More Than Just My Work

I was born and raised in Mexico and immigrated to Vancouver almost 10 years ago. The journey hasn’t always been easy, I’ve experienced the challenges and grief that come with immigration, but I have also embraced the joy of discovering a new culture and building a strong community. I’m a foodie and beach enthusiast who feels deeply connected to my Latin roots, which is why you’ll often find me dancing, laughing, and cherishing time with friends and family. When I’m not working, you’ll find me cooking, relaxing, listening to a good podcast, and spending time with my loved ones.

Josy Silva, MC, RCC

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Feeling seen, heard, and understood is a gift in itself. I see each client as unique, with their own unique set of needs and a desire to have those needs understood. You want to be in a caring, empathetic, and collaborative space where you feel supported to explore, heal, and uncover your strengths and inner wisdom at your own pace. My approach to counselling includes providing a space where you can be yourself and share in a relationship centred on guiding you with strength, experience, and knowledge.

When working with me, I help you develop a kinder and more understanding relationship with yourself, while supporting you to develop the tools to navigate your challenges with gentleness, resilience, and understanding.

My work is rooted in an anti-oppressive lens. I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable space where clients feel respected, valued, and empowered—no matter their background, identity, or experiences. I aim to provide a therapeutic space that honours your unique story, fosters healing, and supports you in building a life aligned with your values and goals.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling, a Diploma in Child and Youth Care Counselling, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. With over 10 years of experience in the public sector—including schools, non-profit agencies, and governmental departments—I’ve supported individuals through life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. As a bilingual counsellor fluent in English and Spanish, I’m honoured to connect with a diverse range of clients and witness their courage and transformation.

Client Focus

Children – All Ages, Adults, Individuals, Parents, Families

Types of Therapy

Attachment-based therapy, Compassion-focused Therapy, DBT Skills, Emotion Focused Therapy, Expressive Arts, PEERS®, Play Therapy, UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills

Issues

ADHD, anxiety, autism, grief, life-transitions, neurodivergence, parenting, relationships, navigating immigration, self-image, stress, trauma

Languages

English, Spanish

PEERS® 1:1 Social Skills Program

For Youth Ages 11–18 (Grades 6–12)

Making and keeping friends doesn’t come easily to every young person — and that’s okay. PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is an evidence-based program that teaches real, practical social skills through weekly one-on-one sessions with your teen.

PEERS® was originally developed as a group program; this 1:1 adaptation offers the same skills in an individualized format for teens who benefit from more focused, personalized attention.

What to expect:

  • 11 weekly sessions, 50 minutes each, held in person at Boomerang
  • Starts with a caregiver intake session, so we can understand your child’s needs and make sure this is the right fit before diving in
  • 10 skill-building sessions with your teen covering topics like:
    1. Program overview
    2. Finding friends & keeping conversations going
    3. Texting, DMs & online communication
    4. Using humour appropriately
    5. Joining and leaving conversations
    6. Planning successful get-togethers
    7. Good sportsmanship
    8. Handling bullying
    9. Managing reputation & disclosing differences
    10. Handling disagreements
  • Two optional check-ins along the way to keep you in the loop and answer questions

A note on fit: PEERS works best when a teen is motivated to build friendships and ready to take part directly. For some young people, a caregiver-only version — where you learn the strategies to reinforce at home — is a better starting point. We’ll figure out together, during intake, which path makes the most sense.

Getting started is simple:

  1. Book a free 15-minute consultation — a chance to ask questions and learn more about how the program works.
  2. From there, we’ll schedule the caregiver intake session, where we take a closer look at your teen’s needs and confirm this is the right fit, before moving into the 10 weekly sessions.

Specialties

We specialize in a variety of neurodiversity, behavioural, anxiety, attention, learning, social, and emotional problems. We also provide family support through parent coaching, counselling, and reunification.

Location:

We are located at 252 – 422 3rd St East with two options for entry.

**Stefanie Stanley sees clients at 400 – 145 Chadwick Court.

Street Access

Parcade Access

Insurance

We currently submit insurance/coverage to Pacific Blue Cross, Sunlife, Autism Funding, and CVAP

PEERS® Social Skills Program

Josy is offering 1:1 social skills coaching using the PEERS® program for youth ages 11-18 (Grades 6-12). 

Boomerang Counselling Centre