
A Hopeful Step
Let's take the first step into you...
Moving beyond struggles to embrace a fulfilling life
Support for childhood trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and chronic pain or illness — in person in Coquitlam or online anywhere in British Columbia.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by emotions like fear, anger, anxiety, or even excitement, unsure how to navigate them? Perhaps you find yourself caught in cycles of self-doubt, feeling like you're constantly on edge, or fearing that something bad is just around the corner. Childhood developmental trauma can leave deep imprints, making it hard to regulate emotions, trust yourself, or feel in control of your life.
In your relationships—whether at work or in your personal life—you might recognize patterns that seem to repeat over and over: constantly putting others' needs ahead of your own, struggling to set healthy boundaries, or finding it hard to trust those around you. Sometimes, these ways of perceiving and relating to the world become so ingrained that they affect not just our mind but our body as well, potentially leading to chronic pain and illnesses over a lifetime.
While life will always have its ups and downs, there are times when our usual ways of coping simply don't work. During these moments, we may need someone to help guide us through a process that offers a new perspective and valuable insights into ourselves.
I recognize that seeking help might feel daunting at first, yet it is a courageous first step towards healing and better mental health. You are the expert on your life and have a fair idea of what you need. With me, you will find a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space to explore various possibilities and make the changes for living your optimal life.

Therapeutic approaches:
- 1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- 2. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
- 3. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
- 4. Lifespan Integration
- 5. Internal Family Systems
- 6. Compassion-Focused Therapy
How I can help
Individual counselling for adults, in person in Coquitlam or by secure video anywhere in British Columbia.
Grief & Loss
Grief is not a problem to be fixed — it is the natural response to losing something or someone that mattered deeply. Yet...
Learn more →Trauma Therapy
Trauma changes how your brain and body respond to the world. If you have lived through abuse, neglect, accidents, violen...
Learn more →Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety can make every day feel like an emergency. Depression can drain the colour from things that used to matter. Both...
Learn more →Chronic Pain
Chronic pain and long-term illness affect far more than the body. They can reshape your identity, relationships, work an...
Learn more →Relationships
The relationships in our lives — and the changes that reshape them — have an enormous impact on our mental health. Wheth...
Learn more →Online Counselling
Quality counselling should not depend on your postal code. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor licensed in British Colum...
Learn more →Gayatri Saikia
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Welcome to A Hopeful Step. I’m Gia, a Registered Clinical Counsellor dedicated to guiding individuals through healing, personal growth, and meaningful life transitions. Whether you are working through the impacts of childhood trauma, navigating relationship difficulties, or coping with the daily challenges of chronic illness and pain, I am here to help. I offer personalized, collaborative care designed to meet you exactly where you are. Sessions are available both online and in-person to fit your lifestyle.



