Registered Clinical Counsellor and Art Therapist

Welcome!
My name is Jaclyn Goetz.

Whatever brings you here, know that Hearth is a soft place to land. A place to show up just as you are. I provide trauma-informed counselling in Vancouver, BC. I meet my clients where they are at and have dedicated my practice to offering a safe, accepting, and non-judgemental space. My passion is helping my clients discover their unique strengths and resiliency.

Head shot of trauma-informed counsellor smiling on a beach, representing a therapeutic relationship grounded in comfort, empathy, and acceptance.
Counsellor smiling with hands crossed to invite clients to participate in a compassionate and loving experience in therapy.

Hearth
härth (noun)

warmth, home, community, connection

Hearth Counselling represents safety, rest, warmth, and connection. At times, life can feel overwhelming and isolating. Sessions at Hearth offer a moment of rest. I want my clients to know that they are not alone and are worthy of love and compassion. My hope is that together we can move towards overcoming your challenges and achieving the life you envision.

I completed a Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy degree at Adler University in Vancouver, BC. I worked as a practicum student at The Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders in their 10-month Bridge the Gap program, serving individuals with eating disorders. I went on to create Hearth Counselling, where much of my work involves working in eating disorder recovery. My clients come from all walks of life and I always strive to create an inclusive, culturally sensitive environment designed specifically for you.

I continue to be inspired by the courage, determination, and resilience of my clients. Our time will be focused on your chosen goals for therapy and sensitive to the obstacles you face. Healing is possible, and I am with you every step of the way.

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 My Mission…

 
To foster hope and support individuals on the path towards self-leadership, compassion, and acceptance.
  

I specialize in

eating disorders | anxiety | perfectionism | guilt and shame | trauma | spirituality | relationships

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Hands holding the book, Just Eat It, by Laura Thomas, symbolizing encouragement and support in eating disorder recovery.
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Eating Disorders and Body Image

I have dedicated much of my practice to working with clients struggling with disordered eating and body image. Having overcome my own eating disorder in my early 20's, I understand the struggles of living with an eating disorder. I also know that recovery is possible!

My training comes from a combination of my own lived experience of recovery, a practicum placement in eating disorder treatment, ongoing supervision with an eating disorder therapist, and continuing education. I am here to support and guide you throughout your recovery journey.

Feet walking in water on the beach, symbolizing overcoming difficulties through trauma-informed counselling.
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Trauma

I provide trauma-informed counselling in Vancouver, utilizing a phase-oriented model of trauma recovery. My approach focuses on the here and now. Together, we will move through recovery at a pace which feels safe and manageable for you.

Many individuals have lived through traumatic experiences which can have lasting negative effects. When a traumatic event occurs, the nervous system becomes dysregulated in service of survival. Through creating safety and gaining insight into past trauma, we can begin to decrease its impact in the present and redefine ourselves.

An artistic black and white image of person with arms hugging self, representing the journey to overcome anxiety.
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Anxiety

It is possible to overcome anxiety and decrease the power that it holds. In fact, anxiety is not inherently bad! The goal is not to remove all anxiety, rather how can we find healthy ways to cope with our anxiety. By gaining insight into our fears they begin to lose their power. This frees up space to live with courage and in alignment with our true values.

Through introducing healthy coping tools and learning to tolerate discomfort, we move toward a life of joy, not driven by worry or fear.

Approaches

1. Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems views human beings as a system of parts or sub-personalities. Each of us has a core Self which is inherently calm, connected, curious, and compassionate. We also have various parts which we are born with and are naturally good. Trauma or negative experiences, forces parts out of their natural state and into protective roles which can be harmful. When parts are in control, they often utilize destructive protective strategies (ex. substance use, self-harm, criticism, isolation, or eating disorders). In therapy, we will work to get to know your parts and learn how to give them new, helpful roles. Through deepening awareness into your Self and your parts, we can foster Self-leadership and contentment.
2. Mindful Self-Compassion
Mindful Self-Compassion is an approach developed my Kristin Neff. It focuses on three core concepts to overcome our challenges: loving kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity (you are not alone). We all have an inner critic that likes to tell us we are failing. Self-criticism does not motivate or serve any useful purpose. It only leaves us feeling broken and unworthy. Through developing loving kindness, awareness of the present moment, self-compassion in the midst of difficulty, and recognizing we are not alone, we can begin to foster confidence and healthy growth. Change is possible once we learn to love ourselves.
3. Trauma-Informed Care
I utilize a trauma-informed counselling approach focused on the here-and-now experience of the traumatic past. Through gaining insight and redefining the past, we can begin to shift how we feel and live in the present. Trauma is a unique individual experience which extends beyond a specific traumatic event. The effects of trauma can have lasting impacts with a wide range of symptoms, often leading to unhealthy coping tools. Individuals may feel overwhelmed by their emotions or trapped in a cycle of fear and uncertainty. An important first step in trauma recovery is creating safety. By learning to distinguish between triggers and real danger, redefining our past and ourselves, and developing healthy coping tools, we decrease feelings of fear and shame and begin to heal from our trauma.
Counsellor walking on beach smiling, representing trauma-informed counselling in Vancouver.

 

My Beliefs…

There is no one-size-fits-all in therapy. My approach is eclectic in that I draw from varying approaches which I feel will best suit the unique needs of the individual.

 

The work we do in sessions is foundational. The work you do outside of sessions results in sustainable change.

 

You are the expert in your life! I am here to offer guidance and support in your chosen areas of focus.

 

I am not a ‘blank slate” therapist. I am an active therapist and will engage energetically with you in session. 

 

I believe in the importance of honest self-reflection and taking accountability for one’s actions.

 

Healing is possible for everyone.

Contact me via the link below, if you are ready to begin your therapy journey.

Contact Me

My Background & Qualifications

Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC Member #26646)

Professional Art Therapist with the BC Art Therapy Association (#0694P) 

Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy Degree – Adler University

Clinical Practicum Student Counsellor – The Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders

Social Justice Practicum Student – Restorative Community Health Foundation 

Master of Music: Piano Performance Degree – University of British Columbia

Bachelor of Music: Piano Performance Degree – University of Saskatchewan

How Metaphors Unravel the Mysteries of Eating Disorders – Dr. Anita Johnston

Parenting After Separation (PAS) Certificate – Government of British Columbia

Indigenous Peoples Competency Course – University of Alberta

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification Training – Janina Fisher, PhD

Nervous System Regulation in Therapy Summit – PESI Canada

Advanced Somatic Trauma Treatment Method Course – Linda Thai

Healing Betrayal Trauma and Grief Course – Julie Gottman & David Kessler

Trauma Healing Through the Senses – Bessel Van der Kolk

Anxiety Certification Course – PESI Canada