AUTUMN SMILEY

STUDENT COUNSELLOR

Hello! My name is Autumn (she/her), and I am a queer, Indigenous, cis-gender woman and an able-bodied visitor on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, also known as Vancouver. I am Mi’kmaq and of mixed European descent on my mother’s side and Métis Cree on my father’s side. I was born and raised in Mi’kma’ki, specifically Nova Scotia and moved to Vancouver in 2021 to complete my Bachelor of Social Work at the University of British Columbia, where I have lived since.

I am currently pursuing a health-focused Master of Social Work degree at the University of Waterloo. My professional background includes experience in various mental health and substance use settings, with a focus on supporting both Indigenous youth and adults as well as 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

In my counselling practice, I aim to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and empowered to explore their challenges. With empathy, compassion, and genuineness, I work collaboratively with individuals to foster trust and build meaningful connections. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy principles, I support clients in achieving their therapeutic goals while honouring their autonomy and strengths. My approach is grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for healing and growth, and I am committed to walking alongside them on their journey