Dylan Fry, Woodgrove Counselling

Welcome to my counselling practice!

I'm Dylan, a person-centred counsellor committed to helping you navigate life's challenges. I understand that seeking support can be difficult, especially when you're experiencing overwhelming emotions. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment where you can feel heard and understood.

I believe in your ability to tap into your inner wisdom and strengths, and my role is to guide you in discovering these resources. Together, we'll explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and emotional healing. 

My Story

In my mid twenties I became very inspired to practice Vipassana Meditation (as taught by SN Goenka) very seriously and apply the practice in my life each day. I stayed for long period of time at Meditation centres, attending retreats as well as volunteering on them. I attended longer courses, in which at times I spent up to six weeks in silence and deep meditation without any distractions. I became more and more involved in the Vipassana community and eventually was asked to take a leadership role. This practice continues to be a big part of my life and it supports my work as a counsellor. I am able to show up as my best self to every session and be fully present, attuned and open hearted with clients. 

Part of the practice of Vipassana is also giving selfless service. Giving time and energy to others without expecting anything in return. I found this part of the practice deeply fulfilling and it brought so much joy into my life. This experience left me strongly drawn to finding a career where I could help others in a similar way. Counselling is a perfect fit and I find it profoundly nurturing to be along side people as they explore their inner world and heal old wounds. 

At age 29 I developed chronic lower back pain that continued every day for 8 years. During those years I was tirelessly motivated to recover my health and I tried every method available from yoga, pilates and postural corrective exercises, to medication, chiropractics and even surgery. Nothing seemed to help. Then a friend gave me a book by Dr Sarno who explains how repressed emotions can cause chronic pain and other conditions. I followed the instructions in this book and all my pain faded away. I have now lived pain free for many years. This experience of uncovering blocked emotions lead me to become fascinated and inspired with the process of exploring myself. This eventually lead me to training to become a counsellor and helping others unearth the previously hidden parts of themself and emerge lighter and more fulfilled. 

Education, Experience and Training

I was trained at The Vancouver College Of Counsellor Training. It was a close intimate cohort of students and the program was a very practical in nature. In the process I did a lot of my own deep emotional work which helps me be a better support to others who are on their own inner journey. 

At VCCT I studied the following:

(Each is equivalent to 60 hours of study)

-Loss and Grief

-Suicide and Crisis Intervention

-Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

-Psychosocial Development

-Models of Counselling

-Clinical Counselling Skills

-Introduction to Psychopathology

-Substance abuse Counselling

-Advanced Skills of Counselling

-Sexual Abuse Counselling skills

-Case Study Approach to Models of Counselling

-Personal and professional Development (Ethics of Counselling)

-Integrative Counselling Skills

-Listening, Asserting and Resolving Conflict.

-Couples and Marital Counselling Skills

-Introduction to Family Counselling

I completed a practicum with Moving Forward Family Services, an organization that connects counsellors in training with people who are in need of low cost or no cost counselling. Throughout my practicum I was able to work with a wide variety of clients with a large scope of issues and challenges. This gave me invaluable experience that I continue to apply in my work.