STARK
COUNSELLING
Ali Stark, Registered Clinical Counsellor
In person counselling for adults in Chilliwack or online anywhere in BC.
Saturday appointments available.
Stark /stɑːrk/
adjective: bare; unadorned; clear, wholly
About Me
Not your typical counsellor…
Hi, I’m Ali. As the name suggests, Stark Counselling is founded in real conversations and genuine connection. My practice is warm, relaxed, creative, forthcoming, unpretentious and direct - this is part personality and part how I understand ADHD shows up in my life. Big questions, deep considerations and embracing complexity and messiness are all cornerstones of how I move through the world. I come to my practice as a realist and cautious optimist and try to keep a sense of humour about it all.
In many different capacities, I have been privileged to spend my career walking along side people, often during difficult times.
In my spare time I love travelling near and far, spending time outdoors — be it on beaches, boats, or in my garden watching the bees — as well as entertaining, cooking, reading, and sewing.
My mission is to decrease suffering and increase self-awareness and self-compassion so you are able to experience more joy and more peace in your life. I do this via the use of best-practice techniques and real relationship in the therapy room.
Working With Me
Decades spent working in non-profits and government systems has given me a perspective on these working environments as well as the unique experience of being a first responder, and I welcome clients who share these experiences. I have worked extensively supporting parents to move through the multitude of transitions and ever-changing demands that parenting brings while staying connected to themselves as individuals. I support individuals navigating big questions, life transitions, grief and loss, and/or relationship challenges and folks hoping for a deeper relationship with themselves.
I welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, orientations and experiences to work with me. Please note I work with adults over the age of 25.
Clinical Approach
My clinical approach is human-centered and holistic. Guided by attachment theory, somatic awareness, tools to support regulation, trauma-informed approaches, anti-oppressive values, I see each of us as part of a greater system. During our work I may use aspects of Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy depending on what fits best for you. Most importantly, I am a relational therapist and believe that the most important part of therapy is the genuine relationship at the center of it and honoring you as the expert in your life.
Reach Out:
Call
(778) 697-8653
Meet
9145 Corbould St,
Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 4A6
(Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre)
Frequently Asked Questions
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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a Master of Arts in Counselling.
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I am happy to offer a 15-minute introductory call at no charge. This will allow you to ask any questions that feel important to clarify up front and get a feel for my conversational style. This is also an opportunity for me to ensure I am a good fit for your reasons for coming to therapy.
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My rate is $155 per hour (60 minutes) and payment can be made by cash or e-transfer - please note it is customary to pay prior to leaving my office at the end of our session. If you have extended benefits you may be reimbursed by them by submitting a claim. If you have questions about this it's best to contact your benefits provider and inquire about coverage for working with a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
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The first session is primarily focused on building rapport, understanding your concerns, and ensuring I am the right counsellor for you. This is the time to discuss what brings you to counselling and your hopes for our time together.
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I decided to use my own name, Stark, to represent a couple of things: first, I want you to know that I show up as myself - no pretense, no professional "mask", just me...probably wearing Birkenstocks. Second, to me starkness is about a lack of distractions or gimmicks but rather focusing on what is at the heart of counselling, and that is the invitation to come as you are.