Cory Stevens (he/him) is a bisexual, neurotypical, polyamorous, cisgender man of European descent. He has a Bachelor of Arts (major in Psychology, minor in Counselling and Human Development) from Simon Fraser University, as well as a Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University. He also has over a decade of experience in helping professions, including crisis line work, emergency telecommunications, and work with the provincial Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP).
In his counselling work, Cory draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), polyvagal theory, and feminist/anti-oppressive therapies. He likes to balance exploring and understanding the complex relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behavior with discovering new ways of being that align with a person’s values. With polyvagal theory, he helps clients tune into their nervous system, understand their emotional experiences in a new and de-stigmatizing way, and gradually begin to shape the system towards experiences of safety and social connection. Cory also believes the identities that both the counsellor and client hold are important to the counselling process, and invites clients into conversations about how their identities interact with the systems that they inhabit.
When it comes to working with relationships, Cory uses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment science to understand complex relationship dynamics, identify and change unworkable behavior patterns, and help partners build more satisfying and securely attached relationships. At the intersection of attachment science and systems theory, Cory draws on Jessica Fern’s work (e.g. nested model of attachment and trauma) to broaden attachment principles to be more inclusive to those engaging in non-traditional and/or consensually non-monogamous relationship structures. Regardless of the form that your relationships take, Cory is here to support you with warmth and care.
Outside of the counselling room, Cory’s hobbies include playing video games, singing, engaging in mindfulness practice, and spending time with his two wonderful long-term partners.
