About Milsom Counselling

I hold a Master’s of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I have specialized training from the Philadelphia Behaviour Therapy Association and over five years clinical experience in working with individuals affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I am also a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and attend their yearly lecture series, ensuring that I am constantly updating my knowledge and practice. My approach is grounded in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD. Alongside ERP, I draw from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practice, role-play and psychoanalytic insight to create a well-rounded, personalized approach to care. I tailor treatment to the unique anxiety-related challenges you are facing. In addition to specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders, my graduate training included a focus on vocational rehabilitation. This enables me to incorporate strategies that support clients experiencing challenges in the workplace or school environment.

In addition to my training and experience in mental health, I have an extensive background dedicated to the art of acting in film, television, and theatre. I have over 20 years of experience studying at various acting studios across the Lower Mainland, as well as a theatre background in Shakespearean performance. I completed the Dramatic Arts Diploma program at the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts, where I trained in a variety of acting techniques, including audition skills, scene study, and improvisation. Through this training, I learned to perform in highly competitive environments while adapting to pressure with flexibility and resilience.

After years of study, I came to recognize that many of the skills I developed as an actor translated naturally into psychotherapy, including a deep appreciation for character, personal history, motivation, and the factors that shape human behaviour. I believe effective therapy begins with understanding your story. I take the time to get to know you and your unique history so we can make sense of your experiences and understand the reasons your difficulties have developed and persisted. I collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan that is empowering and designed to create meaningful, lasting change. Role-play/inner child work, can be a cathartic, empowering, and healing experience, allowing clients to explore new perspectives, practise adaptive responses, process difficult emotions, and deepen their understanding of themselves and others.

To complement my years of studying the arts and social sciences, I have completed over 10 years of volunteer experience for the Vancouver Police Department and possess clinical experience at Moving Forward Family Services. I can provide a holistic approach to treatment informed by a deep understanding of past trauma and hardship. Furthermore, my time at the UBC B.R.A.I.N. Lab administering diagnostic assessments for addiction, mental health, and trauma solidified the importance of blending scientific rigour with compassionate, patient-centred care.

This work is incredibly meaningful for me. My brother struggled with severe OCD throughout our childhood and adult years. Our whole family faced the frustration and sadness of not knowing where to turn. That experience left a lasting impression and continues to fuel my dedication to helping others navigate the intensity, pain, confusion, and isolation that can come with this disorder. Additionally, my personal journey overcoming my own mental health struggles with anxiety has provided me with first hand experience fostering true empathy and understanding.

I understand how OCD can seep into every part of life, including relationships, work, hobbies, and your downtime. OCD essentially hijacks your life, steals your time and impacts self-worth and mood. My role is to walk alongside you, as a teammate and guide, helping you build the skills and confidence to reclaim your life. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let’s face OCD together.