Jay Dyrland

I am a counsellor who believes that people understand their lives through story, and that change often begins when there is room to slow down and listen carefully to what has been carried for a long time.

I work with adults who are feeling overwhelmed, worn down, or unsettled. Sometimes this shows up as anxiety or acute stress. Other times it appears as grief, responsibility, or a sense that an old chapter has closed without clarity about what comes next. Many of the people I meet are steady and capable in their daily lives, often supporting others, and are looking for a place where they do not have to hold everything together.

People come to counselling for many reasons. Some are navigating grief or loss, including endings that did not have a clear beginning or resolution. Some are making sense of changes in faith or spirituality, including experiences of harm, disappointment, or disillusionment within religious communities. Many are people who have spent years caring for others or carrying responsibility, and are now realizing they need space for their own questions and emotions.

Counselling with me is relational and attentive. Sessions feel more like thoughtful conversation than diagnosis or prescription. I listen carefully, ask questions that invite reflection, and stay focused on what matters most to you. At times, I may offer practical strategies or gentle structure when that feels helpful, but the pace and direction are guided by your capacity and experience rather than a preset approach.

When distress is present, early sessions often focus on easing overwhelm and helping things feel more manageable. As clarity grows, counselling may include making sense of patterns, naming what has shaped your story, and exploring what kind of change feels possible and life giving now. This process unfolds gradually, with respect for both your history and your present needs.

I am not here to manage your life or tell you who to be. I am here to offer presence, curiosity, and a place where your story can be spoken with care.

Outside of counselling, I am a husband and a father of three. I am a songwriter, a skier, and someone who values long walks and quiet rhythms. These parts of my life shape the kind of space I try to offer others: grounded, reflective, and human.

Approach and Influences

My counselling approach is integrative and shaped by several evidence informed traditions. I am particularly influenced by Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Solution Focused approaches.

In practice, this means we pay attention to the stories that have shaped how you see yourself, learn ways to relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, and identify strengths and possibilities that may already be present. Rather than applying a single method, I draw from these approaches in a flexible way that fits your experience, your goals, and your capacity.

The therapeutic relationship itself is central. Research consistently shows that feeling understood, respected, and safe is one of the strongest predictors of meaningful change, and that remains a guiding principle in my work.