighting yourself long enough to actually hear and understand what you need. There are already enough voices in the world telling us we aren’t enough — I don’t believe therapy needs to become another one.I work from a holistic lens, looking beyond the immediate issue and trying to understand the full picture: your experiences, relationships, nervous system, emotions, and the environment that shaped you. I often incorporate intuition and spirituality into my sessions. For me, healing often goes deeper than logic alone.I bring humour into the room when it feels appropriate because therapy can be both lighthearted and serious. I support clients reconnecting with the parts of themselves that already hold insight, wisdom, and knowing. You are the expert on your experience, and my role is to help you access that with more clarity and trust.I hope clients leave sessions feeling more connected to themselves and better understood, with a greater sense of self-acceptance and less pressure to prove their worth.

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THE APPROACH

My approach is collaborative and flexible. Every client is unique, with different needs, histories, and ways of processing, so a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t apply. Sessions are meant to feel like a real conversation where you feel understood, while also offering an unbiased, trauma-informed perspective to the conversation.I balance insight with practical support. I offer clients applicable tools to better to feel more supported in their day-to-day lives and relationships, and optional “heart-work” for those who want to continue outside of sessions, such as journal prompts, meditations, exercises, worksheets, and relevant resources.In our work, we find the “why” behind your thoughts, feelings, and behavioural patterns so they start to make more sense. Without that understanding, reactions can feel automatic. With it, you can notice what’s happening in real time and create a pause between feeling and action — that pause is where the choice to respond differently comes in.Above all, I aim to offer a non-judgmental and emotionally safe space for meaningful growth. I gently challenge patterns when it feels helpful, never from judgment or superiority. My role isn’t to “fix” you — it’s to support deeper self-understanding, help you move beyond survival mode, and build a more compassionate, sustainable relationship with yourself. There’s no pressure to go anywhere you’re not ready for.

Most shifts begin not with doing more, but with seeing things differently.

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SESSION STRUCTURE

Most sessions begin with questions like “How have you been since we last spoke?” or “What’s feeling most present today?”. I’ll always give a heads-up around the 15-minute mark so we can begin grounding and wrapping up.Not every session leads to a major breakthrough or moment of clarity — and it’s not meant to. Therapy often unfolds gradually, revisiting things from different angles until they begin to land differently over time. Some sessions focus more on emotions and the body, while others explore thoughts, patterns, or understanding.All emotions are welcome and encouraged — anger, joy, frustration, sadness, fear. Some sessions are lighter and centred around recognizing growth, grounding, or reconnecting with yourself after a difficult week. Others may feel deeper, more emotionally intense, or unexpectedly vulnerable as trust builds over time (typically between sessions 9 to 11). Sometimes you may even leave feeling more stirred up than when you arrived. That isn’t failure or regression — it’s often part of meaningful therapeutic work. Together, we explore where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you hope to move toward.I also gently challenge the urge to rush toward a “quick fix.” While coping strategies absolutely have their place, I believe lasting change often comes from understanding what’s happening underneath the surface rather than only managing symptoms. Over time, sessions tend to evolve naturally toward deeper self-understanding and integration.

READY TO GET STARTED?

HOURSMonday - Tuesday
11:00am - 7:00pmWednesday - Thursday
7:00am - 4:00pmBy appointment Only

SCHEDULE YOUR
FREE 15 MIN CONSULTATION

This practice does not provide crisis support.
If you are in immediate distress, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services.

-

I believe in cultivating respect for community and for nature, while recognizing the importance of remembering our connection to the land. I am deeply grateful to the people who have connected to these lands before us, and acknowledge that I reside on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.

© 2026 Ash & Aura Wellness. All Rights Reserved.

A MORE NATURAL WAY TO PROCESS, REFLECT, AND RECONNECT

Walk therapy moves beyond a traditional, clinical setting, where movement and fresh air naturally support nervous system regulation, soften intensity, and make it easier to process what’s coming up. It offers a way to take advantage of Vancouver’s greatest asset—its nature.Currently offered in Pacific Spirit Park.

SUPPORT THAT MEETS YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE

Online therapy is especially supportive if you value ease, privacy, or flexibility in your schedule from wherever you are. We create a grounded space to slow down, process what’s coming up, and reconnect with yourself — at your own pace.

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AREAS OF SUPPORT

𖤓 ANXIETY & OVERTHINKING

Is your mind always running — even when nothing is wrong?

𖤓 STRESS & BURNOUT

Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and like you can't keep up?

𖤓 ADHD & FOCUS

Do you struggle to stay focused, get started, or follow through?

𖤓 PEOPLE-PLEASING & BOUNDARIES

Do you struggle to say no or to put yourself first without feeling guilty?

𖤓 PERFECTIONISM & SELF-ESTEEM

Do you feel like your worth is tied to how much you do or how well you perform?

𖤓 RELATIONSHIPS

Do your relationships feel confusing, draining, or hard to navigate?

𖤓 DEPRESSION & LOW MOOD

Have you lost your energy, motivation, or sense of joy?

𖤓 TRAUMA & PAST EXPERIENCES

Does your past still affect how you think, feel, or respond today?

𖤓 LIFE TRANSITIONS & GRIEF

Are you navigating a change that's left you feeling lost or unsettled?

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WHO THIS THERAPY IS FOR

This work may be a good fit for you if you’re feeling ready to look at your life more honestly and intentionally.You do not need to have perfect self-awareness, have everything figured out before starting therapy. What matters more is a willingness to be curious about yourself, open to reflection, and ready to approach your inner world with more honesty, compassion, and care. You also do not need to be in crisis for your struggles to deserve support.

The answers you seek are often found in the parts of yourself you’ve learned to ignore.

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READY TO GET STARTED?

HOURSMonday - Tuesday
11:00am - 7:00pmWednesday - Thursday
7:00am - 4:00pmBy appointment Only

SCHEDULE YOUR
FREE 15 MIN CONSULTATION

This practice does not provide crisis support.
If you are in immediate distress, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services.

-

I believe in cultivating respect for community and for nature, while recognizing the importance of remembering our connection to the land. I am deeply grateful to the people who have connected to these lands before us, and acknowledge that I reside on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.

© 2026 Ash & Aura Wellness. All Rights Reserved.

SESSION FEES

ONLINE THERAPY

$120 / 60 min$180 / 90 min

WALK THERAPY

$150 / 75 min

15 min consultation calls are always free of charge.

PAYMENTS

I accept e-transfer, credit card, cash, or cheque. I use JaneApp for storing all information, which is encrypted and PIPA compliant to ensure security and confidentiality. I require a credit card on file for all clients to secure bookings, despite other forms of payment.

INSURANCE

I do not directly bill insurance for treatment. I do provide receipts with my registration number for you to submit to your provider for reimbursement.If you have extended health benefits, sessions with a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) are often covered, though coverage varies by plan. A quick call to your insurance provider can confirm what’s included.Please note: I am not an ICBC provider.

BOOKING

After your consultation call, booking access will be opened on my end and you’ll be able to schedule sessions directly through JaneApp.You’re welcome to book ahead to secure your preferred times, with availability released on a 3-month rolling basis (I currently only open the next 3 months at a time).If you don’t see a time that works, you’re welcome to join the waitlist or reach out at [email protected]. I also do my best to open additional spaces for ongoing clients when my schedule allows.

CANCELLATIONS & NO-SHOWS

If you need to cancel or reschedule, I ask for at least 48 hours (2 days) notice . Cancellations made within this window, or missed appointments without notice, are charged at the full session fee.I understand that life can be unpredictable, and exceptions can happen in the case of emergencies. If something comes up and you’re unable to give 48 hours notice, please reach out and we can talk through it.

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NOTHING TO TALK ABOUT?

You don’t need to come in with an agenda or know exactly what to say. We can simply start with how you’re feeling that day, or what life has been like since we last spoke.From there, we can gently follow what feels most present — sometimes that’s something current, and other times it’s revisiting themes from our work together to see what still feels tender, what’s softened, or what’s no longer holding the same weight.If it helps, you’re also welcome to bring journal notes, or moments of reflections from your week. And if you arrive feeling unsure, that’s completely okay too — part of the work is learning how to meet yourself even in the uncertainty.

SESSION FREQUENCY?

Session frequency depends on what you’re working through and what feels supportive for you. Most people begin with twice a week, weekly or bi-weekly sessions to build consistency and momentum, especially in the early stages.Over time, the goal is for therapy to help you build the tools, insight, and internal capacity to navigate life with more independence — so you need less ongoing support, or only occasional maintenance sessions every 6–12 months.We’ll check in as we go and adjust spacing based on what you need at each stage, with the aim of supporting you to feel steady and resourced on your own over time.

ONLINE VS WALK THERAPY?

Both online and walk therapy can be supportive in different ways, and there’s no “right” choice — only what fits best for you right now.Online therapy offers comfort, convenience, and accessibility. It can feel easier if you prefer being in your own space, have a busy schedule, or feel more regulated when you’re at home. Many people also find it helpful for consistency when life feels full or unpredictable.Walk therapy can feel grounding and spacious. Being outdoors and in motion can support emotional processing in a different way, especially if sitting face-to-face feels intense or stuck. It can be a good fit if you feel more open, regulated, or reflective when moving your body.Some people choose one format, while others move between both depending on the season they’re in or what feels most supportive that week. We can also blend the two over time so your therapy stays flexible and responsive to you.

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WALK THERAPY LOGISTICS

ARRIVAL

We will meet at the agreed location at the start of your session time. Please aim to arrive a few minutes early so we can begin on time and stay grounded in the full session. If you’re running late, just send a quick message.
Arrivals more than 20 minutes late may be considered a missed session, as we won’t have enough time to complete the trail or engage in meaningful therapeutic work.

GETTING THERE

Walk therapy trails are chosen with accessibility in mind and are easy to reach by transit or car. If you’re driving, there is ample nearby free street parking.I’ll always confirm exact meeting details ahead of time via email so you know where to go and how to get there without stress.

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HOURSMonday - Tuesday
11:00am - 7:00pmWednesday - Thursday
7:00am - 4:00pmBy appointment Only

SCHEDULE YOUR
FREE 15 MIN CONSULTATION

This practice does not provide crisis support.
If you are in immediate distress, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services.

-

I believe in cultivating respect for community and for nature, while recognizing the importance of remembering our connection to the land. I am deeply grateful to the people who have connected to these lands before us, and acknowledge that I reside on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.

© 2026 Ash & Aura Wellness. All Rights Reserved.

FINDING A THERAPIST CAN FEEL A BIT LIKE DATING — CONNECTION MATTERS, AND IT’S WORTH TAKING THE TIME TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation where you’re welcome to ask me anything — about how I work, what sessions are like, or anything else you’re curious about. It’s a chance for us to connect, feel it out, and see whether we genuinely vibe. No pressure, no expectations — just a conversation.If it feels like a good fit, we can go from there. If not, that’s completely okay too.I look forward to hearing from you!

With love, Lauren

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LET'S CONNECT

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HOURSMonday - Tuesday
11:00am - 7:00pmWednesday - Thursday
7:00am - 4:00pmBy appointment Only

SCHEDULE YOUR
FREE 15 MIN CONSULTATION

This practice does not provide crisis support.
If you are in immediate distress, please contact your local crisis line or emergency services.

-

I believe in cultivating respect for community and for nature, while recognizing the importance of remembering our connection to the land. I am deeply grateful to the people who have connected to these lands before us, and acknowledge that I reside on the unceded, ancestral and traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.

© 2026 Ash & Aura Wellness. All Rights Reserved.