About Robin Evan Willis - Counsellor & Therapist in Sidney, BC

It takes courage to reach out and seek help - to not go it alone. If you have found your way here, you have taken a brave first step.

My counselling style is attentive, warm, genuine and at times, playful. Your relationship with your therapist is the most important determinant of a positive outcome in therapy. Respect, genuine care, empathy and connection are integral to you achieving the change you desire.

I use an integrative counselling approach which draws on my knowledge of counselling theory, mindfulness and evidenced-based therapies. Grounded in attachment theory, I use modalities such as AEDP, narrative therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Our sessions are tailored to your unique goals, gifts and experiences.
You can expect that I will listen intently, highlight your strengths and challenge you supportively to examine your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

I became a therapist after an enjoyable career as an actor and singer in NYC and Toronto. Along the way, I trained extensively in mindfulness practices, began teaching yoga and fitness classes and obtained my professional registration as a holistic nutritionist. While counselling is my calling, I also enjoy running and exploring the Saanich Peninsula with my husband, son and French bulldog Stella.

Book a Session

my background

Education & Designations

I believe in the importance of continuous growth and staying well-versed in the latest advancements in the field. From my formal education to specialized training, this section offers insight into the knowledge and skills that shape my approach to therapy. I'm dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care and expertise, rooted in a foundation of learning and experience.

Professional affiliations

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of
Clinical Counsellors

Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

Professional Art Therapist with the BC Association of Art Therapy

Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN)

EDUCATION

Adler University, Masters of Counselling Psychology and Art Therapy

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and The University of London, Masters of Arts in Musical Theatre

Queen's University, Bachelor of Arts (honours) in Drama and Music

Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Registered Holistic Nutritionist

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, 200 hr Registered Yoga Teacher

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Level 2 with Dr. Diana Fosha

4 month DBT Foundations, DBT Center of Vancouver

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression and Anxiety, Dr. Russ Harris

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety, The Beck Institute

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Depression, The Beck Institute

Emotionally Focussed Family Therapy (EFFT) Advanced training, Gail Palmer MSW, RMFT

Advanced Narrative Therapy Certificate, The Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy

Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, The Medical University of South Carolina

Anxiety Treatment for Children & Adolescents, Dr. Catherine Pittman and Lynn Lyons LICSW

Telehealth & Anxiety Treatment in the Age of Social Distancing, Dr. Catherine Pittman

Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy, Dr. Cathy Malchiodi,
Expressive Arts Therapy Institute

Expressive Play Therapy Level I and II, Sandplay Level I and II, Dr. Marie José Dhaese

ASIST Training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Vancouver Crisis Centre

WHAT I BELIEVE

I believe in embracing our imperfection and letting go of the repeating story of not being enough.
‍
I believe in asking meaningful questions but not always needing an answer.

I believe in continuously learning and unlearning throughout life.

I believe in understanding who we’ve been so we can fully embrace who we are now.

I believe in finding wonder and awe in everyday life.

I believe in extending self-compassion and compassion towards others.

I believe in allowing room for messiness.

I believe in making peace with uncertainty.

I believe that healing and growth are always possible under conditions of acceptance, love and safety.

I believe in the value of curiosity and exploring new perspectives with an open heart and mind.

I believe in establishing boundaries and expressing and upholding them with confidence and kindness.

I believe that healing is an ongoing practice, not a task to be completed.

I believe in cultivating resilience, learning to navigate life's challenges with grace and adaptability.

I believe in transparency, authenticity and bravely facing what is true.

I believe in the power of forgiveness, both for ourselves and others, as a pathway to healing and growth.

My Values

There cannot be improvement, growth and development within ourselves without
treating ourselves with love, care, patience and kindness. Self care at its core is about
recognizing when you are struggling and taking kind, loving but firm steps to make
the changes necessary to feel better. This may mean carving out time for yourself to
exercise or meditate. It may mean scheduling a therapy session or reading a book.
There are a multitude of ways to practice self care, and I am here to help support you
in practicing it in an effective, kind and curious way.

I recognize that when people seek help through counseling and therapy, they are
putting an enormous amount of trust in someone that they don’t know and who
doesn’t know them - during a time that is already difficult. It’s a big leap of faith and
it takes courage. Knowing this I work with only the utmost integrity to ensure my
clients feel safe and comfortable with me. Confidentiality and honesty are paramount
and I will always create a space that is warm, safe and free from judgment.

Every client who comes through my doors, no matter their story or experience,
deserves compassion and empathy. Healing begins when we hold space for
ourselves and for others. I understand that you may be struggling and it’s my
job to ensure that you feel supported and heard. Not only will I always treat you
compassionately, but I will also help you learn how to treat yourself with more
compassion, especially in times when you’re feeling the most self-critical. We
are kind to others. Kind to children and to those who struggle. It’s time we begin
treating ourselves with the same loving kindness.

It’s my absolute joy and privilege (and why I do what I do!) to see the transformative
impact that can be made when people are truly empowered and are able to supportand honour themselves and their own journey of growth, self-love and self-
confidence. When you work with me, I will not only listen and guide you towardhealing during our sessions together, I will help you better understand yourself so
you can find greater clarity, direction and peace in the present. I will offer you tools
and exercises that you can take away with you to help you on your path toward
living a life you truly love.

Kind Words

“Anyone who chooses to work with Robin would never regret it.”

Robin is an amazing clinician who really cares for her clients and their healing. Her dedication to her craft is very inspiring. Anyone who chooses to work with Robin would never regret it. Thank you so much for the love you pour into your clients and their wellbeing!

Ruth Unaegbu, MA RCC-ACS

Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and founder of Ruth Unaegbu Counselling & Coaching and REST Counselling Group

Kind Words

“We believe Robin Evan Willis is one of the best psychotherapists in Vancouver.”

Robin's extensive training and education in counseling and psychotherapy impressed us the most... Many of the customers we've spoken with have remarked on how professional her services are, owing to her efforts to put clients at ease. They also commented on how passionate and warm Robin was during their sessions. We believe Robin Evan Willis is one of the best psychotherapists in Vancouver.

The Best Vancouver

Rated the #1 Psychotherapist in Vancouver, 2023

Kind Words

“Her deep understanding of high-achieving professionals makes her a remarkably specialized practitioner.”

Robin is a skillful, intelligent, and warmhearted therapist. Her deep understanding of artists, performers, and other high-achieving professionals makes her a profoundly gifted and remarkably specialized practitioner. For anyone struggling with anxiety, burnout, depression, perfectionism, or significant stress from a demanding life, I highly recommend Robin.

Clayre Sessoms, MCP, RCC, CCC
‍
Psychotherapist, award-winning writer, and board member of the Vancouver Women's Health Collective

Kind Words

“Her presence creates an atmosphere of ease and warmth and her experience in the performing arts gives her special insight into the challenges of the creative lifestyle.”

I have known Robin for 15 years. Speaking with her is amazing. Her presence creates an atmosphere of ease and warmth and her experience in the performing arts gives her special insight into the challenges of the creative lifestyle. This experience also gives her a deep understanding of the relationship between achievement, self-esteem, anxiety and burnout. I'd refer friends and family to her enthusiastically.

Joseph Castillo-Midyett, MFA

Stage and screen actor, director, and producer: Fear the Walking Dead, Jessica Jones, Homeland