LINDSAY LEFEBVRE
RCC • IFS Trained
SHE | HER | HERS
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor in good standing with the BCACC and a Level 1 Trained Internal Family Systems Therapist through the IFS Institute.
I am also a Registered Mental Health Provider with the First Nations Health Authority and registered CVAP Service Provider.
Master of Counselling, City University
THE STORY
When I consider what to share, I think about what it is that led me to this work, which is a combination of life experience, an innate sense of knowing, and a passion for both learning and teaching.
I have been studying human behaviour my entire life, watching what others do and learning how to navigate the world in order to create a sense of safety for myself. It makes sense to me that it would become my life's work to take what I've learned and figure out how to offer it to those who are interested in learning.
I have come to understand that the challenges that I have faced were not because of some inherent flaw within me. In fact, many of the challenges that I faced were a result of the amazing things about me that didn't fit the narrative of who a female was supposed to be in this society.
I am grateful that my intuition was stronger than the voices of people who tried to quiet my values about how people should be treated and how we should show up for one another.
THE PHILOSOPHY
We are social animals and leaning on each other is hard wired into our DNA. Much of my work is centred around relational trauma, aka working with people who have been hurt most deeply by other people. Amazingly, those same people have the drive to seek something more and the courage to reach out.
Often, we are doing the best we can with what we have been taught and, at some point, we come to the realization that how we are living is not serving us. Instinctually, we believe there is more available for us and that a more fulfilling life is possible.
I know that humans are resilient beyond logic because I have seen it time and time again. It is a privilege and an honour to hold space for, and connect with, people who have every right to never want to trust another person again.
While it is quite possible to live this life without others, we will never know the true depths of our awesomeness until we see it reflected in people we love and who love us in return.
THE WORK
Providing what I did not have for others is a major driving force in the work that I do. When I began working with youth more than 15 years ago, I often wondered what things would have been like if I had adults facilitating discussions around topics that were so relevant to what was happening in my life at the time, and if it could have prevented some of the difficult things I went through.
And still, I remain grateful because my path has led me to be able to share my stories, knowledge, authenticity and compassion with others.
There is a very special place in my heart for adolescents and young adults who are often misunderstood. My experience has taught me that they are resourceful, intelligent, empathetic, likely overwhelmed, and frequently underestimated.
I have been privileged enough to work with young people through organizations like the YWCA, Face of Today, and Safeteen teaching workshops, holding space for important conversations and skill building, and working one-on-one.