About Maha Elias
About Maha Elias
About Maha Elias
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to my website! I’m Maha Elias, a dedicated Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Comprehensive Family Mediator (FMC), and a practitioner with expertise in sexual health and trauma-informed care, specializing in couples counselling. My heartfelt passion lies in assisting both couples and individuals in identifying and achieving their personal and relational goals.
Personal Journey
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
My mission is to help you tap into your inner strength and equip you with the skills necessary to transform life’s obstacles into avenues for growth and change. I am particularly passionate about guiding couples to use challenges in their relationship as opportunities for developing further self and other awareness, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with each other.
Having passionately invested in my own journey of healing and personal development, I am genuinely excited to be part of your transformative process. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work collaboratively with you on your journey toward growth, self-discovery, and the fulfillment of your personal and relational goals.
Balancing Life Beyond Counselling
Beyond my work and studies, I find joy in the simple moments with my family. Whether it’s taking leisurely walks and hikes with my husband and our two dogs or hitting the gym with my daughter, these shared activities form the foundation of our close-knit bond. The dynamic and diverse conversations with my husband and daughter are a source of inspiration, as I cherish the opportunity to be challenged in spirited debates on a wide range of topics. Balancing my love for quiet moments with the energy of groups and gatherings, I find fulfillment in both solitude and social connections.
Qualifications
A Journey of Continuous Learning
- Registered Clinical Counsellor with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
- Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
- Comprehensive Family Mediator with Family Mediation Canada
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University
- Certificate of Family Mediation from the Justice Institute of BC
- Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies from Royal Roads University
- Advanced Training in the Developmental Model for Couples Therapy at the Couples Institute
- The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy 1 & 2
- Discernment Counselling Clinical Training Course from Doherty Relationship Institute
- The Mindsight Approach to Wellbeing: A Comprehensive Course in Interpersonal Neurobiology with Dr. Daniel Siegel at the Mindsight Institute
- Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy from the Institute for Relational Intimacy
- Advance Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma from NICABM
- Treating Trauma Master Series from NICABM
- Internal Family System for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction and More: An intensive online course with Dr. Richard Schwartz & Dr. Frank Anderson
Qualifications
A Journey of Continuous Learning
- Registered Clinical Counsellor with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
- Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
- Comprehensive Family Mediator with Family Mediation Canada
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University
- Certificate of Family Mediation from the Justice Institute of BC
- Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies from Royal Roads University
- Advanced Training in the Developmental Model for Couples Therapy at the Couples Institute
- The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy 1 & 2
- Discernment Counselling Clinical Training Course from Doherty Relationship Institute
- The Mindsight Approach to Wellbeing: A Comprehensive Course in Interpersonal Neurobiology with Dr. Daniel Siegel at the Mindsight Institute
- Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy from the Institute for Relational Intimacy
- Advance Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma from NICABM
- Treating Trauma Master Series from NICABM
- Internal Family System for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction and More: An intensive online course with Dr. Richard Schwartz & Dr. Frank Anderson
Philosophy & Approach: Guiding Principles for Empowerment
My counselling philosophy centers on empowerment, tapping into your inner strength, and turning life’s obstacles into opportunities for growth. I believe that challenges are rich sources of information that can illuminate our growth edges and identify aspects that may be holding us back. This philosophy aligns with my commitment to fostering self and other awareness, aiding individuals in becoming more differentiated and clear on their identity, goals, and relational dynamics. As we embark on this collaborative journey, you can expect a personalized, evidence-based approach. My counselling style is challenging yet supportive, aimed at disrupting unhelpful patterns while encouraging active engagement in your self-discovery and growth.
Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Relationship Enhancement
I thrive in supporting individuals and couples who share a mutual curiosity about self-discovery and relationship dynamics. Clients who find the greatest success in our work together are open to exploring their unique contributions to life’s challenges. Embracing a collaborative approach, we journey together to uncover blind spots and cultivate greater self and other awareness. This process involves thoughtful reflection and a willingness to consider different perspectives. If you are ready to engage in a meaningful exploration of your thoughts, behaviours, and relationships, I look forward to partnering with you on this transformative journey.
Guiding You with Expertise and Compassionate Care.
As a dedicated therapist, my commitment extends to guiding individuals and couples on a transformative journey toward personal and relational growth and fulfillment. I bring a wealth of specialized training and diverse therapeutic modalities to our sessions, tailored to meet your individual and relational unique needs. Let’s explore some of the tools and techniques designed to foster self and other discovery, healing, connection and growth in your individual and relational journey.
BPDM: Balancing Self and Togetherness in Intimate Relationships
The Bader-Pearson Developmental Model (BPDM) is a couples therapy approach by Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson. It emphasizes differentiation, the ability to maintain individual identity while being emotionally connected to a partner. This involves nurturing one’s own identity, values, and beliefs alongside emotional intimacy with a partner. The BPDM aims to help couples respect each other’s individuality, balancing independence and togetherness. It encourages navigating challenges and conflicts through a developmental lens, promoting both individual and relational well-being.Strengthening Bonds with the Gottman Method
The Gottman Method, an evidence-based couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, enhances relationships by building friendship, managing conflict, and fostering shared meaning. It focuses on improving communication skills, emotional intimacy, and constructive conflict resolution strategies. The method identifies harmful patterns, such as the “Four Horsemen” (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling), and provides interventions to replace these with positive interactions. Overall, the Gottman Method equips couples with practical tools and skills for lasting, fulfilling relationships.Discernment Counseling for Clarity and Decision-Making
Discernment counseling is a short-term, goal-oriented form of couples therapy designed to help couples on the brink of divorce or separation gain clarity about the future of their relationship. The focus is on one or both partners gaining a deeper understanding of their individual motivations, concerns, and the potential for change in the relationship.Healing Together with Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Therapy provides a compassionate and secure setting for couples to address and heal from traumatic experiences. This approach is informed by the impact of past traumas, emphasizing understanding, empathy, and the rebuilding of trust. It stresses the importance of effective communication and mutual support, guiding couples to fortify their connection while recognizing and respecting each partner’s individual trauma history. The objective is to cultivate deeper comprehension and resilience within the relationship, enabling both partners to advance with greater confidence and unity.Enriching Lives through Interpersonal Neurobiology
Fostering Inner Harmony with Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a powerful and innovative approach that explores the various aspects of your personality, often referred to as “parts.” In this therapeutic model, these parts are recognized, understood, and harmonized to promote healing and balance. IFS believes that every individual possesses an inner system of parts, each with its own unique qualities and purposes. By acknowledging and engaging with these internal parts, clients can gain deeper insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The goal is to foster self-awareness, reduce internal conflicts, and cultivate a harmonious relationship with oneself. Through the transformative process of IFS therapy, individuals can achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to enhanced emotional well-being and personal growth.Transforming Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviours with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that explores the interconnected relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In CBT, we work collaboratively to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that may contribute to emotional distress or undesirable behaviours. By restructuring these thought patterns, individuals can gain a more balanced perspective and develop healthier coping strategies. CBT is goal-oriented, empowering clients to acquire practical skills for managing challenges, fostering resilience, and promoting lasting positive change in their lives.Expert Family Mediation for Harmonious Resolutions
Leveraging my extensive background in family mediation, I seamlessly incorporate conflict resolution and management principles into couples counselling. This enables me to adeptly assist clients in navigating and managing conflicts, fostering healthier communication. My goal is to empower couples to navigate disagreements with greater understanding and empathy, ultimately transforming conflicts into opportunities for developing and enriching their relationship.Enhancing Intimacy: Navigating Sexual Health in Relationships
My expertise in sexual intimacy and health within couple therapy delves into sensitive issues that may affect your physical connection and intimacy. This specialized aspect of therapy not only concentrates on refining communication regarding sexual needs, desires, and challenges but also extends to addressing broader issues such as intimacy enhancement, navigating sexual concerns, and fostering a deeper understanding of each partner’s unique experiences and perspectives. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a supportive space for couples to explore and enhance various facets of their sexual well-being, fostering a more fulfilling and connected relationship.Get Started: Collaborative Support for Your Transformative Journey
I look forward to working collaboratively with you and supporting your journey toward growth, self-discovery, and the achievement of your personal and relational goals.
