Skip to main content
Diane Brussell
Waitlist

Diane Brussell

Registered Clinical Counsellor

  • She/Her, We/Us
  • $180/session
  • Virtual Sessions across Canada
Join Waitlist

Get notified when space opens up

Meet Diane

My experiences and interests give me a unique understanding of…

  • The complex emotions of grief and loss, having personally endured the deaths of many close family members and friends, and supported others in similar circumstances through my work as a Hospice volunteer.

  • The natural cycles of growth, transformation, and resilience, as reflected in my deep connection to nature and gardening.

  • The impact of systemic injustice and interpersonal harm, and the healing needed for victims, survivors, and perpetrators—socially, relationally, and individually—driven by an early awareness of cruelty, corruption, and inequality.

  • Cultural diversity and adaptability, shaped by extensive experience living abroad and engaging with many different cultures.

  • The lifelong process of personal and collective healing, fueled by a passion to grow, become more aware, and cultivate compassion.

  • The integration of mind-body practices, supported by ongoing study in somatics, yoga, mindfulness, neurobiology, attachment theory, and Transformational Musical Theatre.

My cultural or ancestral background is…

  • Eastern European, Ashkenazi Jew. It is essential for me to say that as a Jewish person, I am horrified by, and opposed to, the atrocities being perpetrated by state of Israel  that undermine my understanding of Jewish values, wisdom and dignity.

My clients describe me using words like…

  • Compassionate

  • Attentive

  • Receptive

  • Engaging

  • Dedicated

  • Non judgmental

  • Observant

  • Perceptive

  • Connected

Expertise

Areas of Focus

Specializations

  • Trauma
  • Relationships
  • Emotional regulation

By category

  • Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal)
  • Complex Trauma (CPTSD)
  • Grief and Loss
  • PTSD
  • Trauma processing
  • Trauma
My clients often self-identify as…

  • Survivors of complex trauma and abuse.

  • Survivors of neglect and seeking relational connection, attachment repair.

  • Nervous system dysregulation; anxious, depressed, scattered..

  • Dissociative.

I’m the right therapist for you if…

  • You are seeking to explore new ways to connect to and be with yourself.

  • You would benefit from a greater capacity for self acceptance and compassion. 

  • You want to practice identifying and expressing your boundaries and needs.

Therapeutic Frameworks & Approach

  • Anger and Stress Management
  • Art Therapy
  • Applied Polyvagal Theory
  • Attachment-Based
  • Brainspotting
  • Coaching
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
  • Dream Therapy
  • Expressive Arts Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • HeartMath Tools
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Inner Child Work
  • Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
  • Mindfulness & Meditation
  • Nature-Oriented Therapy
  • Mind-Body Connection
  • Parts Work
  • Person-Centered
  • Positive Psychology
  • Somatic and Body Awareness
  • Self-Compassion
  • Somatic Practice
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma-Informed
  • Treatment of dissociative parts
If we work together you can expect to feel…

  • Validated. 

  • Cared about.

  • Enhanced mindfulness, authenticity and self awareness.

  • Empowered.

  • Comprehensive of patterns.

  • More capable to navigate challenges.

Populations Served

  • Seniors (65+)
  • Adults (18+)
  • Teens (13-17)

Practice Details

Service Offerings & Rates

  • Initial Consultation
    Free
  • Individual Session
    $180Sliding scale offered on case by case basis
  • Couples Session
    $250Sliding scale offered on case by case basis
  • Family Session
    $225Sliding scale offered on case by case basis
During your free consultation, we’ll go over…

  • Your personal and therapeutic history. 

  • What you're hoping to receive from counselling at this time.

  • Different tools and approaches we might utilize.

  • Cost, insurance, frequency, estimated duration.

  • Any questions you have for or about me.

If we work together you can expect me to…

  • Feel engaged with your journey and your well being.

  • Have expanded awareness of your inner experience and authentic self.

  • Develop your skills and capacity to navigate the challenge that relationships and life present.

Insurance & Benefits Coverage

Coverage depends on the insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider to see if your plan covers one of the listed designations.

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor

For insurance purposes, this therapist’s home province is British Columbia.

Virtual Sessions

AlbertaBritish ColumbiaManitobaNew BrunswickNewfoundland & LabradorNova ScotiaNorthwest TerritoriesNunavutOntarioPrince Edward IslandQuebecSaskatchewanYukon Territory

Eligible provinces and territories are highlighted in green.

  • British Columbia
  • Alberta
  • Manitoba
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nunavut
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon
  • Ontario
  • New Brunswick
  • Nova Scotia
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Quebec

More Info

Education

  • Antioch University

    Masters in Clinical Psychology, Somatics · 1990

  • New York University

    Bachelor of Arts; Psychology and Religion · 1985

Certifications

  • Dr. Leslie Ellis

  • Embodied Experiential Dreamwork Certification

  • 2024-5

  • Mindfulness Certification · 2025

  • Clinical Hypnosis Levels 1 &2, Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis · 2023

  • Mindsight Institute, 2021

    Attachment and Interpersonal Neurobiology in Couples Therapy; Daniel Siegle’s online course with

  • Nature Based Therapy, Human Nature Counselling · 2021

  • David Grand, Sounds True and PESI

    Brainspotting

  • 2020 · 2025

  • Marsha M. Linehan, PhD

  • DBT (online course) · 2020

  • EMDR Certification · 2017

  • Marshal Wilensky

  • (Advanced EMDR trainings with Dolores Mosquera, Sandra Paulsen, Andrew Leeds..)

Languages

English

Booking FAQ

Does Diane offer direct billing with my insurance? Or how does payment work?

First Session charges each session directly to your credit card. Once each session occurs and your card is charged, you’ll receive a PDF receipt by email with all the details you need to get reimbursed (therapist name, designation, license number, address, etc.). You can then submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement if you have coverage. We always recommend checking your coverage with your provider before booking.

How do I know if Diane is a good fit?

You are the expert when it comes to knowing who’s the right fit. Watch the therapist’s video at the top of their profile and see whether the message and energy resonate. If you feel drawn to speak with them, listen to your gut — booking a free consultation is a great first step to assess fit.

What if I see no available times to book a session?

If the therapist is listed as accepting clients and you see no available times, it’s likely they haven’t updated their availability (sorry about that!). In this case, you can contact Diane to see what times they have available.

Can I contact Diane before booking an appointment?

If you still have questions before booking that can’t be answered during your free consultation, you can contact Diane using this form.

Join Diane’s Waitlist

Please submit your name, email, and a brief message.