About Me

Corey Skrypnek, MC
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Owner of Via Counselling Services Ltd.
You deserve a space that feels safe and honest.
I believe that the ways we cope, react, and protect ourselves are not random and they are not personal problems. They are strategies shaped by experience to survive, to belong, to be loved, and to stay safe.
Many of us have been taught that strong emotions should be managed quietly so we can keep functioning. Over time, it becomes easy to treat feelings as problems to solve rather than experiences to understand. I believe emotions are valuable information. They are data, not a road map, and they can guide us toward deeper awareness and healing when we learn to listen.
My work is grounded in the belief that healing happens in relationship.
When we feel seen without being judged, something begins to soften. My job is to bring safety through warmth, authenticity, and the unconditional acceptance that you are a worthy human being, right here right now, just breathing. I believe you can create the beautiful life you deserve, and to support you in that goal, I will sit with you in hard places, and I will also help you notice where old narratives may no longer serve you.
Why I do this work
My path to becoming a therapist unfolded later in life. While my children were growing up, I worked outside the home as a graphic artist, educational assistant, and administrative professional, though my energy and attention was always centered on our family.
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As my children stepped into their own lives, I felt both sadness and an unexpected sense of freedom. In that transition, I found myself asking a question that felt both overwhelming and exciting: If I could choose any path, what would it be?
I chose this profession because it reflects what matters most to me: creating a space where someone feels safe, respected, and truly heard. I know what it is like to build a life around responsibility and connection, and I understand how easy it is to lose sight of yourself in the process.
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A later-in-life ADHD diagnosis deepened my understanding of myself and of how protective patterns take shape over time. I have spent years gently untangling my own tendencies toward people pleasing and over-responsibility. That process has shown me that growth is ongoing.
These experiences help me approach this work not from a place of having it all figured out, but with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to continued self-awareness.
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What it’s like to work with me
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My approach is relational and emotionally focused. We pay attention to attachment patterns, emotional responses, and the strategies you developed to cope.
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I am not a homework-heavy therapist. While insight matters, I am less focused on quick symptom relief alone and more interested in helping you build deeper self-trust and steadiness.
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In our sessions, you can expect:
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Warmth and empathy
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Thoughtful reframing
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Gentle challenge when needed
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Emotional depth
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The occasional well-placed f-bomb
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Space to be fully yourself
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If you are looking primarily for quick coping strategies, my approach may feel more reflective and extensive than you expect. I tend to focus on emotional patterns and long-term steadiness rather than surface-level change.
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Professional Background
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My foundational approach is person-centred therapy and my modality is emotionally-focused therapy (EFT).
If it will be helpful to my client, I may offer interventions from narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
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I have completed Level I of the Gottman Method and the EFCT externship.
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I practice with cultural humility and value diversity. All backgrounds, beliefs, and identities are welcome in my practice. I strive to create a space that is affirming and safe for everyone, with the understanding that we will treat each other with mutual respect.
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I am committed to ongoing supervision, consultation, and professional development.
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