Alegria Counselling

Maria Pais-Martins

  • Home
  • Maria Pais-Martins

M.Ed., RCC
Founder and Clinical Director

Areas of Focus

Anxiety & Stress Management
Emotional Regulation & Resilience
Self-Esteem & Identity Development
Family Dynamics & Parent Support
School & Peer Challenges
Trauma & Crisis Recovery
Life Transitions & Adjustment
Communication & Connection

Therapeutic Approaches

Trauma-Informed Practice
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills
Narrative & Family Systems Perspectives
Strengths-Based & Client-Centred Approaches

Counselling Training

Master of Education in Counselling Psychology- City University
Bachelor of Education – University of Fraser Valley
Bachelors of Arts – University of Western Ontario
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) – BCACC
Trauma-Informed Practice Training
Suicide Intervention Training
Advanced Violence Prevention Training
Selective Mutism & Neurodiversity Training
Family Assessment & Systems Training

Meet Maria

I work with children, teens, adults, and families who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. Many of my clients are navigating transitions, relationship struggles, or a loss of confidence in themselves or their sense of purpose. My goal is to provide a compassionate, supportive space where you feel understood and safe to share your story.

My Approach / How I Work

My approach is collaborative, reflective, and guided by the belief that growth happens in a safe and caring environment. I integrate trauma-informed, strengths-based, and family-systems perspectives to meet the unique needs of each client. In our work together, we focus on both emotional insight and practical skills that support daily life—tools to regulate emotions, improve communication, and respond to stress with greater ease.

Background and Training

I have devoted my career to helping children, youth, families, and adults reach their potential and cultivate resilience. My experience as both a classroom teacher and school counsellor has given me a deep understanding of the emotional and academic pressures that students and families face. I have also worked extensively in community mental-health and crisis-intervention settings, where I supported clients through anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions.

These experiences have shaped a counselling style that blends compassion with practical guidance. I see therapy as a partnership built on trust and respect, where together we discover new ways to create balance and self-understanding. It is a privilege to witness clients reconnect with their confidence, sense of purpose, and capacity for joy.

More About Me

I live in Langley with my husband, our two teenagers, and our dogs. Outside of my counselling work, I find balance through time in nature, reading, and travelling to new places. I love exploring hiking trails, discovering quiet corners to write or reflect, and spending time with family and friends. These moments of connection and curiosity remind me of the importance of presence, gratitude, and “alegria”—values that guide both my personal life and my counselling practice.

What inspires me most: watching clients begin to believe in themselves again and step into the confidence and calm that were always within them.
Cart
  • Your cart is empty Browse Shop
    Select the fields to be shown. Others will be hidden. Drag and drop to rearrange the order.
    • Image
    • SKU
    • Rating
    • Price
    • Stock
    • Availability
    • Add to cart
    • Description
    • Content
    • Weight
    • Dimensions
    • Additional information
    Click outside to hide the comparison bar
    Compare