Therapy for Young Adults in Vancouver
Welcome to our practice. We offer therapy for young adults living in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and BC-wide. Learn about therapy and book a consultation to discuss your options.
Meet the Therapist
Dr. Bradley Murray, Psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor, RCC, FIPA
I am a psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor who offers online therapy for individuals living in greater Vancouver and throughout BC. I also offer in-person therapy sessions in North Vancouver. I often work with young adults who would like help with various personal and emotional concerns. I look forward to hearing from you if you are interested in starting therapy.
Greater Vancouver Therapy Services for Young Adults
Young adults living in Vancouver often seek therapy to help with a range of concerns and issues of young adulthood.
The psychoanalyst Eric Erickson identified different stages in life. The period from 19 to 40 years old, he thought, included a sizable emphasis on challenges related to the theme of intimacy versus isolation. Young adults are often looking for personal fulfillment while forming relationships that feel secure.
Some of the specific challenges of young adulthood include loneliness, romantic relationships, and evolving connections with parents and family.
Research has shown that up to 42% of young Canadians live with their parents, which for some can lead to anxiety about self-sufficiency.
Depression and low mood are also common problems facing young adults.
Therapy can play a role in helping young adults to move forward. Themes of therapy can include emotional regulation, skills building, working towards having more satisfying relationships, self-esteem, stress management, and identity exploration.
Young adulthood is a time when many find it beneficial to invest in therapy in order to work towards building a fulfilling present and future life.
Common Goals and Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy for Vancouver Residents
Work to understand and address psychological symptoms
Unaddressed depression, anxiety, stress, and other types of emotional distress can reduce life and satisfaction. These have also been found to be correlated with physical health problems.
Increasing self-knowledge
Getting to know ourselves better includes reflecting on how our past influences our present lives, getting to know longstanding personality traits, becoming familiar with fears that have been holding back progress, and figuring out what we most want in our lives.
Reflecting on relationships
Many people benefit from taking some time to think about their relationships, exploring themes such as closeness, distance, trust, and communication.
Self-expression
People often find that developing the capacity to talk freely and openly over the course of a therapy process can help them gain comfort exercising creativity and self-expression in various other areas of their lives.
Client Experiences of Psychodynamic Therapy
Everyone is different, and some people will find themselves especially drawn to psychodynamic therapy. A study in the journal Psychotherapy Research found that clients who most appreciate psychodynamic therapy are drawn to several features of this approach.
Psychodynamic therapy aims to help people gain insight through exploration, so they can understand themselves better than before
It seeks to help individuals develop a more coherent life story
It aims to help people foster self-acceptance through understanding
Integrative Therapy for Young Adults
We offer an integrative approach to therapy for young adults tailored to the needs of the individual. In addition to psychodynamic therapy, clients will sometimes benefit from approaches based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT is a structured approach that can help young adults address common struggles such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
One key element of CBT is identifying and challenging thinking traps—automatic, distorted thought patterns like catastrophizing or black-and-white thinking.
Therapists guide individuals to examine these thoughts critically and explore more balanced perspectives.
Another core aspect is the use of behavioural experiments or exposure techniques, which encourage individuals to confront fears or uncomfortable situations in a gradual, controlled way.
These strategies help young adults build confidence, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve their overall emotional well-being.
Online and Telephone Therapy for Young Adults in Vancouver and BC-wide
Many people in Greater Vancouver and throughout BC are juggling busy schedules these days. This can make it difficult to attend regular weekly in-person depression therapy appointments. If in-person therapy would be a challenge for you, the flexibility of online therapy may be a good choice for you.
Discuss Your Options
A 10-minute consultation allows us to discuss your concerns and ways therapy may help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
Answers to help you get started.
Our practice provides therapy grounded in psychotherapy effectiveness research. We specialize in psychodynamic therapy and also incorporate an integrative approach, including techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to best meet the needs of each individual client.
Yes, all therapy sessions are completely confidential. Our practice follows strict professional and ethical guidelines to protect your privacy.
No, a referral from a physician is not required. You can contact us directly to begin the process.
Therapy sessions are typically scheduled once per week. However, frequency can be adjusted based on individual needs and goals.
Yes, all therapy sessions are confidential, ensuring a safe and private space for clients to express themselves openly.
No, a physician referral is not required. Clients can reach out directly to begin the therapy process.
Our services are designed for young adults seeking support to improve their mental health, gain insight, and work through life challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
Book a Consultation
Get started with a 10-minute consultation to discuss your concerns.