Andrea (Drea) Onofrio

My journey started when I left home at the age of 17 which led me to be highly independent. I grew up with a parent with a mental illness, and this affected my self-esteem and the way I moved in the world. In my twenties, I travelled extensively searching for ways to connect more meaningfully to myself, to nature, and create healthy relationships. During this time, I travelled to India, where I felt an immediate resonance  that impacted me profoundly.  I found in that journey, a connection and spirituality within myself that I didn’t realize I had - a sense of wholeness that I had been missing.  This understanding led me in deeper directions of healing that included accessing all of my wholeness including shadow parts - and the freedom of letting go of the parts that no longer served me.

I eventually began the journey of motherhood, and am now a parent of three boys. It has been the most beautiful love and opening experience, and I also suffered from post natal depression with my first child.  Working through this and coming out the other side, has allowed me to more fully show up, support and really be there for my clients while they work through their own difficulties or stuck places.

I’ve always been an empath, and was called "sensitive" in the past.  It turns out that this is a blessing, and I use my unique counselling gifts and skill set to help clients feel at ease as they dive into, and explore their own inner journey with me.  I care for my clients deeply and hold a space that is warm, compassionate, and real.

I have a love of being outside and I enjoy creating sacred space in my garden.  Camping,  swimming in the oceans and lakes, all bring me joy.

My Background:

I completed my Masters in Clinical Counselling at Adler University.  I am currently in  the process of registering with BCACC as a RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor). I use trauma informed, and person-centered counselling approaches that are client led.  I also find aspects of  DBT (dialetical behaviour therapy), and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) helpful in therapy, and use parts of these approaches as needed.  

I have spent time working with survivors of violence, and I am passionate about healing and empowering women to move forward in their lives.  

Life is filled with many transitions, ups and downs, and unexpected turns. Each one requires care.  My goal is to meet you wherever on this road you are feeling stuck, and work together toward releasing the stuckness, to open up to more freedom in your life.

My Therapeutic Approach:

I am a safe, non judgemental space for you to unfold into the work of healing and shifting.  I will support you to work through those unhealthy patterns that keep you feeling stuck - and to let go of what is not needed to create healthier patterns in alignment with your authentic self.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self esteem, or challenges in your relationships,   I will meet you where you are, and work together with you, to support change in your life.

Feel free to reach out and book a free initial 20 minute consultation to meet me.