As a counsellor I value depth in conversation, richness found in silence, seeing somebody make an unexpected connection about themselves, relationships rooted in authenticity and trust, and the courage it takes to be honest.

I was born in the east of Ukraine and began my path in counselling as a student of Gestalt therapy in Kyiv in 2005. My studies and practice in this modality taught me the power of paying attention to the present moment, being fully present with experience without attempting to change it, and importance of being seen.

I worked as a counsellor in private practice and non-profit organizations for 5 years in Ukraine prior to moving to unceded Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam territories (also known as Vancouver) in 2015. This includes two years as a psychologist on the nationwide crisis line for women and children affected by violence in their homes. During my time there, it expanded its scope to supporting people forced to relocate seeking safety from Russian invasion in 2014.

My continued counselling education and work after immigration reinforced my passion for trauma practice. My experience supporting trauma survivors has shown me how much healing and growth is possible in recovering from adversity. Thanks to this work I strongly believe in our shared human capacity and right to live full and embodied lives despite the circumstances that we were born into and painful experiences that happen on our paths. It constantly reminds me of seeing people as whole human beings who are bigger than their challenges, and the value of listening to the body as the bearer of suffering we endure and our most powerful ally in recovering from it.

At the heart of my practice is a belief that bringing light to what pains us, with openness, kindness and compassion, helps us connect to our natural healing capacity. As a counsellor, I bring my knowledge, experience and humanity to create a safe space for this healing to occur. “Don’t turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That’s where the light enters you” (Rumi). To me, counselling is an invitation to be compassionately curious about our lives and explore areas that might be too painful or scary to look at on our own.

As a recent immigrant, I hold dear assisting clients who are going through significant changes and transitions: adjusting to new places, communities, life stages, relationship and employment circumstances, shifts in worldviews and identity.

I thank and honour the people of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, səl̓ilwətaɁɬ, and xwməθkwəy̓əm nations, on whose shared, ancestral and stolen land I live and work. I commit to learning and engaging in decolonizing practices and decolonizing ways in which I provide counselling.

I offer counselling in English, Ukrainian and Russian. My pronouns are she/her.

Professional affiliation:

Registered Clinical Counsellor (Membership #16557) with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

Comprehensive psychotherapy training:

Somatic Experiencing Professional Training®, Somatic Experiencing International, 2021-to be completed in 2025

Theory and Practice of Gestalt Therapy, Moscow Gestalt Institute, 2005-2010

Education:

Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, Simon Fraser University, 2018

Bachelor and Master of Arts in Psychology, Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, 2010

Work experience:

Aliona Sydorenko Counselling, Clinical counsellor in private practice, 2019 - presently

Family Services of the North Shore, Clinical counsellor in the Stopping the Violence program, 2018 - 2021

International Women's Rights Centre La Strada Ukraine, Psychologist of the Crisis Lines, 2013 - 2015

Psychotherapist in private practice in Kyiv, Ukraine, 2010 - 2015