Laarni Lei Abalos-Bernardo (she/her)
MS, RCC
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Laarni is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has been working with children and youth for more than 20 years in various capacities – teacher, psychometrist, youth worker, behavior interventionist, and counsellor. As a counsellor, she has extensive experience in clinical, educational, and community settings working closely with young people with complex concerns. Her approach empowers growth and change through compassionate listening and evidence-based techniques.
An essential element in Laarni’s practice is creating a safe space where people are seen and heard, respected and recognized. Using a strengths-based approach rooted in trauma-informed care, Laarni works closely with young people and their families to address anxiety, depression, selective mutism, stress and burnout, life transitions, relational concerns, self-harm, suicidal ideations, early psychosis intervention, and neurodivergence. Laarni uses attachment theory and works from a psychodynamic lens to encourage collaborative exploration for improved well-being and lasting change.
Laarni is adept in the following modalities:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Adlerian Therapy
- Brief Solution Focused Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Focused CBT
- Somatic Therapies
- Play Therapy
Laarni's profile
| Location | Vancouver, BC |
| Ages | 5-30 |
| Specialties |
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| Availability | In Person/Online Monday (mornings only) and Saturday |
| Qualifications | Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Special Education Master of Science in Guidance and Counselling Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) |
Complimentary 15 minute consultation.
Approach
Laarni’s work centers around fostering the comprehensive well-being and development of children and young people. She initiates the process with meticulous, individualized assessments, taking into account their distinct needs, developmental stages, and cultural backgrounds. Her therapeutic work offer a profound understanding of each client’s strengths and challenges. As a person of color and an immigrant, cultural sensitivity is integral in her practice as she adapts interventions which consider diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Laarni’s techniques encompass various therapeutic modalities within the context of an authentic, nurturing, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship. Open lines of communication with parents or caregivers are also vital in her practice.
She believes firmly in the value of collaboration which involves active participation in the appropriate care of her clients. As a teacher, Laarni embraces the role of an educator, imparting essential knowledge to children, parents, and caregivers about her clients’ mental health. In addition to therapeutic work, she advocates for child mental health awareness seeking to make significant and positive impact not only on individual lives but also within the broader community. Along with the clinic, her aim is to facilitate emotional growth, resilience, and life-long well-being for her young clients and their families.
Fees
$160.00 per 50 minute session for individuals
$ 190.00 per 50 minute session for couples/family
Payment in the form of cash, checks, or email transfer is due at the end of each session unless other arrangements have been made. Please note that 2 business days notice is required to cancel a scheduled appointment to avoid being charged the full session fee. Some third party payment plans such as Extended Health Care Insurance and Employee/Family. Assistance Programs pay partial or total coverage for counselling services. Please follow up with your benefits plan/health care provider.