Welcome!
I am a counsellor for the unconventional, the messy, the misfits and the mavericks.
You’re looking for a place to feel heard, to gain perspective, to process all the things, and to figure out how to make change. I make space for the healing conversations that bring real change, real peace and real progress.
Clients say I am a great mix of “how does that make you feel?” and “what are you going to do about it?”
Finding someone to talk to about your life, who understands unconventional thoughts and lifestyles and doesn’t judge — it’s not easy. Especially for those of us who colour outside the lines. Maybe you have tried to get support from your friends and family, only to be met with blank stares. Even those of us who are lucky enough to have a great community can benefit from a dedicated, safe place to explore our inner worlds, get perspective on our pasts, heal from past hurts and get clarity on our choices for the future.
My clients are a diverse bunch. However, there are some themes amongst the people who find me and stick around. You don’t have to tick all of these boxes, obviously. But if some of this resonates with you, we are probably a good fit:
You are neuro-spicy (ADHD, on the autism spectrum, diagnosed or otherwise).
You are polyamorous, exploring ENM (ethical non-monogamy), sex-positive or check the “it’s complicated” relationship box in some other way. I am kink-comfortable, ENM competent and open-minded.
You are pregnant, postpartum, a new parent, or considering parenthood, and don’t really resonate with the glossy curated conventional parenting images you see reflected back to you.
You need a therapist who works from an anti-oppressive, feminist and anti-colonial approach, and is doing her own work in these areas. IMO, counselling that doesn’t acknowledge these realities risks being irrelevant, pathologizing and even re-traumatizing.
You identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and want a therapist who is safe, affirming and comfortable with all sexual and gender identities.
You feel like you are different, have an unconventional life, often feel a bit all-over-the-place, and need that to be okay with your therapist.
And maybe you are also a counsellor looking for support in your life and in your practice. I know how challenging and rewarding it can be to do this work, and I LOVE supporting others in the field. Self-employment can bring all of our shit to the surface, and having your own therapist to process with can be a game-changer.
Everyone comes to counselling for different reasons.
And obviously results may vary. The process can be frustratingly non-linear, and often feels like one step forward, two steps back. (I realize I am not really selling it. But you are here for the truth). Having said that, my clients often find that they:
Are able to better identify, articulate, and maintain boundaries with others
Improve the quality of their relationships
Live a life aligned with their values and desires
Understand how past experiences are impacting them now
Feel understood, validated and supported
Understand how societal forces (sexism, racism, capitalism etc) impact their lives
Like, love and accept themselves more
Have clarity on issues that have felt overwhelming, unsolvable and confusing in the past, so they can move forward
Counselling is not an easy fix, and it is not one-size-fits all. I am here to wade through the muck with you and help you find your way to the other side. The catch is, well, the muck.
Think we may be a fit?
Here are some other things to know:
• I offer individual counselling for adults in BC and Ontario, and don’t see couples or families in my practice.
• I offer online or phone sessions only. I do not provide in-person counselling.
• I am a Registered Social Worker in BC and ON. If you are planning to use your extended benefits to cover sessions please check that they cover services provided by an RSW.
Billing & Rates
My current rate is 175.00 for a 50 minute session.
I am not able to direct bill insurance companies. You will be provided with a receipt to submit for reimbursement from your extended benefits provider.
I offer a complimentary 15 minute consultation so we can meet, chat, and further explore if we are a good therapeutic fit.
Ready to start?
AWESOME!
Hi!
I’m Jill Culver.
I get what it is like to be different, to want different things, to feel out of place, and to be misunderstood. I know what it feels like to be a dreamer and a striver, a visionary and a romantic, brought down to earth by the cold realities of taxes, housework and a 9-5. I know what it feels like to try to explain an unconventional life to the powers that be. Your flavour of difference is no-doubt different than mine. Here you will find an open mind and unwavering support in your journey to finding your own answers.
But hopefully you can agree that it is sometimes hard to find a place that comfortably fits.
I became a Social Worker, and then a therapist, relatively late in life.
(My mom points out that I like to do things backwards).
Before that I was a doula, an outreach worker, a food server, and a variety of other occupations with the common theme of working with people. I was drawn to being a therapist because I have felt the difference that it makes to be understood and accepted as we are, while also allowing for the possibility of change. As a therapy client myself I have felt both quelled and celebrated. Guess which one was better?
When studying Social Work and Counselling at the University of British Columbia, I declared that my theoretical orientation was “feminist narrative therapy.” However that description is the tip of the iceberg when describing what actually happens in sessions.
Really, we talk. Mostly, the client (you!) talks.
I provide space, time, gentle questions, validation and support. I will mention patterns that emerge, provide perspective and a place to process, and support you to move forward in new ways. I work collaboratively with you, meaning that we can figure out what works together. We go at your pace and on your schedule.
I love learning new things, and am often taken by new passions and excitements. Here is a list of my relevant courses, trainings and credentials:
(This does not include the endless podcasts, conversations, books, articles, tiktoks and youtube videos I consume which provide a less rigorous but still effective body of knowledge)
My Education:
- Master of Social Work, University of British Columbia
- Bachelor of Social Work, University of British Columbia
My Certifications:
- Registered Social Worker, BC (BCRSW #11912)
- Registered Social Worker, Ontario (ONRSW #837576)
- Advanced Practitioner Certification in Hope-Action Theory & Practice -Doubleknot Works
- Career Coaching Master Class- University of British Columbia
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1- The Gottman Institute
- Solution-Building Couples Therapy Course, Level 1- Solution Focussed Universe
- Professional Life Coach Certification-Transformation Academy
- Narrative Therapy Level 1 and 2, Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy
- Professional Life Coach Certification-Transformation Academy
- Therapeutic Treatment of Birth Trauma-Birth and Trauma Support Centre
- Birth Trauma Prevention-Birth and Trauma Support Centre
- Ethical Non-Monogamy for Therapists- Therapeutic Diversity Training
Not sure yet? Book a complimentary 15-minute intro call.
