Benjamin Walsh

Master of Arts in Contemplative Psychotherapy

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Benjamin Walsh (he/him) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with more than a decade of experience as a therapist. He specializes in helping individuals to overcome trauma and access their creativity through a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and narrative approaches. Ben holds a Master of Arts degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University. He recently returned to Jericho Counselling after a year-long sabbatical.

Creativity lies at the heart of what it means to be human. It is perhaps the defining characteristic of our species. Mental health could be described as complete freedom of thought and action, an ability to address situations, not by defaulting to old patterns, but by using the breadth of our experience to address whatever is arising in the most appropriate way.

A person becomes traumatized when the circumstances of their life are so overwhelming that their nervous system is not able to process what is going on. When left untreated, trauma tends to become “stuck” and may form patterns that are difficult to break. This can take the form of depression or anxiety, or simply unhelpful ways of relating to the world and to other people. Trauma takes away our ability to be creative and invites us to be reactive rather than responsive.

Ben’s approach to treating trauma is both gentle and proactive. In many cases, it is useful to look into the source of negative patterns, to see “why we act the way we do” or where a certain thought pattern comes from. When dealing with particularly difficult material, it is important to take this slowly, so that the client is able to remain present, and does not become overwhelmed. By gently processing trauma in this way, clients can begin to engage even the most difficult aspects of their life in a fresh and creative way.

Using an integrative approach to counselling, Ben works with adults and older teens on a range of issues, including depression and anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief and loss of all kinds. He has found particular success with helping clients to access creativity in all aspects of their lives.

Ben provides counselling services in English.

Vancouver Counsellor, Benjamin Walsh, is currently accepting new referrals from across British Columbia on Monday through Thursday each week.

Please email info.benjamin@jerichocounselling.com about booking an initial appointment with Ben and you will receive a response from Central Booking to assist with the process.