Justin Tillyer, MC, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor

(He/Him/His)

Drawing from his own experience as a client, Justin understands firsthand that counselling can have a profound positive impact on one’s well-being and personal growth. At the same time, he knows that it can take incredible courage to come to therapy, which is why he considers it both an honour and a privilege to hold space for the people with whom he works. Justin’s approach to counselling is rooted in nonjudgment, empathy, and respect for all clients, and he consistently strives to create a therapeutic space in which they experience a genuine sense of safety, trust, and connection. Drawn to this work through his long-standing fascination with human stories and relationships, he also believes that all individuals are unique and sees them as the experts in their own lives. Justin views his role as that of a guide who works collaboratively alongside clients, empowering them to reach for their goals.

Justin has experience supporting adults of all ages from diverse backgrounds as they manage a variety of issues and, in doing so, has helped them to develop a greater sense of stability, self-worth, resilience, meaning, and direction in life. In tailoring his work to the specific needs of each client, he incorporates elements from several approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness. Much of his work is also grounded in Attachment Theory and the belief that humans have an innate need to form close, secure emotional bonds with others. This latter view has heavily informed his interest in working with couples, particularly through Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Justin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia as well as a Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle. Outside of his work as a counsellor, he can often be found spending quality time with family and friends, playing music, attending concerts, or birdwatching.

Areas of specialization include:

• Intimate Relationships
• Couples Counselling
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (particularly Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
• Grief and Loss
• Life Transitions (e.g., the transition to adulthood, break-ups, changes in employment, retirement etc.)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Perfectionism
• Men’s Issues