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?
I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, 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 am also trained in Deep Brain Reorienting, a new somatic therapy for trauma processing.
I offer in-person sessions in Vancouver, British Columbia and virtual sessions for clients physically located in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, 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 from 9AM BC Time until 5PM BC Time (12PM - 8PM Ontario time)
In-person sessions are available in Gastown (Vancouver) on Thursdays.
In-Person Access Information:
My in-person space is on the 4th floor of a building with an elevator. Some essential oils and herbs are used in the shared office. Unfortunately, the bathrooms are gendered and not wheelchair accessible at this time. Feel free to email me if you have any other accessibility questions.
I am an approved First Nations Health Authority provider and CVAP 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 (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with certificate), Deep Brain Reorienting (Level Three), Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (Level One) and Motivational Interviewing and integrate aspects of parts work, 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.
Therapy Informed by Neuroscience
What is it?
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a new type of therapy that aims to help resolve the impact of trauma working with the part of the brain and muscles in the face and neck that are associated with orienting to danger.
How Can It Help Me?
People report DBR sessions lead to a reduction in trauma symptoms and shifts in how they see themselves and the world. These shifts often include more self-compassion and less troubling mental health symptoms.
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
I am full at the moment and accepting clients on my waitlist. I am prioritizing folks who are interested in Deep Brain Reorienting and/or Somatic Experiencing.
For returning clients: I try to keep some space in my schedule for returning clients. If you have worked with me in the past, please email me if you would like to set up another session.
For current 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:
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or Text 9-8-8
A free mental health resource for Canadians that is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
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
