About Armaan Ratra
Armaan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), in good standing, with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). His practice is guided utilizing a client-centred, trauma-informed, and biopsychosocial framework. Armaan aspires to create a collaborative atmosphere, when addressing clients’ needs, as he acknowledges that individuals will always be the ‘experts’ of their narrative and lived experiences.
Armaan has experience utilizing various therapeutic modalities that include (1) cognitive behaviour therapy, (2) dialectical behaviour therapy, (3) solution focused (brief) therapy, and (4) Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). Armaan also has advanced training in Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP).
Before becoming a therapist, Armaan worked as a youth empowerment worker, with a delegated aboriginal agency, in Prince Rupert. He provided indigenous youth, with mentorship, academic support, and coaching. Armaan is fluent in English and Hindi, and he also understands Punjabi.
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Armaan has always wanted to pursue a helping profession in which his work would make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. He was drawn to the counselling profession, as he has himself experienced a journey of navigating complex mental health challenges, and seen how fruitful counselling interventions have provided clarity. He continues to engage in counselling and supervision, alongside his professional work with clients.
Outside of the therapeutic space, Armaan enjoys playing tennis, hiking, spending time with family and friends, gaming, model building, and cuddling his adorable maltese, Snowy. He also enjoys traveling the globe, as he finds it to be an enriching and fulfilling endeavor.
Credentials
Psychology & Education
A master’s degree in Psychology with distinction from the University of Yorkville , where he honed his expertise & therapeutic techniques, ethical practice, and client centred approaches. Complementing this is Bachelors degree in Science from UBC. With many years of experience, he has acquired valuable skills & knowledge to support individuals in their mental health journey. He also pursues ongoing education opportunities that aliign with his practice.
Affiliations & Expertise
He is a licensed therapist with BCACC. Through specialized trainings and ongoing professional development, he stays updated with the therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practices. His expertise includes OCD , Exposure & Response Prevention & mindfulness-based therapy, and cognitive-behavioral interventions & EMDR.
Indigenous Communities
Armaan has had the privilege of working three years with the youth in indigenous communities of First Nations , Metis & Inuit in Northern BC. The time spent there holds a special place in his heart working with a team of psychologists, social workers and therapists to provide mentorship, empowerment and support to indigenous in the these seven communities based in Prince Rupert & Terrace. Undertaken Indigenous Cultural Safety Training - SAN'YAS
ICBC
Armaan has effectively provided counselling to facilitate emotional recovery following motor vehicle accident, addressing anxiety, PTSD and grief through evidence based approaches like trauma focused CBT, EMDR and mindful interventions with seamlessly integrating with ICBC claims.
Teen, Youth & Seniors
He provides counselling services to individuals 13 and older. From the early days of volunteering at Geriatric Care at Eagle Ridge to a more recently working as a clinician with integrated Child & Youth Teams at Fraser Heath and everything in between, his journey has involved truly working with this demographics, whom he is said to connect very well.
Approach
His therapeutic approach is tailored to each client's unique needs, promoting self-discovery, resilience & emotional well-being integrating various therapeutic modalities to address the interconnected aspects of an individual's well-being. By considering the mind, body, and nutrition & spirit, Armaan strives to foster comprehensive healing and growth.