Özlem Mavis, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor

Özlem Mavis, RTC (she/her)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Relational Wounds and Heartbreak

• Anxiety and Depression

• Trauma and C-PTSD

• 2SLGBTQIA+

• Life Transitions

• Immigration and Cross-Cultural Issues

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)

• Body-centered and Somatic Approaches

• Emotion Focused Therapy

• Expressive Arts Therapy

• Focusing-Oriented Dreamwork

• Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH ÖZlem

I believe that our deepest pain can hold seeds of transformation. When given space to be felt, heartbreak, grief, loneliness, and loss can lead us to a more authentic relationship with ourselves. I offer a safe environment to explore emotions that may feel overwhelming or hidden, opening space for healing and growth. 

My style is gentle and relational, prioritizing safety while encouraging self-compassion and accountability. I may invite you to slow down, notice what is happening in the moment, and bring awareness to your body and emotions. Together, we create experiences of connection and acceptance that may not have felt possible before.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY

If you are feeling burned out or disconnected from your emotions, expressive art therapy can help soothe your nervous system and give rise to unexpected insights. In sessions, we reconnect with creativity and playfulness using colour, imagery, movement, and natural materials – without the need for any background in the arts. Sessions take place in my Fernwood studio, combining guided and intuitive practices that help you move from the head into a more embodied, resourceful state.

APPROACH AND EXPERIENCE

I draw on somatic practices, parts work, and spiritual or philosophical reflection for those exploring deeper questions of purpose and meaning. Together we can explore what will suit you best, and adjust as needed along the way. I love working with clients experiencing heartbreak, life transitions, loneliness, or relationship challenges. I offer sensitive support around neurodivergence, sexuality, trauma, and identity. 

My background includes a BA from McGill University and advanced training in Focusing, Focusing-Oriented Dreamwork, and Spiritually-Informed Psychotherapy. I’m completing a Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology, and hold a diploma from the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. I completed my year-long practicum at Bodymind Counselling, alongside my level 2 AEDP training. Outside of Bodymind, I provide counselling and art therapy to students at an alternative elementary school. Previously, I worked as a community support worker for individuals with diverse abilities for a number of years.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

Immigrating alone from Turkey to Canada fifteen years ago deeply influenced my understanding of resilience and belonging. During some of my hardest times, I turned to painting and poetry, and witnessed firsthand the healing power of creativity. Meanwhile, years of therapy helped me explore my queerness, neurodivergence, past trauma, and anxiety. Knowing from personal experience that we are complex beings, I highly value honouring our authenticity and removing shame from the process of self-exploration.

Outside of work, I enjoy freediving, rock climbing, ocean walks, reading, painting, singing, and spending time with loved ones.

FEES

Sessions with Özlem are $150 per 50 minute session, including GST.
Özlem is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) and many extended benefits plans will cover her services, but please check to be sure. Some sliding scale spots may be available.

HOURS

Özlem is available Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 - 2:00 in the downtown office, and Wednesdays and Fridays 12 - 6:30 in the Fernwood Art Therapy studio.

Trainings:

• AEDP Essential Skills - 2025 - AEDP Institute

• AEDP Immersion - 2025 - with Diana Fosha

• Advanced Dreamwork Supervision – with Dr. Leslie Ellis

• Trauma-Informed Grief Support - 2024 - with Shauna Janz

• Kink-Aware Psychotherapy - 2024 - with Sexual Health Alliance

• Intro to AEDP - with Diana Fosha

• Transform Trauma Through Fierce Love - AEDP Institute - with SueAnn Piliero

• Making Good Use of Suffering - AEDP Institute - with Jerry Lamagna

• Getting Started or Restarted with AEDP - AEDP Institute - with Ben Lipton

• Graduate Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy – Vancouver Art Therapy Institute

• Graduate Certificate in Spiritually Informed Psychotherapy - St. Stephen's College

• Focusing Level 4 - with The International Focusing Institute

• Embodied Experiential Dreamwork Certification - with Dr. Leslie Ellis

• Nature-based Expressive Arts Therapy Certification - with World Arts Organization

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.