“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver
About Me: Aravis (AIR-ah-viss), Also Known as Ari
Greetings! My name is Aravis, pronounced AIR-ah-viss (don’t worry, I got you). My pronouns are she/her. I also go by Ari because Aravis is, to be honest, a nightmare for people to try to say for the first time, especially kids!
I am in the midst of starting up my counselling practice here at Momentum Kelowna and thought I would write a bit about myself and how I do therapy so you can get to know me some more. I have SO. MUCH. to say about mental health because I care about it a lot, so you’ll certainly be seeing more posts from me – stay tuned!
My Experience in Community Mental Health Services
I come to this practice with an extensive background in community mental health services – working at a Suicide Line, running a restorative justice program, supporting youth accessing shelter services, and working with victims of crime.
At the core of my work is a firm belief in the inherent possibility and capacity that exists in all of us. We are all basically good humans, we are all capable of growth and change, and just existing means that we are all inherently worthy. You are worthy, for the simple reason that you are a person. This is how I treat everyone who walks into my office.
My Counselling Approach: Integrative and Evidence-Based Therapy in Kelowna
I use an integrative, holistic approach that is rooted in evidence-based practices to tailor therapy to the unique needs of my client. I work with children over the age of 3, adults, couples, and families around issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic stress and burnout, life transitions, and relationship struggles.
For those who are young and young-at-heart, I offer play-based and trauma-focused therapy. I also work with adults to identify unhelpful patterns that are creating stuck points, build a more positive relationship with thoughts and emotions, and create more self-awareness, all while bringing mindfulness and self-compassion to the fore. I offer walk-and-talk therapy sessions at several Kelowna trails and incorporate nature-based techniques where I can.
The Role of Nature and Movement in Mental Wellness
I believe that nature is healing, and that by connecting to nature we connect with the self. I believe that movement is regulating, and that sometimes by moving while we talk, we have more capacity to do the internal work.
I believe that at the root of our anxiety, stress, depression, and overwhelm is a dysregulated nervous system that we must work to soothe. It is an overstimulating and demanding world we live in and I want to help slow us down, reconnect, and find a different way to relate to ourselves and the world around us.
Counselling Rates and RCC Registration Status
I am currently waiting for my Registered Clinical Counsellor designation to come through from my governing body, the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I anticipate this happening sometime in July.
While I’m waiting for that to come through, I am practicing under supervision and you’ll see that I am offering a reduced rate since many benefits won’t cover my services until I am registered. Once I have my RCC designation, I will be covered by most benefits plans and will be offering normal rates, which are significantly higher.
Aravis Walters
Contact Me
