
A gentle space to dream, to wonder, to weep, to remember, to let go and to celebrate this wild ride called life
Chantelle Sands
RCC (#18044)
Trauma Informed Psychotherapist Guided by Love, Light, and Liberation Practicing in Vancouver and Online
Hi! I’m Chantelle. I’m so glad you’re here.
Here’s a little about me
I’m a 37-year-old, indigiqueer, bisexual, biracial, neurodivergent femme
A soft spoken, highly sensitive, spiritual, empath
An introverted social butterfly
A semi-retired raver and part-time showgirl
An avid thrifter and life long learner
A daughter, sister, niece, wife, dog mom and best friend
with Peace Love Unity Respect
Many of the people I support identify as:
Adults (25+)
Indigenous/BIPOC
2SLGBTQI+
Spiritual
Neurodivergent
Therapists, Space holders, Helpers and Empaths
Many of the themes in the conversations I have include:
Healing after Trauma (early childhood, systemic and intergenerational)
Support with depression, stress and burnout
Identity Exploration (Racial, Sexual and Gender)
Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration
Liberatory Practices
What to expect:
Connecting with a real, imperfect, clumsy, heart-centred therapist
Co-creation of an authentic therapeutic connection
A gentle space to slow down and look inwards
Connect with the inner wisdom of your mind, body and soul
Learn to approach yourself with love, acceptance and compassion
Challenge dominant cultural narratives
Integrative Healing Modalities:
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A holistic approach that emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent worth of each individual. Rooted in the belief that every person has the capacity for change and self-improvement, this therapeutic method prioritizes the client's subjective experience. Therapists create a supportive environment, fostering authenticity and open dialogue, which encourages clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors without judgment. By focusing on the present and cultivating awareness, humanistic therapy helps individuals reconnect with their true selves, fostering resilience and a deeper understanding of their life experiences. This approach is particularly beneficial for those seeking to navigate personal challenges, enhance self-awareness, and develop a stronger sense of purpose.
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Acknowledges trauma's broad effects and stresses the importance of a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered and avoid re-traumatization.
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Harm reduction focuses on reducing the negative impacts of certain behaviors, particularly in areas like substance use, mental health, and sexual health. Instead of demanding that individuals completely stop these behaviors, harm reduction offers practical strategies and support for those who engage in high-risk activities. This approach empowers people to make informed choices, promoting safety and healthier lifestyles while respecting their autonomy.
By prioritizing understanding and compassion, harm reduction creates a welcoming environment where individuals can explore their identities and experiences with dignity. It encourages thoughtful decision-making and provides access to valuable resources, improving overall quality of life. Recognizing that complete abstinence isn't realistic or appropriate for everyone, harm reduction supports each individual's journey towards wellbeing.
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Decolonial practices involve critically examining and challenging the colonial legacies embedded in cultural, social, and political systems. These practices seek to reclaim and honor Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and identities while dismantling oppressive structures that prioritize Western paradigms.
By engaging with diverse perspectives and fostering intercultural dialogue, decolonial practices promote healing and empowerment for marginalized communities. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding historical contexts, fostering mutual respect, and supporting the autonomy and self-determination of those affected by colonial histories.
By integrating these principles into various fields, including psychotherapy and community work, we can create more equitable and inclusive spaces for healing and growth.
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Integrative modalities in psychotherapy combine various therapeutic approaches to address the unique needs of individuals. This holistic perspective acknowledges that each person's experiences and responses to trauma are distinct, requiring tailored interventions that draw from multiple disciplines.
Integrative modalities include:
Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Approaches: Incorporates mindfulness practices to enhance self-awareness and acceptance of
present experiences.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach used to help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. The technique involves the use of bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements, to facilitate the processing of distressing experiences
Psychedelic Integration: This involves synthesizing experiences from psychedelic experiences into everyday life. It focuses on understanding insights gained during sessions and integrating them meaningfully and safely.
Narrative Therapy: Encourages individuals to reframe their personal stories and the meanings they attach to their experiences. It empowers clients to construct new narratives that reflect their identity and resilience.
By integrating these diverse modalities, therapists can provide a comprehensive framework that respects individual narratives while promoting healing and growth. Each approach can be adapted to fit the client’s circumstances, allowing for a more personalized therapeutic experience that addresses the complex interplay of trauma, identity, and mental health.
Connect with Me
Hours:
Mondays: In person & Online
11:30-5:30
Tuesdays: Online only
12:30 - 5:30
chantellesandstherapy@gmail.com
In Person - Location
814-602 W Hastings St
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1P2
WE APPROACH OUR lives on different trajectories, each of us spinning in our own separate, shining orbits. What gives this life its resonance is when those trajectories cross and we become engaged with each other, for as long or as fleetingly as we do. There’s a shared energy then, and it can feel as though the whole universe is in the process of coming together. I live for those times. No one is truly every “just passing through.” Every encounter has within it the power of enchantment, if we’re willing to look for it.
- Richard Wagamese