Critical Save Counselling

Well met, adventurer!

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Greetings! I’m Elaina Ross (she/they), and I’m a narrative-oriented therapist working with teens, young adults, and anyone looking to explore their own story to help create a new adventure for themselves. My practice is centred on helping connect clients with the major themes of their life-experiences, to foster self discovery, and identify strengths and goals. As a counsellor, I strive to connect with people of all family and relationship backgrounds (poly/non-monogamous, queer, gender-diverse, alternative relationships).

About me:

As a queer and trans therapist with experience living and working on the unceded territories known as East Vancouver for over a decade, my experience with people of diverse intersectional backgrounds allows me to lead with curiosity, compassion, and, yes, nerdy humour. My experiences include work with Indigenous, queer, neurodivergent, multigenerational, and non-monogamous peoples and family structures. As a trans person, educator, and parent, I am versed in providing support for youth and parents on their gender exploration journey and transition.

I hold a Master of Education in Clinical Counselling from the University of British Columbia, and am a member of the BC Association of Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC).

I am also an educator, and am able to provide consultation on school supports and accommodations (Individual Education Plan consultations, transition planning)

My Approach

My strength-based integrative approach includes aspects of CBT, Adlerian, Internal Family Systems Therapy, as well as Geek Therapy—a play-based approach of helping clients connect to deep, meaningful issues through the geeky genres they love.

I’m available through online video counselling—please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a brief chat to see if my approach may work for you.

Services

I offer counselling services to youth and adults ages 13+ via secure video call, and I work with people of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and modes of living.

Hormone readiness assessments are available either as part of ongoing counselling or separately over one or two sessions.

My particular areas of interest include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Sexuality and intimacy
  • Grief and loss
  • Unlearning dysfunctional abuse dynamics
  • Resilience and recovery from trauma
  • Relationship counselling
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming counselling and gender exploration
  • Multicultural and cross-cultural issues
  • Living with complex diagnoses, including borderline personality disorder (BPD) and dissociative identity disorder (DID)
  • Body positivity
  • Chronic pain, illness, and disability

Feel free to get in touch for a brief chat to see if my approach may work for you!

2SLGBTQIA+-positive counselling

There are infinite colours in the spectrum of sexual and gender identity, and queer people have existed in all cultures across the globe, both historically and today. Are you questioning your sexuality or gender identity, looking to further explore them, overcome shame, and embrace authenticity? Roll on up and let me help guide you through that journey.

Intersectional counselling

You’re more than just a single identity; throughout your life, you have been shaped by forces both within and beyond your control. Ethnicity, nationality, class, cultural upbringing, and place of origin all play a part in your intersectional identity.

Learning more about those parts that form your identity and values can provide greater insight into the emotional triumphs and challenges that make up your lived experiences.

Hormone Readiness Assessments

Ready to start your next stage of the journey? Feeling like it’s time to re-roll using your correct character class?

Hormone Readiness Assessments (HRAs) are sometimes requested by doctors for both minor and adult patients prior to starting hormone therapy when your family doctor requires more documentation to support your care.

If you feel discomfort with how your body presents, you may seek gender affirming hormone therapy in British Columbia. HRT has proven effects to alleviate gender dysphoria when done in alignment with one’s gender identity.

What does an HRA look like?

An HRA follows the WPATH protocols for gender affirming care and is a structured interview to help document your gender journey.

An HRA is not a gatekeeping assessment; British Columbia allows for informed consent, and an HRA is part of planning whether now is the best time to start your journey with the supports and skills you have in place. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the effects of HRT and discuss your gender goals.

An HRA can be 1–2 sessions, and the written report will be forwarded to your medical provider. It also serves as written documentation for other jurisdictions as you move throughout the world as your authentic self.

Contact

I’m currently taking on new counselling clients, so please feel free to get in touch with me! Just send me an email at hello@criticalsavecounselling.com to get the process started. We can schedule a short, free consultation to see if my approach will be a good match for you and go from there!

Rates

  • Individual counselling: $130 / 50 min
  • Couples counselling: $180 / 50 min
  • Hormone readiness assessments: $0–390, sliding scale. This includes up to two 50 minute sessions plus report preparation.
  • Individual Education Plan review and support: $100 / hour

Insurance

I accept Interac e-Transfer, and can direct bill to various insurance plans, including:

  • Pacific Blue Cross
  • Green Shield
  • Sun Life
  • TELUS Health eClaims (Alberta Blue Cross, Beneva, Equitable, First Canadian/Johnston Group, Industrial Alliance, Manulife Financial, Chamber of Commerce, and TELUS AdjudiCare)