My name is Jan Benes. I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor.

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I have a broad knowledge of the development of mental health disturbances and disorders, psychosocial problems of adjustment to living, and various modes of treatment. I also have practical experience working with clients and helping them address issues in the areas of family relationships, crises and grief, life and career transitions, and struggles with personal growth. I am willing to work with you on any issue or challenge you may be facing as far as I am able to within the scope of my competency and practice.

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Prior to completing my education in the field of Counselling at VCCT (Vancouver College of Counsellor training) along with the Orca Institute, I studied film and graduated with a Master’s degree at York University and a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto in the humanities with a specialization in film. While I did not become a filmmaker, my interest in psychology and the various forms of human experience originated with my love of film, drama, and literature. As a consequence, I approach counselling with a humanist lens and see each client as an individual person with their own unique story and way of experiencing the world.

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For over 8 years I worked as an English Language teacher with foreign students. I enjoyed my role as an educator, helping to inspire students with a love of learning, and aiding them to develop the confidence and tools to grow in their communication skills. As a teacher, providing an open and stimulating environment for student learning was my goal. In recent years, my goal has been to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and accepting therapeutic environment for a person's emotional growth and healing.

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