Tanya Linsell

What is your name/nicknames?

My name is Tanya (prounounced Tan-ya, not Tonya). Tang is a nickname my friends gave me back in highschool and it has stuck with me ever since. Ironically, my parents chose my name because they thought it was too short to turn into a nickname.

What do you do at Shift?

I am a Clinical Counsellor working with ShiftGrit in BC. I offer remote counselling services to individuals across British Columbia. The advantage of video counselling is that clients are able to access support from their home, which can feel safer and more comfortable when working with a counsellor.

What are your academic credentials?

B.A in Psych from UBC and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, and continue my education through additional coursework and certifications.

Why did you decide to become a therapist?

From an early age, I can recall being curious about humans and the diversity of experiences among us all. During my youth, I was an observer – motivated to understand people’s personal experiences beyond what I could see.

What do you bring to your therapy sessions, and what are some goals?

At the core of my approach to counselling is a focus on building connection through trust and safety with whomever I meet. Without the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship, anything else that we do is not going to work very well or last very long. It is important that I understand each person’s unique experience and view of their world, respecting individual differences and ways of dealing with life.

Goals for treatment outcomes include: clients feel empowered and resilient to effectively cope with future life stressors. They have increased self-awareness and tools to work through emotionally triggering situations.

Who do you work with?

I work with adults (generally 17 yrs and up).

Why are you passionate about what you do?

Because human experience is fascinating. There could be 20 people who witness one event and each of their perspectives would be unique.
I want to hear everyone's side of the story, understand how they see the world and validate their experience.

What do you do in your spare time?

I've grown up in the mountains on the west coast of BC, so my passions are geared towards getting outside. Hiking, snowboarding, swimming, camping and exploring are some of my favourite activities. I also love travelling and exploring diverse cultures through food and cooking traditions.

What is a skill that you are currently working on?

I am researching the ways in which individual sustained traumatic experiences can impact future generations. The neurobiology of trauma.

What motivates or inspires you?

I am consistently amazed by the courage and strength in every client work with. Therapy isn't easy, it requires us to dive deep and uncover underlying issues that most of us would rather ignore. I have the incredible privilege of witnessing the positive changes resulting from that hard work.