Therpeutic Space

James Cowan

Registered Clinical Counsellor

I grew up in Port Alberni BC. From a young age I wanted to make a difference in my community and create positive change. After graduating from the University of Victoria I began my mental health care career as a Youth Facilitator and working with children between the age of 5 and 13 in Group Home Settings in 2009.

In 2010 I began my journey to achieve my Master's of Counselling Psychology and I began working as a Support Worker for People with Disabilities. In 2014 I graduated ,moved back to Port Alberni, and began working as a Guardianship Services Social Worker.

In 2015 I achieved one of my greatest aspirations by opening Tall Tree Counselling and Consulting Services. It has been an exciting journey and a great pleasure to have provided thousands of clinical services hours to the people of Port Alberni, BC, and all over Canada.

My Philosophy

Growing up in Port Alberni I was active in the community. I as introduced to the beauty of the Alberni Valley; fishing, swimming, and hiking. I was active in sports especially Ice Hockey and Rugby. I always enjoyed school and I enjoyed learning about many different subjects. I have always been proud to be a life long learner.

I have had the great privilege to walk along side with many individuals, couples, and families in their journey of healing and toward success. I would not be doing anything else other being a therapist. I look to grow and improve along side my clients. Some of my most impactful life moments have been my clients successes.

In the over 15 years of working with children, adolescents, and adults I have learned that I have a deep drive to help people. I have had the great pleasure in witnessing many success stories.

I enjoyed all of my educational experiences and I value how I have been able to utilize my education in my experiences as a mental health care practitioner. Over the 9 years of clinical practice I have found the need to find balance in my personal and professional life to be best available and provide the services I feel my clients deserve. I believe that seeking good mental health also has a lot to do with physical and body health. Nutrition and exercise can be valuable change mechanisms for overall good mental health.

I often utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Interventions and I look to the bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework to guide my work with clients.

When working with children I am able to utilize many different play therapy techniques. This can include formal and informal games, sand tray therapy, and art therapy.

Referral Sources and Relationships

For private pay referrals are not necessary to receive services from Tall Tree Counselling and Consulting Services.

For Third Party Compensation from BlueCross, Green Shield, etc. It is beneficial to understand the terms of your policy and see if Clinical Counselling is covered in your policy. If so, there is often a yearly deductible per member of the policy.

I have had the pleasure of receiving many referrals from Federal and Provincially Funded Agencies.

These include:

RCMP Crime Victim Services

Nuuchahnulth Tribal Council (NIHB)

First Nations Health Authority (NIHB)

WorkSafeBC

ICBC

Ministry of Children and Family Development

Usma Child and Family Services

WorkBC/INEO (Island Work Transitions)

Autism Funding

Preapproval is often necessary before the delivery of services.