A woman with curly hair wearing a black embroidered blouse, holding her glasses, sitting with a laptop in front of her, and looking thoughtfully to the side.

I’m Rosa Elena Arteaga

I am a Mexican-Canadian trauma-informed counsellor, narrative therapist, and clinical supervisor with over twenty-five years of experience supporting individuals through life transitions, challenges, and personal growth.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s unique needs. Grounded in anti-oppression and narrative therapy perspectives, I work with individuals and families to create space for healing and change. I believe that everyone has the inner strength to transform the areas of life that call for growth and clarity. I believe that counselling is about walking alongside you —helping you gain perspective, develop strategies, and find the steps to move forward.

Based in Vancouver, I enjoy biking, hiking, yoga, and time with family and friends.

A woman giving a presentation in a classroom, standing next to a large screen displaying a chart about the different phases of life and associated issues.
Three people seated behind a red table at a panel, with their nameplates visible, in a room at Blaquerna Universitat Ramon Llull.

Qualifications

Approved Clinical Supervisor by Yorkville University

MA in Narrative Therapy with Melbourne University & Dulwich Institute

Faculty member with the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy

As Clinical Director and supervisor within a non-profit anti-violence women’s organization, and longtime faculty member at the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy, I have developed a narrative therapy-informed, social justice–centered practice for people of all ages and backgrounds facing complex trauma. My training includes Trauma & Crisis Intervention, Somatic Therapy, Art Therapy, Brainspotting, and other body-based and creative modalities.

As a trainer and educator, I move beyond mainstream trauma-informed therapy by situating gender violence and trauma within cultural, racial, and gender politics. I have developed innovative approaches to interviewing the body, and I train and supervise practitioners worldwide in both Spanish and English. I am a registered member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

Training & Keynote

Start your journey

Book a consultation
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I am honoured to be living and working on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations (Vancouver, BC).