Jelena Marda RPC
Experienced. Certified. On Purpose.
I've always been a student of psychology, and have filled hundreds of pages with my observations on the complexity of the human condition. I wanted a degree in psychology but was not interested in a traditional MA program from a mainstream university. I wanted an experiential, personal-growth-oriented education that included a spiritual perspective, along with the traditional psychological methodologies.
So in 2006 I earned a BA in Applied Transpersonal Psychology (A+ with Great Honours) that covered; family systems theory, psychoneuroimmunology, relationship dynamics, genogram studies, experiential therapies (person-centred, gestalt) interviewing and counselling skills, NLP, group dynamics, leadership, interventions and consciousness studies.
I also completed a 3 year diploma in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology (A with High Honours), an experiential and group-process oriented practitioners training program grounded in transpersonal psychology, using systemic, experiential, relational, somatic, breathwork and humanistic approaches.
​
I am a full member in good standing with the CPCA (Canadian Professional Counsellors Association) with approximately 200 clinical supervision hours, 2000 direct client contract hours, 1400 psychometric testing hours and 2500 group facilitation hours.
My school of life "street cred" came from growing up on 3 different continents and immigrating 4 times. English is my third language, after Dutch and Spanish. I've lived in a villa with staff and lived in warehouse spaces in the DTES.
I was born to a narcissistic parent and therefor chose to leave home at the age of 15 and struggled with severe depression, ideation and anxiety. Later in life I experienced a spiritual awakening ("dark night of the soul") and had a number of ecstatic experiences.
Eventually, I successfully married introversion and entrepreneurism and became self-employed, I found my purpose and started doing what I love for a living. I've been free of depression ever since.
​
Please let me know if I can be of any help and accompany you on your journey.