Vandana Advani

Practicum Student Counsellor - currently completing M.Ed in School Counselling

About Me

I am a South Asian immigrant counsellor with over 15 years of experience as a special education teacher and teacher-librarian, working with children and their families. I am a mother of two young adult boys and part of a close-knit, multigenerational family whose support continues to shape my personal and professional journey. My work is grounded in trauma-informed, relationship-based practice. Outside of my work, I enjoy reading, gardening, biking along the West Dyke Trail, and spending time with loved ones.

I support individuals going through stress and emotional difficulties, women in exploring voice and identity, and empower parents to navigate their child's challenges. My approach is integrative, combining somatic practices (mindfulness, body awareness) with cognitive and narrative therapies to explore patterns, beliefs, and lived experiences.

I offer a warm, collaborative space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported in moving toward greater self-awareness, resilience, and empowerment.

I am currently offering low-cost counselling services as a practicum student under the clinical supervision of Sho Sho O.

My Personal Journey

Through my own life experiences and therapy, I’ve learned that healing begins with reconnecting to yourself - your inner voice, your fears, and your truth. I continue to do this work with curiosity, courage, and compassion. Along the way, I’ve come to understand how deeply the mind and body are connected.

In your difficult moments, I hope to be someone who can sit with you, gently support you, and help you integrate all parts of yourself - the good, the hard, and everything in between.

I understand the experience of being highly attuned to others while feeling disconnected from oneself. Through my own personal and therapeutic journey, I have come to value the importance of reconnecting inward by listening to one’s inner voice, understanding one’s patterns, and building a compassionate relationship with self.

Clinical Approach

I believe that the capacity for healing and growth already exists within each person. My role is to offer a safe, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where your story can be explored with care and intention. My approach is integrative and tailored to each client’s unique needs. I draw from somatic-based practices, including mindfulness, guided imagery, and body awareness, to help clients deepen their connection with themselves and their emotions. I also incorporate cognitive approaches to explore thoughts, beliefs, and patterns that may be influencing their experiences. Narrative therapy informs my work by supporting clients in making meaning of their experiences and re-authoring personal stories in empowering ways. Underlying all of my work is a trauma-informed, relational lens that prioritizes safety, collaboration, and the therapeutic relationship.

Together, we will explore the connections between mind and body, untangle patterns that may no longer serve you, and consider the relational and cultural contexts shaping your experience. My goal is to support greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of agency and empowerment in your life.