Gabriel Ray-Contreras (he/him)
Co-Founder, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Canadian Counsellor
Providing Services in English & Spanish
Works with Individuals, Relationships, & Families
My Approach
Starting with a new therapist, whether you’re new to counselling or a more experienced client, takes a lot of courage. With that courage also comes the discomfort of exploring some of the impactful and painful memories of the past, as well as the current experiences of the present. For this to be possible we have to create a space where safety, trust and collaboration are at the forefront. In my work, I want to engage with folks in a transparent relationship where they can give themselves the opportunity to relax and let go of the expectations they hold themselves to.
In the beginning, I find it really important to help clients learn about their emotions and how these show up for them. With the idea that we experience emotions differently, and have different levels of comfort in sitting with them. In learning how to process our emotions we give ourselves the opportunity to be curious and explore the influence of our past and present experiences. Overtime, you might find that by doing this you move away from judgement, criticism and self-loathing, and more into self-compassion, openness, and a better quality of life.
Therapy can be many things, including messy. I believe therapy to be a journey to unlearn old coping mechanisms, beliefs and behaviours that no longer align with who we are or are no longer serving us in a helpful manner. Therapy is not only about painful experiences, it’s also a place where we celebrate finding new ways of coping and navigating the world. I show up to sessions aware of my own experiences and politics. I am curious, caring and compassionate. I will challenge you and help you develop new ways of moving through the world.
If you’re wondering more about my approach and perspective, I invite you to listen to my podcast ‘Therapy After Hours’.
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Hey there, I’m Gabriel, a gay Dominican-Lebanese immigrant on the stolen lands of the Coast Salish peoples, also known as Vancouver. Navigating my queerness in a religious and conservative country has pushed me to explore my place of belonging and acceptance. After attending medical school and beginning a career in medicine in the Dominican Republic, I realized that my heart and passion was in mental health support and advocacy, a realization that led me to Vancouver.
As the youngest of 3 siblings, I can absolutely attest that trying to keep up with them has pushed me to overachieve and become highly competitive. This mostly shows up when playing video games and board games. You can also find me playing with my two dogs, catching up with friends and family, trying out new foods and restaurants, and babysitting my niece.
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Anxiety
Communication Skills
Cross-Cultural Issues
Depression
Family Relationships
LBGTQIA2+ Issues
Life Transitions
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Men’s Issues & Masculinity
Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships
Personal Growth
Self-Worth & Self Esteem
Sex & Sexuality
Sexual Orientation
Shame
Stress Management
Suicidality
Trauma
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Registered Clinical Counsellor – British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
Canadian Certified Counsellor – Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Master of Counselling Psychology – Adler University
Doctor of Medicine – Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)
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Adlerian Psychotherapy
Sex Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1 Clinical Training
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Emotion Focused Family Therapy - Core Training
Diversity Training - Standing Together & Caring for Each Other: Mobilizing Cultural Safety and Humility in Professional Practice
The Sexually Competent Therapist: Integrating Sex Therapy Into Your Practice
Unraveling the Acronym: Understanding LGBTQIA2+ Experiences and Subcultures
Working with Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough”
Advanced Gender-Affirming Primary Care I & II
Contact Gabriel
Gabriel Ray-Contreras (he/him)
Co-Founder, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Canadian Counsellor
Providing Services in English & Spanish
Works with Individuals, Relationships, & Families
My Approach
Starting with a new therapist, whether you’re new to counselling or a more experienced client, takes a lot of courage. With that courage also comes the discomfort of exploring some of the impactful and painful memories of the past, as well as the current experiences of the present. For this to be possible we have to create a space where safety, trust and collaboration are at the forefront. In my work, I want to engage with folks in a transparent relationship where they can give themselves the opportunity to relax and let go of the expectations they hold themselves to.
In the beginning, I find it really important to help clients learn about their emotions and how these show up for them. With the idea that we experience emotions differently, and have different levels of comfort in sitting with them. In learning how to process our emotions we give ourselves the opportunity to be curious and explore the influence of our past and present experiences. Overtime, you might find that by doing this you move away from judgement, criticism and self-loathing, and more into self-compassion, openness, and a better quality of life.
Therapy can be many things, including messy. I believe therapy to be a journey to unlearn old coping mechanisms, beliefs and behaviours that no longer align with who we are or are no longer serving us in a helpful manner. Therapy is not only about painful experiences, it’s also a place where we celebrate finding new ways of coping and navigating the world. I show up to sessions aware of my own experiences and politics. I am curious, caring and compassionate. I will challenge you and help you develop new ways of moving through the world.
If you’re wondering more about my approach and perspective, I invite you to listen to my podcast ‘Therapy After Hours’.
-
Hey there, I’m Gabriel, a gay Dominican-Lebanese immigrant on the stolen lands of the Coast Salish peoples, also known as Vancouver. Navigating my queerness in a religious and conservative country has pushed me to explore my place of belonging and acceptance. After attending medical school and beginning a career in medicine in the Dominican Republic, I realized that my heart and passion was in mental health support and advocacy, a realization that led me to Vancouver.
As the youngest of 3 siblings, I can absolutely attest that trying to keep up with them has pushed me to overachieve and become highly competitive. This mostly shows up when playing video games and board games. You can also find me playing with my two dogs, catching up with friends and family, trying out new foods and restaurants, and babysitting my niece.
-
Anxiety
Communication Skills
Cross-Cultural Issues
Depression
Family Relationships
LBGTQIA2+ Issues
Life Transitions
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Men’s Issues & Masculinity
Monogamous and Non-Monogamous Relationships
Personal Growth
Self-Worth & Self Esteem
Sex & Sexuality
Sexual Orientation
Shame
Stress Management
Suicidality
Trauma
-
Registered Clinical Counsellor – British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
Canadian Certified Counsellor – Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Master of Counselling Psychology – Adler University
Doctor of Medicine – Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)
-
Adlerian Psychotherapy
Sex Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level 1 Clinical Training
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Emotion Focused Family Therapy - Core Training
Diversity Training - Standing Together & Caring for Each Other: Mobilizing Cultural Safety and Humility in Professional Practice
The Sexually Competent Therapist: Integrating Sex Therapy Into Your Practice
Unraveling the Acronym: Understanding LGBTQIA2+ Experiences and Subcultures
Working with Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough”
Advanced Gender-Affirming Primary Care I & II
Contact Gabriel
Contact Us
In Good Company Counselling
Unit 205 – 402 W Pender
Vancouver, BC
get directions
236-471-6680
connect@igccounselling.ca
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that our healing work takes place on the traditional unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) & Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. We are committed to understanding the lasting impacts of colonization and working to actively decolonize ourselves and our practices.
Contact Us
In Good Company Counselling
Unit 205 – 402 W Pender
Vancouver, BC
get directions
236-471-6680
connect@igccounselling.ca
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that our healing work takes place on the traditional unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) & Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. We are committed to understanding the lasting impacts of colonization and working to actively decolonize ourselves and our practices.