Justine Little
MSW, RSW
Do you feel like you're stuck in old patterns? Are you always zoning out or in crisis mode? Do you struggle to connect with your body and aren't quite sure what it means to feel your feelings?
Would you prefer to work with a queer therapist with experience supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and who is committed to integrating social justice into therapeutic work?
My area of focus is Somatic Experiencing, a body focused therapy that can help you connect with the here and now through connecting with your own body, your environment and important people and resources in your life.
I offer virtual and in-person sessions in British Columbia and virtual sessions for clients physically located in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Nunavut and Yukon. If you are located in another province or outside of Canada, I am unfortunately not able to work with you at this time.
I work with adults and youth 14 and older. I do not offer couples counselling.
My days of work are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
In-person sessions are available in Gastown (Vancouver) on Thursdays.
I am an approved First Nations Health Authority provider.
Registration Numbers: BCCSW #14771 (BC) OCSWSSW #846759 (ON) NSCSW #9581 (NS)
About Me
I’ve been supporting clients in community agencies since 2012 and completed my Masters in Social Work in 2021. I am a settler on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations and my ancestors are Irish, Scottish and German Mennonite. I identify as a queer femme and my pronouns are she and they.
I have completed post-graduate trainings in Somatic Experiencing (Intermediate Level) and Motivational Interviewing and integrate aspects of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy into my approach.
I have completed the San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (2023), am an FNHA approved clinician and have had the honour of working with Indigenous people in many settings.
I am passionate about supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks. I worked in a health program supporting trans and non-binary youth and adults and completed a practicum with an organization that supports men who have sex with men.
I have experience and love supporting people who use substances, sex workers, university students, neurodivergent people and people who live with complex health conditions.
I am a student of Buddhist meditation and earth-based spiritual practices from my ancestral lineage and welcome clients who want to integrate spiritual practices or exploration into our sessions.
Want to learn more? Contact me today to ask about my waitlist.
Somatic, Social Justice Oriented and
2SLGBTQIA+ Informed Therapy
Connecting to our bodies as queer, trans and non-binary people can be complicated, and if we have experienced the impact of colonization, racism, transphobia, homophobia or other overwhelming or scary experiences our bodies can feel like unsafe places to be. Somatic therapy can help our bodies begin to explore feelings of safety and connection.
Uncovering your Strengths and Discovering What you Need
You have overcome a lot in your life to get to this point and I want to support you in identifying your strengths and noticing what is working for you. Also, maybe difficult life experiences mean that connecting with new people is challenging. I'm here to work with you at the pace that you are most comfortable with and discover what you need to build trust. Your goals are my priority and I invite feedback regularly.
Somatic Approach - Connecting with Your Body
Do you notice that sometimes talking about a problem doesn't change the way you feel? I integrate what you are noticing in the present moment into our work together in order to bring more awareness to patterns and allow for change. This can be an effective approach for people who have experienced overwhelming or traumatic life events. I may ask, "What are you noticing in your body?" or guide you through practices to further develop your body awareness.
Exploring Your Gender Identity, Sexual or Romantic
Orientation
Are you reflecting on your identity and would like support along the way? Or have you been identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ for many years and are looking for a therapist who has lived experience within the community, is pronoun competent and familiar with polyamory? Whether your 2SLGBTQ+ identity is the focus of therapy or a part of your identity you don't want to have to explain, I am happy to work with you.
Supporting Youth (14+)
Being a young person is challenging. The pressure of balancing school, friends and family or caregiver relationships often is overwhelming. If you are a young person, or have one in your life, who needs some support, counselling can help. I have experience supporting youth with identifying new tools to help cope with big emotions, exploring their gender and sexual orientation, problematic substance use and transitioning out of high school and onto the next stage in their life.
Also, therapy can be fun! Our sessions don't have to be serious and I won't leave too much awkward silence.
I also offer parent/caregiver & youth sessions when beneficial for youth I am supporting.
Fees & Booking
My practice is full at the moment, but feel free to email me if you would like to be added to a waiting list.
For returning clients: If there are no available appointments through my online booking please email me for an appointment: info@justinelittle.com
Sliding Scale: My sliding scale availability for new clients is now full. Some space is reserved for current or past clients who need to access sliding scale due to financial distress.
Contact Me
Facing mental health challenges alone can be overwhelming and isolating. We all need someone in our corner as we take steps towards healing.
If you would like to hear more or you feel a "yes" as you read this, contact me or use the "book now" links above to set up a free 15 minute consultation to discuss what it might be like to do this work together.
Social work services are often covered by health insurance plans. Please confirm directly with your insurance provider.
Need Help Now?
Try one of these resources:
Hope for Wellness Helpline
1-855-242-3310
Phone or online chat support is available 24/7 for all Indigenous people across Canada: www.hopeforwellness.ca
For Indigenous BC Residents:
KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
