Welcome,

I'm glad you are here.  This is the place where you can learn a little bit about me and what we do.

Who I am

Hello, my name is Anthony Vigar, MA Counselling, PACCC.  I am 36 years old, a husband for 13 years and a father of three.  I have travelled extensively throughout the world, mostly to war torn countries, where I have been fortunate enough to provide practical help and emotional, psychological and spiritual encouragement to some. 

My Credentials

I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary.  I am a registered associate member (#391MB09) of the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors.  I also hold an Assist Certificate and a Counselling-Education Teaching Fellowship Certificate, with experience teaching Counselling Theory and Microskills in graduate and post-graduate educational institutions.

My Experience as a Therapist

Before arriving in Dawson Creek in the summer of 2010, I was providing counselling services at a medical clinic in Southern Manitoba where I specialized in providing services for clients who suffer from panic attacks, postpartum depresssion, anxiety, bi-polar, ptsd, and depression, plus providing Marriage Counselling for many couples in the area.  I have also provided counselling supervision for masters level counselling students.

My Theoretical Approaches

For those who are interested in the theoretical perspectives of their therapist, I wish to honour that inquisitiveness here:  I predominantly practice from a person-centered (please do not  confuse with self-centered) and process-experiential approach.  I am also well-versed and comfortable with Family Systems, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy.  

At the core of my approach is a belief that connection is the most beneficial aspect of counselling, research has revealed that a healthy therapeutic relationship is considered the most important aspect of therapy, even more important than all the techniques, tools and interventions combined.  Recognizing the importance of a good connection helps provide a great relational foundation for utilizing tools such as Feedback Improved Therapy (FIT) and numerous evidence based treatments.  These effective techniques and tools can greatly compliment and contribute to a counselling experience designed to best help you.

Counselling

I am comfortable providing counselling for numerous issues affecting people.  Complimenting my work at the medical clinic, I also have experience in providing counselling for people who are experiencing child-rearing issues, relational issues, low self-esteem, and work related issues.  I am comfortable counselling Individuals, Couples, Elderly People and have provided counselling for many children above the age of 5. 

Outreach Counselling : I am also able to travel to meet with clients who may find it difficult to meet in my office, these situations are usually for people who are in the hospital, care homes, suffer from phobias, bed-ridden or experience other mobility issues, please contact me to discuss your situation and potentially being able to meet outside of my office.

Office/Counselling Room

I meet with clients in a professional, confidential and comfortable counselling room accessible via a side entrance to a church.  When I confidentially meet with a female client, there is always another female in the church building.  The counselling room is located at #900 - 94th Ave, Dawson Creek - a blue building with a green roof, access is via the 9th Street door.  Please look for the Designed Counselling sign on the door.

Referrals

If for some reason, I feel that the issue we are discussing would benefit from a counsellor that I feel is exceptionally skilled in that particular area, I may recommend a referral.  This referral would be based upon the perception that we both feel it would be in your best interest.

Rates and Payment

Fees are payable at the end of each each session. I accept cash, cheque or paypal. There is a $40 charge for NSF cheques

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel an appointment, please provide 24 hours notice before your scheduled appointment time.  A 50% fee is charged for missed appointments or no show cancellations with less than 24 hour notice unless due to illness or an emergency.

Connecting

I look forward to connecting with you and providing a counselling experience that is designed to help you as we work together.