Hi there,

I’m Erica Gozukara, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Highly Sensitive Person who finds joy in life’s simple, quiet moments. When I’m not supporting clients, you’ll often find me walking along the beach searching for treasures, exploring thrift stores, or singing in a choir.

I’m deeply committed to my own growth—both personally and professionally. Whether through clinical supervision, peer consultation, continued training, or personal therapy, I see every opportunity to learn as a way to show up more fully, compassionately, and authentically for the people I support.

For much of my life, I felt like I was walking through the world a little differently than everyone else—like I was somehow out of sync. I sensed things others seemed to miss, felt emotions more deeply than I could explain, and often wondered if something was wrong with me.

Being an HSP means that I can burst into tears when things feel too overwhelming. I shy away from being the center of attention and often find it hard to connect with others in a world that feels too loud and too fast. I pick up on the smallest changes in people’s moods, the tiniest shifts in my surroundings—and while that sometimes makes me feel deeply connected, it often leaves me feeling misunderstood.

This deep sensitivity is what inspired me to become a counsellor and support other HSPs. I know how lonely it can feel when you're not truly understood — when your inner world feels too big for the space you’re in. The same goes for anxiety and grief. We’re so often met with unspoken rules about how we should feel or behave, leaving little room to simply be with what’s real inside us — without pressure, without judgment.

That’s why I’m passionate about holding space where you can show up exactly as you are — tender, overwhelmed, uncertain, or anything in between. A space where you’re not just heard, but truly seen. Where we can gently explore how to work with your nervous system, not fight against it — and find steady ground together, one compassionate step at a time.

At the heart of my practice is a deep belief in collaboration, compassion, and respect for each person’s unique journey. I work from a holistic, person-centered, and strength-based perspective — but more than anything, I see my clients as the experts of their own lives. You know what it feels like to live in your body, to carry your history, to hold your hopes and hurts. You bring with you the wisdom of everything you've already survived and the strategies you've used to heal — even if they no longer serve you the way they once did.

I also believe that counselling is not — and should never be — a one-size-fits-all process. Every person’s story is layered and complex, shaped by so many experiences, relationships, identities, and environments. Because of that, I draw on a wide range of therapeutic approaches, carefully and thoughtfully tailoring our work to what feels most supportive and effective for you. Your needs, your pace, your way forward — always honored, always central.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is at the heart of my work with clients. It’s a gentle, empowering approach that sees each of us as made up of many different inner parts — like the inner critic, the caregiver, or the parts that carry pain from past experiences. Sometimes these parts feel in conflict, leaving us feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

Through IFS, we create space to meet each part with compassion and curiosity. Instead of trying to silence or fix them, we listen — and in doing so, begin to heal. Over time, this work can bring a deep sense of inner balance, clarity, and peace. Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, trauma, or simply want to feel more connected to yourself, IFS offers a powerful path toward healing and wholeness.

Education and Training

Registered Clinical Counsellor, BCACC #19522
MA in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
BA in Psychology, Simon Fraser University
AA in Psychology, Capilano University

IFS & HSP: Working with the Highly Sensitive System Workshop
Internal Family Systems Level 1, IFS Institute
Internal Family Systems, Stepping Stone, IFSCA
Emotion-Focused Therapy Level 1, VCEFT
Emotion-Focused Therapy, Psychwire
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychwire
Traumatic Loss Facilitator Training, BCBH
Grief and Loss Diploma, Online Counselling College
Mindfulness Certificate, Online Counselling College

A designation of

BC Association of

Clinical Counsellors