About Me

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     Hello. I’m Ryan Tompkins and I live on Vancouver Island, in the beautiful small town of Ladysmith, where I have lived for 34 years

I grew up in the Suburbs of Vancouver.

 I served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 23 years, which is where my interest in human behaviour and helping began. 

Witnessing first-hand the effects of trauma on serving members, spurred my interest in post-traumatic stress and the debilitating impact it has on individual's and their families. 

I hold a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Both degrees were earned through Yorkville University.  My education began with a Bachelor of Social Work from Vancouver Island University

 Since my BSW, I have maintained a specific focus on traumatic stress, PTSD, and concurrent chemical and process dependancy. 

     I have also studied extensively in trauma, and was very fortunate to study trauma from one of the best teams in the world, under the directorship of Dr. Bessel Van de Kolk, at The Trauma Center in Boston, MA. 

Further, I've done specific training with Dr. Kathleen Chard, who co-developed Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR

This Fall 2024, I I am hopeful to begin certification in the area of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy through Vancouver Island University.

     With a history of working in post-traumatic stress and concurrent disorders. I believe in the power of healing. I’ve witnessed it firsthand 100’s of times. Often, I find clients want to be “fixed” . However, I don't "fix" people. What I do, is work alongside clients to help them learn and understand who they are; their values, beliefs, morals, and what is important to them. Then we understand how traumatic events in their lives have interrupted and created distress for them in these areas.

Trauma heals when you connect the mind back with the body, learn about what is happening, what your internal monologue is saying, and how all of this is connected. 

Why you may be behaving, feeling, or acting a certain way? 

My practice comes from connection; what is termed as the “therapeutic relationship”. Without this, research has shown it is difficult to achieve counselling goals. I work diligently at being authentic, honest, supportive, and empathetic to maintain this alliance. 

The second most important aspect of helping clients, is my own journey. I come to this profession with my own history, that required me to seek professionals in this field for my own recovery. I know through my own experience, that one of the most difficult things to do, is to ask for help. 

I look forward to being your support, and to help bear witness to your experiences, while offering a safe, supportive, and caring environment.