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About Richard

Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist
RICHARD SOMERSET MA, MAC, RCC

The seed that grew into my career as a clinical counsellor and psychotherapist was planted back when I was a 4 year old boy waiting in the front window for a father who never returned. This experience of early childhood abandonment initiated a ripple effect of traumas that included domestic violence, sexual abuse and addiction.

I understand the darkness and despair of certain seasons in our lives and am committed to non-judgmental compassion no matter the concerns my clients share. My partner and I endured many years of pregnancy loss and the heartbreaking birth of a still born son. I understand the crippling nature of grief but also know that a gradual return to joy is within reach. Today we have two amazing children and I consider being an emotionally present and engaged father (and partner) my most important contribution to the world.

My journey of healing has gifted me with the ability to create an empathic and supportive space for clients to move towards their own healthier futures.

Professionally, prior to my career as a psychotherapist and clinical counsellor, I was an executive in sales and marketing and had the opportunity to travel around the world leading large teams and growing a global brand. I also spent a number of years training to become a First Responder and volunteered with the Vancouver City Police Department.

Education and Training

I am a life-long learner who has benefited from an education both within Canada and abroad. I have studied at four prominent universities and been mentored by leaders in their respective fields.

I have studied at the graduate level in Business, Organizational Leadership, Change Management, Coaching and Counselling Therapy. I am committed to continual training and supervision as a therapist and have attained distinctions as a Certified AEDP Therapist, Certified EMDR Trauma Therapist, Certified Trauma Therapist, Addictions Counsellor and Couples Counsellor.

Education
  • Seattle University, (USA) Masters in Organizations Systems and Renewal
  • City University of Seattle, (USA) Masters in Counselling
  • University of Adelaide, (Australia) Graduate Diploma in (Agriculture) Business
  • University of British Columbia, (Canada) BA
Counselling and Psychotherapy Training
  • AEDP Institute (USA) Certified AEDP Therapist
  • Certified EMDR Therapist (CAN)
  • Clinical Complex Trauma & Dissociative Disorder Training Level 1 and 2 with Dr. Janina Fisher, (USA)
  • Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level 2, Intl. Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP), USA
  • Certified Safe Sound Protocol Therapist, USA
  • Sensorimotor Training, Dr Pat Ogden, USA
  • Somatic Experience Training, Peter Levine, USA
  • Relational Life (Couples) Therapy, Level 1 (USA)
  • Relational Life (Couples) The Relational Brain (USA)
  • Transformative Couples Therapy, Immersion (USA)
  • Gottman Relationship Institute (USA) Level 1 and Level 2
  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (USA)
  • Neufeld Institute, (CAN) Intensive 1 and 2
  • Hazelden FIT Addictions and Concurrent Disorder Program (USA)
  • Hazelden Addictions training in Mindfulness, CBT, 12 step facilitation (USA)
  • Neuropsychotherapy Institute (AUS)
  • ACT Therapy Level 1 (AUS)
  • Registered Clinical Counsellor in Good Standing with the BCACC
  • I am a Professional Member of CCPA possessing a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation
Need to Talk?
Are you feeling stuck? Is your life out of control? Does your current situation feel hopefuls? If you desire change, I can help.