About

In Practice

My name is Larissa Szlavik, MSW. I'm a Registered Social Worker in B.C., specializing in counselling therapy, available for in-person sessions in my office in the Comox Valley, B.C. or Online. In addition to being passionate about facilitating talks that are empowering, transformative, and healing, I have a strong interest in creativity in all of its manifestations. This shines through in my counselling work as well in my personal life. Much of my inspiration comes from nature. The name "Narrative Roots" is inspired by the way trees communicate and support one another through their root systems.

My practice is carried out in the spirit of Dignity, Respect, Social Justice, Creativity, and Curiosity. In this space, your words matter. Stories are sacred. I ask lots of thought-provoking questions that seek out the storylines that bring forth fresh perspectives, greater possibility, healing, and liberation.

Therapeutic conversations help people connect more fully to their voice, their convictions, their relationships, and the world around them. Healing takes many forms, this is a journey as unique as the individuals who seek it.

Humans are amazing and complex. Life is messy. I am prepared to talk about all of it. Often, the conversations I have with folks include topics of trauma, abuse, colonial violence, sexual assault, and suicidal thoughts.

I trust in peoples' abilities to run their lives, and I respect the diverse identities of those I work with. My practice is 2SLGBTQAI+ affirming, decolonizing, and carried out with cultural humility.

Education

I completed a Master's in Social Work (clinical specialization) at the University of Calgary in 2019. During the program I completed practicums with legally involved youth, and at an Outpatient Mental Health Clinic providing counselling to individuals who have been subjected to abuse, violence, or trauma. Before becoming a Social Worker, I spent a decade supporting folks who have experienced brain injury, mental health challenges, and those with diverse abilities in Victoria, BC. I also trained in Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Yoga, and guided classes in various mental health settings.

I am grateful to my teachers at The Calgary Narrative Collective, Sanni Paljakka, Loree Stout, Tiffany Saxton, Chelsey Morton, Tom Stone Carlson, and David Epston (co-founder of Narrative Therapy).

I am a registered Provider with the First Nations Health Authority, Crime Victim Assistance Program, Veteran Affairs Canada, Canadian Armed Forces, and the Interim Federal Health Program.

History

I was born and raised on the territory of the Musqueam First Nation to immigrant parents. My family on my mom's side escaped the Iron Curtain in Hungary, and my family on my dad's side fled Germany after the war. My parents met in Canada. I am told that when I was a baby, I was obsessed with fish. Water is my element! I love swimming in salt water and jumping in cold lakes. I always open my eyes below the surface. I could probably waste years of my life watching waves and swiftly moving rivers. Whales fascinate me. The ocean is a place of endless lessons and inspiration for life.

Place

My in-person sessions are available at my Comox office (located inside The Storied Life at Strathcona Plaza), on weekends. Most days, I can speak with clients who live in British Columbia over the phone or via video conference.

Narrative Roots Counselling is situated on the unceded territory of the K'omoks First Nations. It is an honour to serve the people of this land who have been here since time immemorial. I do so with gratitude for the K'omoks people and for the use of these lands. I respect the territory upon which I operate my business by offering an inclusive space, one that is committed to healing, decolonization, and that acknowledges the local struggles.

tuwa akʷs χoχoɬ ʔa xʷ yiχmɛtɛt (ʔa) kʷʊms hɛhaw tʊms gɩǰɛ