Counselling and Psychotherapy Services

My name is Michael Ojiambo Sanya. I am first generation Kenyan-Canadian Therapist providing therapy and counselling services in Abbotsford, BC. I hold a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) designation in BC and as well as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician, Associate (LMHCA) Credential in Washington State. Cumulatively, I have over 15 years of experience working within the Correctional System, Healthcare, and with community agencies. 

The primary focus in my practice is in the area of grief, bereavement, loss, and multicultural issues. Often, other conditions such as depression and anxiety accompany these areas and I am happy to work with individuals bringing these to session. I work with adults and youth with a specific focus on men in their experience/s of grief, bereavement, and loss. This work stems deeply from my own personal narratives and experiences of grief, bereavement, and loss, the most significant being the death of my daughter. During this season, I struggled with a sense of profound sadness, denial, loss of identity, often questioning the value and meaning of life with a constant wondering and query around loss. These experiences have brought me to this work. 

My approach to therapy is eclectic though I mostly align my work with psychodynamic relational therapy. 

I love working with people and hold to the belief that my own experience of wholeness in life is deeply rooted and embedded in my spirituality, my community, my relational world, humanity, and nature. Thus, my work with people engages empathy and compassion, challenge, which at times can mean being in the awkward space of sitting with an uncomfortable emotional feeling or experience and having to hold these during session. This is part of the process.

My hope is to offer care and support to you as you move toward a place of self-discovery, empowerment, and resilience.

It is a privilege and honor to be part of your story.