Hi, I'm Erica Gozukara, and I'm so glad you found your way here.
As a Highly Sensitive Person, I’ve always felt things deeply—often noticing and being affected by subtleties others might miss. At times, that felt lonely, like no one really got me.
Through my own healing, that sensitivity began to soften into something I could meet with care and curiosity. When I found Internal Family Systems (IFS), it felt like things finally made sense.
This is what led me here. I care deeply about creating a space where you can feel seen, supported, and understood—without needing to explain or justify your experience.
Who I Work With
Highly Sensitive People
Being highly sensitive can mean experiencing emotions, relationships, environments, and everyday life more deeply. You may sometimes feel overwhelmed by the world around you, easily affected by the emotions of others, or like you need to work harder to fit in. Together, we can make space for your sensitivity and get curious about the parts of you that have learned to adapt, protect, or hold yourself back.
Anxiety & Burnout
You may be tired of overthinking, worrying, striving, or feeling like you always need to keep everything together. Perhaps you've been running on empty for a while and aren't sure how to slow down without feeling guilty. Therapy can offer a place to understand what's underneath the anxiety and exhaustion and gently reconnect with what you need.
Chronic Pain & Illness
Living with chronic pain or illness can mean waking up each day not knowing how you'll feel, changing plans at the last minute, and constantly adjusting to what your body will allow. There can be frustration, uncertainty, grief, and the feeling of being misunderstood by the people around you. Together, we can get to know the parts of you that push through, adapt, protect, react, and carry the weight of your experience.
Grief & Loss
Grief can touch every part of your life. You may be grieving someone you love, a relationship, a version of yourself, your health, your abilities, or a future you imagined. There is no right way to grieve, and you don't have to rush yourself through it. Therapy can be a gentle place to make room for what has been lost and all that comes with it.
If you don’t see yourself reflected in one of these categories, but something here resonates with you, you’re very welcome to reach out. Sometimes the most important part is a personality match and how we work together, rather than the specific topic you’re coming in with.
How I Work
My work is guided by a gentle approach that helps create safety, understanding, and meaningful change over time. Rather than focusing on fixing or pushing through experiences, we slow things down enough to listen inwardly and make sense of what is happening beneath the surface.
The main model I use is Internal Family Systems (IFS), a relational approach that understands that we are made up of different “parts,” each with their own feelings, roles, and ways of trying to help. Even the patterns that feel difficult or overwhelming are seen as having positive intention, often developed in response to past experiences in an effort to protect you or help you cope.
In our work together, we get to know these inner experiences with curiosity and care, rather than trying to get rid of them. Over time, this can create more space, clarity, and connection within yourself, as different parts begin to feel seen, understood, and supported in new ways.
Education, Training and Experience
Registered Clinical Counsellor, BCACC #19522
Education
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MA in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
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BA in Psychology, Simon Fraser University
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AA in Psychology, Capilano University
Specialized Training
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Internal Family Systems Level 2: Shame, Anxiety and Depression, IFS Institute
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IFS & HSP: Working with the Highly Sensitive System, Workshop
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Internal Family Systems Level 1, IFS Institute
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Internal Family Systems: Stepping Stone, IFSCA
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Emotion-Focused Therapy Level 1, VCEFT
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Emotion-Focused Therapy, Psychwire
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychwire
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Traumatic Loss Facilitator Training, BCBH
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Grief and Loss Diploma, Online Counselling College
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Mindfulness Certificate, Online Counselling College
Past Experiences
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North Shore Hospice & Palliative Care — Palliative Care Volunteer, Current
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ASLBC — Volunteer Counsellor
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BC Bereavement Helpline — Helpline Volunteer
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Pain BC — Pain Support Line Worker & Pain Coach
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Kids Help Phone — Crisis Responder
Additional Training
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West Coast Reiki — Reiki Levels I, II & III
A designation of
BC Association of
Clinical Counsellors