Experience Personal Growth

Find the road towards a healthier life with our professional counselling services in Canada.

You.  

But better. 

We all aim to be our best. Sometimes, a little help is all we need.

We all strive to be our best, and sometimes, a little help is all we need.

My name is Maria Atherton, RPC-C.  I bring to you over 30 years of life experience through my professional careers, marriage and raising a family in helping others to become the best versions of themselves; to learn how to heal, grow personally, find their resilience, their strengths, talents and discover their best selves.

Unlock your limitless potential with Hidayah Counselling! Based in the heart of the Fraser Valley, BC, I am not just offering a counseling service; I am providing a powerhouse for transformation and growth. Life is a series of peaks and valleys, but you do not have to navigate it alone. I am here to climb every mountain with you, offering a hand in times of need and guiding you toward the summit of your personal and emotional goals and aspirations.

Are you ready to break through to your best self? Whether you are striving for personal mastery, seeking harmony in relationships, or longing for peace of mind, Hidayah Counselling is your sanctuary. I provide a confidential haven where your thoughts and emotions can flow freely, without judgment, allowing your true self to emerge.

At Hidayah Counselling, I believe in a personalized journey. I draw from a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Couples and Family Therapies, Faith-Based Therapy and I am trauma-informed. My approach is tailored to fit your unique path, employing evidence-based strategies that pave the way for clarity, resilience, and emotional freedom.

I structure each individual wellness plan holistically, focusing on the client's physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. Creating a custom-fit wellness plan that best suits my client's counselling needs is of utmost importance to me.

Embrace the opportunity for profound change. Let Hidayah Counselling be the catalyst for your journey toward a happier, more fulfilled life. Take the bold step toward transformation—book your consultation today and ignite the spark that leads to your brighter future.

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Family Systems Therapy

Focuses on improving interactions within a family unit, viewing the family as an interconnected system.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors through structured, goal-oriented techniques.

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Narrative Therapy

Encourages clients to reframe and rewrite their personal stories to create a more empowering narrative.

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Non-Violent Communication

Emphasizes compassionate communication to resolve conflicts and build empathetic understanding between individuals.

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Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Incorporates mindfulness practices to help clients focus on the present moment, reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.

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Person-Centered Therapy

Centers on creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings and achieve personal growth, with the therapist providing unconditional positive regard.

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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT):

Concentrates on finding solutions in the present time and exploring future possibilities, rather than focusing on past problems.

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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Aims to strengthen emotional bonds and attachment between partners or family members through understanding and transforming negative interaction patterns.

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Gottman Method

Uses research-based interventions to improve relationship stability and satisfaction by enhancing communication, conflict management, and emotional connection.

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Trauma-Informed Counseling

Involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. It emphasizes creating a safe environment, building trust, and empowering clients, while being sensitive to their trauma history and avoiding re-traumatization.

About Hidayah Counselling

Welcome to Hidayah Counselling. I am a registered professional counsellor with an RPC-C designation from the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association, offering services to individuals, families, and couples virtually, over the phone and in-person.

In addition to decades of professional, life, family, and marital experience, I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities to meet the unique needs of each client. My approach includes Family Systems Therapy to enhance interactions within the family unit, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help change negative thought patterns and behaviors through structured, goal-oriented techniques.

Narrative Therapy plays a crucial role in my practice, encouraging clients to reframe and rewrite their personal stories for a more empowering narrative. I also emphasize Non-Violent Communication to resolve conflicts and build empathetic understanding. Mindfulness-Based Therapy is another key component, incorporating mindfulness practices to help clients focus on the present moment, reducing stress, and improving emotional regulation.

In creating a supportive environment, I utilize Person-Centered Therapy, allowing clients to explore their feelings and achieve personal growth. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) helps clients find solutions in the present and explore future possibilities, rather than dwelling on past problems. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is used to strengthen emotional bonds and attachment between partners or family members by understanding and transforming negative interaction patterns.

I also employ the Gottman Method, which uses research-based interventions to improve relationship stability and satisfaction by enhancing communication, conflict management, and emotional connection. Understanding and responding to the effects of all types of trauma, I practice Trauma-Informed Counseling, creating a safe environment, building trust, and empowering clients while being sensitive to their trauma history and avoiding re-traumatization.

Additionally, I offer Faith-Based Counseling, integrating spiritual beliefs and practices into the therapeutic process to address clients' emotional and psychological needs through the lens of their faith.

At Hidayah Counselling, I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where clients can find healing, growth, and empowerment. I take a holistic and intersectional approach to each Client’s circumstances and needs.  I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward emotional and relational well-being.

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Contact us

Please email us with any questions or to book a consultation