Our
Founders
Meet the Co-Creators: Pao & Fede.
Hi! We’re Pao and Fede – co-creators of Collective Growth, a values-driven, LGBTQ+ owned counselling practice based in Vancouver.
We first met while attending the same counselling program, drawn together by a shared cultural background and a deep desire to build meaningful relationships and community. What started as a friendship quickly evolved into a collaborative vision grounded in personal growth, community care, anti-oppressive practice, and collective liberation.
Lived Experience That Informs Our Work
Because we both emigrated from different parts of the world, we bring with us first-hand experience of navigating systemic barriers, from cultural and educational discrimination to professional exclusion. These lived experiences profoundly shape how we present ourselves in our work and how we create space for others.
The Vision Behind Collective Growth
As our relationship deepened, we began planting the seeds of something bigger: a collective counselling practice rooted in openness, non-judgment, safety, and social justice.
Our goal is to offer a space where clients can feel empowered, self-led, and supported in their healing journeys, especially those who’ve been marginalized or underserved by traditional systems.
A Matriarchal and Collaborative Approach
At the heart of Collective Growth is a matriarchal approach grounded in shared power, mutual respect, and the belief that every person deserves to be deeply honoured. Our partnership is more than professional – it’s built on trust, communication, and a commitment to growing together, alongside our clients.
Grounded in Community
In addition to our counselling work, we both serve as support workers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. This community-based work keeps us connected to the real-life challenges faced by marginalized populations, strengthening our commitment to advocacy, accessibility, and care.
We invite you to read our individual bios to learn more about our backgrounds, values, and counselling approaches.
Collective Growth is proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated.
Our
Mission
At the core of Collective Growth.
At the core of Collective Growth is a desire to create a safe, confidential, and collaborative counselling space where individuals feel empowered as they embark on their personal healing journey.
We are a grassroots counselling practice, created in response to the recognition of systemic oppression and the need for both individual freedom and collective liberation.
We deeply believe in the profound impact that an individual's personal growth journey can have on the healing and growth of the collective.
Our
Values
What we believe in.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Collective Growth, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a counselling environment that honours each individual's unique identity and lived experience.
Cultural Sensitivity & Curiosity
We promote a culturally sensitive and curious practice. By approaching our work with openness and humility, we aim to meet each person where they are, without assumption or judgment.
Earth.
At Collective Growth, we recognize the deep and delicate interconnection between ourselves and the natural world.
Because of this, we strive to foster a relationship of equality and respect with every living being that shares our planet. Through tools such as mindfulness, we support our clients in cultivating a more embodied connection with themselves and the environment around them.
Healing.
At Collective Growth, we believe that healing is a radical act of self-love.
Our mission is to empower individuals in achieving emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental well-being by providing the tools, space, and support they need to grow.
Our holistic, trauma-informed, integrative and collaborative counselling practice is tailored to each person, supporting them on their path toward personal empowerment and the freedom to live authentically.
As Helen Knott beautifully describes it in her book “Healing is like a revolution (...) It’s the ultimate act of resistance” - In my Moccasins, Helen Knott.
Connection & Community
At Collective Growth, we recognize the deep and delicate interconnection between ourselves and the natural world. Because of this, we strive to foster a relationship of equality, equanimity, and respect with every living being that shares our planet.
We understand the fundamental role of human connection, both with ourselves and with others, and the importance of nurturing those bonds. We recognize that our very existence, starting with our bodies, is made up of parts working collaboratively to function as a whole.
Through tools such as mindfulness, we support our clients in cultivating a more embodied connection with themselves and their environment.
Community building is central to our work, and our services reflect this commitment. We offer workshops and support groups to those seeking growth and connection within a supportive and inclusive environment. We strive to create a just, open, and safe space for all individuals, especially those who experience oppression and marginalization, including BIPOC communities, immigrants, activists, 2SLGBTQIAS+ folks, sex workers, and people with disabilities. This commitment includes offering affirming care that validates and supports each person's sexual orientation, gender identity, and lived experience.
Our approach is trauma-informed, culturally competent, and grounded in sensitivity and respect. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and embrace the beauty of diversity. Our passion and commitment lie in supporting marginalized communities. The founders of Collective Growth bring experience from working in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, and we actively strive to offer a supportive space that fosters growth, self-reliance, and personal freedom.