Therapy for Families
About
Hi, my name is Ari Saunders. I am a family therapist working in person in the West Kootenay region of BC and virtually all over the world. I have a Relational Somatic Therapy Certificate from Opening to Grace with Mariah Moser, a Counseling Skills Diploma through the Orca Institute and a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria.
A Child and Youth Care degree is equivalent to a Social Work degree except without a more specific focus on families and family systems. I began my career working in Early Childhood Care and Education, and went on to train as a Waldorf Teacher before discovering counseling.
I love this work. It is a privilege to sit with people, hear their stories, and help them bring new insight to their experience. I excel at creating a welcoming environment where people feel relaxed and invited to show up as they are. People often describe feeling like my presence helps them to slow down and come to rest in themselves.
While I am only a couple of years into my work as a therapist, I have many years supporting families as an ECCE and 1-1 specialist working with children with unique needs and abilities. My perspective is also informed by over 20 years of experience in meditation, contemplative practice, and the performing arts.
I prioritize creating a space where we can go from sharing a laugh one moment, to dropping into a deep feeling the next, allowing emotion to flow naturally and easily within a container that is safe enough not to feel overwhelming. It is important to find lightness and humour throughout the process so as to keep our energy up. The last thing we want is for the therapeutic experience to feel dull and uninspired!
Sessions with me include opportunities to reflect and integrate as well as opportunities to dive deep using the therapeutic container as a living laboratory for exploration. We will take opportunities to pause, notice, feel and observe, inviting you to deepen your experience. Slowing down in this way often leads to the emergence of new insight.
If you are looking for a therapeutic environment that is both relaxed and engaging, with accessible tools and insights that can be applied immediately, I would love to be of support. Let's explore how we can help you move forwards with clarity and confidence!
Why Work Together?
Authentic & Grounded Approach: Therapy shouldn't feel sterile or scripted. I bring my full self to our sessions so you can feel safe bringing yours—creating a genuine connection where real growth happens.
Practical Tools You Can Use: I don't just listen and validate—I equip you with actionable strategies and resources that translate directly into your daily life, helping you create sustainable change beyond our sessions.
Tailored to Your Unique Needs: There's no one-size-fits-all formula here. We'll collaborate to design an approach that fits your specific situation, goals, and life circumstances.
Safe Space, No Judgment: I understand how vulnerable it feels to reach out for support. You'll find a respectful, compassionate environment where you can explore challenges without fear of being judged or misunderstood.
Both Deep and Engaging: Our work together balances reflection with action, insight with application. Expect sessions that are meaningful, productive, and yes—even enjoyable.
"A person's quality of life is a reflection of the quality of the relationship they have with themselves and the people around them."
Areas of Focus
Relationship & Communication Challenges – Helping individuals, couples, and families develop healthier patterns, rebuild connection, and communicate with clarity and compassion.
Life Transitions & Personal Growth – Supporting clients through career changes, identity shifts, and major life milestones with confidence and purpose.
Anxiety & Emotional Regulation – Teaching practical techniques to manage stress, reduce overwhelm, and develop greater emotional resilience.
Family Dynamics & Conflict – Guiding families toward breaking unhealthy cycles and fostering stronger, more supportive relationships.
Self-Worth & Identity – Working with individuals to build authentic self-confidence, clarify values, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
Trauma & Healing – Providing compassionate support to process past experiences and build a stronger emotional foundation for the future.
If working together interests you, use the link below to arrange a no cost, no pressure 30 minute conversation. Fill out the form or head to my calendar page to book a time directly.
About Securely Thriving
Securely Thriving, is founded out of both lived experience and professional conviction: that meaningful support for ADHD must go deeper than behavior—and begin with connection, safety, and relationship. As a parent, educator, and somatic therapist, I’ve seen how nervous system regulation, attachment, and practical tools can transform not just a moment, but a whole family or classroom culture. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating the conditions where adults and children can feel safe enough to grow. Securely Thriving exists to walk alongside families, educators, and communities doing this brave, beautiful, often overwhelming work—with clarity, care, and compassion.
Securely Thriving
Nelson, BC V1L 4H6
Email: [email protected]
Serving the Kootenays and Beyond | Virtual Sessions Available Internationally
