Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Affordable Counselling Services in North Vancouver Using Bowen Theory
Living Systems has been serving the Lower Mainland since 1971, providing counseling, training, and education rooted in Bowen family systems theory. Our team of experienced professionals has assisted thousands of individuals and families in improving their relational and mental health outcomes. We operate as a registered charity, driven by a mission to make knowledge of human behavior from a natural systems perspective accessible to the community. Our vision focuses on contributing to the understanding of human behavior through counseling, research, and educational programs. We offer services across Greater Vancouver, including online and in-person sessions, with a sliding scale fee structure to ensure affordability.Our leadership team combines decades of experience in applying Bowen theory to clinical practice and training. We collaborate with the BC Gaming Commission, local municipalities, and individual donors to support our community initiatives. Our commitment to quality counseling is reflected in our rigorous professional standards and ongoing quality assurance processes. We acknowledge the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people and actively engage in reconciliation efforts. Our organization is governed by a dedicated board of directors and supported by a network of volunteers.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couple Therapy
Family Counseling
Clinical Internship Training
Bowen Theory Courses
Mental Health Workshops
Online Counseling
Community Education Programs
Professional Development Seminars
Family Systems Research
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience applying Bowen theory in clinical practice since 1971
- Our sliding scale fee structure ensures accessible mental health care for all income levels
- We combine counseling with educational programs to deepen understanding of family systems
- Our team includes registered counselors with specialized training in Bowen family systems theory
- We maintain rigorous quality assurance standards for all counseling and training programs
Services
Individual Counseling
Our individual counseling sessions apply Bowen family systems theory to help clients understand relationship patterns and emotional processes. Registered counselors work with adults on personal growth, anxiety management, and family dynamics. Sessions focus on developing self-awareness and improving decision-making through a systems perspective.
Couple Therapy
Couple therapy addresses relationship challenges using Bowen theory frameworks. Our counselors help partners understand emotional reactivity patterns and improve communication. The approach emphasizes differentiation of self and managing anxiety in intimate relationships through structured therapeutic interventions.
Family Counseling
Family counseling sessions examine multigenerational patterns and emotional triangles within family units. Our therapists work with families to address relationship conflicts and improve functioning through Bowen theory principles. The approach helps members understand chronic anxiety patterns and develop healthier interaction patterns.
Clinical Internship Training
Our clinical internship program provides advanced training in Bowen family systems theory application. Interns receive supervision while working with clients, combining practical experience with theoretical study. The program develops professionals capable of applying systems thinking in diverse clinical settings.
Bowen Theory Courses
We offer educational courses introducing Bowen theory concepts and their practical applications. Programs include introductory workshops, family of origin courses, and specialized training in ministry contexts. The curriculum emphasizes understanding emotional systems and improving relationship functioning through evidence-based frameworks.
People
Katie White
Executive Director
Katie White leads Living Systems' strategic initiatives with 10 years of experience applying Bowen theory in counseling and organizational leadership. She oversees program development and maintains clinical standards across all services.
Leila Howard
Clinical Manager
Leila Howard manages counseling operations and quality assurance while providing clinical supervision. With expertise in program development, she ensures consistent delivery of services aligned with Bowen theory principles across all locations.
Maybo Lui
Communications Coordinator
Maybo Lui handles social media and client intake coordination. As a registered clinical counselor, she combines administrative oversight with direct client support to maintain organizational communication standards.
Iryna Pauliukova
Business and Finance Administrator
Iryna Pauliukova manages financial operations including budgeting and grant administration. Her role ensures organizational sustainability while maintaining compliance with charitable and regulatory requirements.
Mark Smith
Board President
Mark Smith chairs the board of directors with social work expertise. He provides governance leadership while maintaining connections to community mental health networks and professional associations.
Questions
What counseling approaches do you use?
We specialize in Bowen family systems theory, applying its principles to address relationship and mental health challenges through individualized treatment plans.
Do you offer online counseling sessions?
Yes, we provide online counseling options across the Lower Mainland through secure virtual platforms for accessible mental health support.
How are your fees structured?
We use a sliding scale fee system based on income and offer both regular and reduced-fee counseling programs to ensure accessibility.
Are your counselors registered professionals?
All our counselors are registered mental health professionals with specialized training in Bowen family systems theory applications.
What locations do you serve?
We serve clients in North Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, and surrounding areas through multiple accessible counseling locations.
Do you provide crisis intervention services?
We are not a crisis center but can connect clients with appropriate emergency resources through our community partnerships.
