Shedeka Richards

Shedeka Richards (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #23420 with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, and holds a Masters of Education in Counselling and a Master of Arts degree in Gender Studies from the University of Northern British Columbia.

In my experience of over five years, I have worked with neurodiverse children, adolescents, adults and families who present with complex issues with a goal to motivate and empower them to lead and live more fulfilling, wholesome and happy lives. My educational background affords me the opportunity of having a multifaceted viewpoint which has permitted me to have a greater appreciation and understanding for the complexity and intersectionality of my clients.

As a counsellor, I aim to provide you with a safe space to be to your truest, authentic self which fosters your healing and growth in a healthier and more wholistic way. I am purposed and privileged to journey with you in recognizing and finding ways to process life’s traumas and to also heal on your own terms and in your own time. Clients who work with me live and embrace a more full life with improved physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being.

Areas of counselling expertise

  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Stress Management (anger issues, dissociation)
  • Identity Issues (low self-confidence/esteem, self-compassion issues and lacking self-acceptance)
  • Spirituality and Cultural Identity Issues
  • Survivors of Trauma (neglect, abusive relationships, sexual assault/abuse, serious accidents/incidents and survivors of significant life-threatening illnesses)
  • Relationship Issues (communication, disconnectedness, building better boundaries, attachment issues, sexual abuse/intimate partner violence, intimacy issues, divorce and separation)
  • BIPOC Issues (racism, discrimination, inequalities, and feelings of oppression)
  • Relocation Issues/Immigration (struggles of navigating a new country, career and culture)
  • Substance Abuse and Addiction Issues
  • Employment Issues/Counselling

Therapy modalities Shedeka uses in her counselling practice

My therapeutic approach is integrative and aims to pull from various therapeutic modalities, personalized specifically to the needs of my clients. My application of these modalities stems from trauma-informed lens.

  • Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
  • Family Systems Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Feminist Focused Therapy
  • Play Therapy
  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
  • Employment Counselling

Personal qualities / strengths as a counsellor

I consider myself to be someone of a curious nature and I have always had the intrinsic feeling of wanting to help others. Therefore, I have made it a life mission of mine to continue to be in spaces that allow me to contribute to my community and those around me in this very way. My education coupled with my experience has allowed me to be better able to provide clients with the care they need from a more adverse skillset.

As a counsellor I strongly believe in the healing power of talk therapy and the benefits of sharing our burdens in safe spaces. My compassion, unconditional positive regard and acceptance of my clients allows them to feel a sense of safeness with me, which further allows them to be able to find the readiness to share their traumas and difficulties that negatively influence their lives and well-being. It is my greatest hope to help my clients create new perspectives to their stories and find joy in a new lease on life.

Education and professional development

  • Master of Education in Counselling, The University of Northern British Columbia, 2024
  • Master of Arts in Gender Studies, The University of Northern British Columbia, 2019
  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Philosophy, The University of the West Indies, 2016
  • Associate Degree in Natural Sciences, 2013
  • Diploma in Applied Sciences, 2013
  • ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Crisis Prevention, Intervention and Information Centre, 2023
  • Mental Health First Aid Certification (MHFA), Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2021
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences: Healing Childhood Trauma (ACE’s), Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI), 2024
  • Clinical Supervision Skills for Developing Counsellors, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI), 2024
  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Crisis Prevention Institute, 2021
  • Suicide Prevention Training, Living Works, 2021
  • Nowh Guna Tseh Carrier Competency Training, 2024

Shedeka Richards, RCC

Email: info@repiphany.com

“As long as you keep secrets and suppress information, you are fundamentally at war with yourself…The critical issue is allowing yourself to know what you know. That takes an enormous amount of courage.”

Bessel Van Der Kolk
(The Body Keeps The Score)

“As long as you keep secrets and suppress information, you are fundamentally at war with yourself…The critical issue is allowing yourself to know what you know. That takes an enormous amount of courage.”

Bessel Van Der Kolk
(The Body Keeps The Score)

Schedule a free 20-minute consultation with Shedeka Richards, RCC