Jana
Hruba, MA, BA, RCC
Clinical counsellor
Mother, Daughter, Wife & Friend
Nature & Chocolate Lover
Be kind to yourself!
I have always been deeply fond of nature, adoring the mountains, the snow, woods, berries, mushrooms, herbs, the ocean... So it was no surprise that when my husband and I moved to Vancouver in 2015, we couldn’t resist falling in love with this place. And of course we couldn’t – the mountains and woods of British Columbia allow me to do what makes my heart sing – skiing, biking, hiking or simply sitting by a campfire, playing the guitar and singing. I am a baker and a creative soul and I do love spending time with my dearest and nearest, especially our two kids who I try to show to how astonishing the world is. I value my relationships and love people in my life with my full heart.
My professional experience.
I graduated from the 5 year Masters in Psychology Program at the Charles University in Prague and in addition I studied Safe and Security Bachelor Program at the Police Academy in Prague. I completed 5 years of psychotherapeutic training in dynamic group therapy.
Big part of my professional life is related to police officers and first responders as I worked for almost 8 years as a psychologist and counsellor for the Czech police. I provided short and long term counselling and coaching to police officers and their family members as they face stress and difficulties due to their daily job as well as ordinary life situations. Since the best to avoid crises is to be well prepared, lecturing on communication skills, mental hygiene, as well as the psychological aspects of police work was a big part of my job.
While living in California I attended a course at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto on Strategic Family Therapy to gain deeper insight into family counselling. I also volunteered for FRSN (First Responder Support Network) at their retreat center (WCPR - West Coast Posttraumatic Retreat) where we were dealing with traumatic and stressful experiences of police officers, firefighters and their families from across the USA and Canada. Since 2020, I have been registered with BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and have been working with clients in individual therapy who come from various backgrounds and places.
Services
I offer face to face in-person counselling (short-term and long-term), crisis intervention (a couple of sessions to get over a difficult time), and I am also available online.
I welcome adult clients, parents and first responders. I do not work with children and couples.
I specialize in issues such as relationship challenges, parenthood, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, coping skills, living expat life, loneliness, addiction, grief, trauma, personal growth, satisfaction and joy.
My approach
I believe that every person's life story has its unique character and is full of both pretty and ugly experiences. We all carry such a heavy backpack full of rocks, big and small... childhood experiences, teenage challenges, wins and losses, all that we have encountered on our life journey.
From time to time there are some really hard moments when we fall on our knees and do not know how to get up and carry on. I believe we always stand a chance to be better, to get a new good day. Sometimes it is really hard to be on your own and deal with all of it alone. I deeply admire people who stand up to their inner demons, who find the courage to seek help. I view people who work on their own selves as true heroes. It is one of the hardest and most challenging endeavors in our lives, but I truly believe that it is worth it!
What to expect
Sessions last for 50 minutes. We can meet in person or online.
Therapy and counselling is about making a positive change in our personal life. We will work together towards the goals we collaboratively set. The process takes effort, but you won't be alone in it. If you are willing to try it I will be there with you.
Before starting counselling there might be some questions about how the process works and if I am the right counsellor for you. That is also why I offer a free 15 minute confidential phone call to answer your questions.
Price: $135 per session
Sliding scale spots might be available.
Extended Health Benefits
If you have extended health insurance coverage, it is quite likely that your insurance company will cover the cost of several counselling sessions in part or in full. Check your benefits package to see if Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) are included in the services available.