Mara Gurr (She/Her)
registered clinical counsellor • BCacc
Bio
I provide evidence-based, person-centred, trauma-informed counselling with a focus on perinatal mental health and the emotional and relational transitions that can arise across prenatal, pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood experiences. I’m particularly passionate about supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks and queer family-building—including non-gestational parents or caregivers—as well as other diverse family structures navigating fertility challenges, adoption, donor conception, surrogacy, and more.
I also frequently offer support with the impacts of trauma, neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, OCD), gender, sexuality and identity exploration, attachment and relationship dynamics (including ethical non-mogamy), anxiety/stress, depression/low mood, grief and loss.
Feminist, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based frameworks are central to my approach. I integrate modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS/parts work), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), attachment theory, and grounding and mindfulness techniques.
Outside of my work, I feel most grounded when connecting with loved ones and spending time outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy biking, wandering farmers’ markets, cooking elaborate meals, and gazing out at the ocean. As an uninvited guest on these lands, I hold deep gratitude for the Lək̓ʷəŋən, Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, on whose unceded territories I live and work.
Qualifications
MA Counselling Psychology — University of Victoria
BA Psychology, Minor in Counselling — Kwantlen Polytechnic University
[**CRD Perinatal Counselling Network Member]
[**VIHA or UBC Training]
mara’s approach to care
I care deeply about the people I support and strive to show up authentically, compassionately, and with humility
I create a space that fosters safety, warmth, and attunement -- where laughter and human imperfections are welcome. Through nearly a decade of diverse helping roles, I’ve learned that people and their contexts are beautifully complex, and therapy is never one-size-fits-all. I trust that you already carry meaningful insight and strengths; my role is to offer curiosity, perspective, and collaborative support. Together, we can find an approach that fits the season of life you’re in.
