Karen Benbassat Ali is a Registered Clinical Counsellor committed to creating a safe, empathetic space for healing and growth.
Helping you find your path forward.
Get to know me.
Meet Karen
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater awareness, resilience, and self-compassion.
I believe that our relationships and interpersonal connections are critical markers of our identity, sense of self, and place in the world. They can serve as blueprints for our conflicts and challenges—but they can also be a place of support, growth, and profound connection.
Using a strengths-based approach, I work with clients on a variety of issues, from relationship challenges and conflicts to anxiety and depression, that can stem from trauma and early attachment issues.
I welcome the opportunity to work with you, inviting you into a safe space to more deeply examine the areas of your life that feel difficult, misunderstood, and challenging to speak about.
I’ve collaborated with some of the best companies.
My Professional Journey
For over fifteen years, I worked in visual arts education and exhibitions at museums and galleries in Vancouver. In these roles, I learned the power of observation—of looking for ruptures and incongruences to better understand the meaning beneath the surface of what we think we see and know.
Working with large and diverse groups of adults and youth, I facilitated sometimes difficult conversations about a wide scope of issues and concerns, often taking a global perspective. My previous graduate study focused on the visual expression of various types of trauma embedded in the process of colonization, war, and addressing cultural difference.
This background in arts and education has deeply informed my approach to counselling. I believe in the power of storytelling, creative expression, and looking beneath the surface to uncover patterns and insights that can lead to profound healing and growth.
My transition to counselling was a natural evolution of my desire to work more deeply with individuals on their personal journeys of healing and self-discovery. I bring the same curiosity, empathy, and commitment to understanding complex human experiences to my counselling practice.
My Core Values
The 6 ways I know I’m on the right track
❤ Empathy
Creating a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and understood without judgment. I believe empathy is the foundation of effective therapeutic relationships.
☀ Openness
Embracing curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to explore different perspectives and possibilities without imposing predetermined solutions.
☺ Humor
Recognizing that even in difficult times, humor can provide relief, perspective, and connection. Laughter can be healing and transformative.
✧ Warmth
Bringing genuine care, compassion, and presence to each interaction, creating a welcoming environment where healing can flourish.
⟲ Collaboration
Working together as partners in your healing journey, respecting your unique insights, preferences, and goals for therapy.
✓ Integrity
Upholding the highest ethical standards and being transparent, authentic, and accountable in all aspects of our therapeutic relationship.
My Therapeutic Approach
My approach to counselling is collaborative, holistic, and tailored to your unique needs. I believe that effective therapy draws from multiple modalities and techniques, adapting to what works best for each individual.
Strengths-Based Perspective
Rather than focusing solely on problems or pathology, I help you identify and leverage your existing strengths, resources, and resilience.
This approach fosters empowerment, builds confidence, and creates sustainable change by recognizing that you already possess many of the tools needed for healing and growth.
Integrative Methods
Together, we will form a plan that is tailored to your needs as an individual, drawing from a variety of approaches that have been shown to be effective at creating change.
From mindfulness to body-based therapies to a deep examination of family history through patterns and repetitions, we will work to increase your awareness and use helpful tools and strategies to manage life’s challenges and transitions.
Person-Centered Foundation
At the core of my practice is a deep respect for your inherent wisdom and capacity for growth. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to provide support, insight, and guidance as you navigate your unique journey.
Our therapeutic relationship is built on unconditional positive regard, empathy, and authenticity—creating a safe container for exploration and healing.
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
- Previous Master’s degree in Visual Arts with a focus on trauma studies
- Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Education & Credentials
- Regular participant in continuing education and professional development
- Certified in Brainspotting Therapy
- Trained in Narrative Therapy
- Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- Certified in Mark Wolynn’s Approach to Intergenerational Trauma
- Trained in Somatic and Expressive Arts Therapies
“Working with Karen has been transformative. Her compassionate approach and insightful guidance helped me navigate a difficult life transition with greater awareness and self-compassion. I’ve developed tools that continue to support me in my daily life.” – Inge v., Current Client
Meet the team
Our comprehensive suite of professionals caters to a diverse team, ranging from seasoned therapists to renowned Psychiatrists.
Karen Benbassat Ali
Founder & CEO
Rhye Moore
Clinical Counsellor
Helga Steiner
Clinical Counsellor
Ivan Lawrence
Social Worker
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges and discover your path to healing and growth. Together we can:
- Create a safe, judgment-free space to explore difficult emotions and experiences
- Develop personalized strategies to manage anxiety, trauma, and relationship challenges
- Build resilience and self-awareness through evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- Uncover patterns that may be holding you back and transform them into opportunities for growth Reconnect with your sense of purpose and meaning in life
FAQs
What should I expect in my first counselling session?
Your first session is primarily about building rapport and getting to know each other. We’ll discuss your intake form, explore your current concerns, and begin to identify your therapy goals. I’ll explain my approach and answer any questions you have about the counselling process. The initial session helps us determine if we’re a good fit to work together and establish the foundation for our therapeutic relationship.
How long are counselling sessions?
Standard counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length. However, for certain types of therapy such as Brainspotting or intensive work, we may schedule 80-minute sessions when appropriate. We’ll discuss the recommended session length based on your specific needs during our initial consultation.
How often will we meet?
Ultimately, the frequency is entirely up to you and your needs. Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum in the therapeutic process. As progress is made, we may transition to bi-weekly or monthly sessions. The frequency of our meetings will be tailored to your specific needs, goals, and circumstances. We’ll regularly review our schedule to ensure it continues to support your healing journey effectively.
Do you offer online counselling?
Yes, I provide both online and telephone counselling services. Virtual sessions offer the same quality of care as in-person meetings, with the added convenience of connecting from your preferred location. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking freely. Many clients find that online counselling eliminates travel time and fits more easily into busy schedules.
Is our counselling relationship confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective therapy. What you share in our sessions remains private and protected under the Personal Information Protection Act. There are a few specific legal exceptions to confidentiality, including situations involving risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child abuse, or court orders. I’ll explain these limitations in detail before we begin working together to ensure you fully understand how your privacy is protected.
How long does counselling typically last?
The duration of counselling varies widely depending on your specific goals, the nature of your concerns, and your personal circumstances. Some clients achieve their objectives in 8-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support spanning several months or more. We’ll regularly review your progress and adjust our approach as needed. The therapeutic relationship is flexible, and many clients return periodically during different life transitions even after their initial goals have been met.
What is Brainspotting and how does it work?
Brainspotting is a powerful brain-body therapy that works with the brain’s natural ability to heal by identifying and processing specific points in our visual field (called “brainspots”) that correlate with areas of emotional distress held in the subcortical brain. By focusing on these brainspots while processing difficult emotions or memories, we can access and release stored trauma that may be outside conscious awareness. This approach can be particularly effective for addressing trauma, anxiety, and other issues that haven’t fully responded to talk therapy alone.
Do you accept insurance?
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), my services are often covered by extended health benefits plans. I don’t bill insurance companies directly, but I provide detailed receipts that you can submit for reimbursement. I recommend checking with your insurance provider about your specific coverage for counselling services with an RCC before beginning therapy. If you plan to use insurance, you can provide your insurance details on the intake form, and I’m happy to answer any questions about the reimbursement process.