Amber Shanahan
Vancouver,Canada
Summary
I am currently completing a Diploma in Professional Counselling, bringing together my background in holistic wellness with evidence-based, trauma-informed counselling approaches.
As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, my earlier work focused on the relationship between stress, the body, and overall wellbeing. This foundation continues to inform my counselling work, particularly in understanding how nervous system patterns, lived experience, and resilience shape emotional and relational health.
My approach is client-centred and relational, with attention to regulation, emotional safety, and capacity. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, overwhelm, and life transitions, supporting thoughtful and sustainable change rather than quick fixes.
Earlier in my career, I worked in creative and communications roles across a range of settings. These experiences strengthened my ability to listen deeply, adapt to diverse perspectives, and communicate with care — skills that now meaningfully support my work in counselling and holistic wellness contexts.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Integrative Somatic Practitioner
The Vagus Effect
01.2023 - Current
- Support clients in identifying and shifting trauma patterns using somatic approaches.
- Facilitate vagus nerve-based regulation techniques including diaphragmatic breathing.
- Provide a compassionate, safe environment for embodied exploration and healing.
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
The Vagus Effect
09.2021 - Current
- Educate clients on the connection between nervous system health and nutrition.
- Provide personalized wellness plans focusing on stress, immunity, digestion, and mental health.
- Authored four targeted 7-day meal plans (Brain Health, GERD, Immunity, Stress & Anxiety).
Skills
- Integrative Somatic Modalities
- Polyvagal Theory
- Advanced Vagal Toning
- Holistic Nutrition
- Active listening
- Trauma-informed
- Empathy
- Effective Communication Skills
- Ethical Decision Making
Accomplishments
The training listed here reflects the education most relevant to my current work in counselling and trauma-informed practice.
I am currently completing my training toward accreditation as a Registered Professional Counsellor, with supervised clinical hours in progress (1,725 hours).
My broader holistic training includes:
Rhodes Wellness College
- Certified Life Coach (ICF Recognized) | 54 hours
Embody Lab
- Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy | 60 hours
- Somatic EMDR Therapy | 60 hours
- Healing Trauma - Working with Somatic Wounds with Dr. Peter Levine | 8 hours
Shift Network
- Vagal Toning: Embodying Your Vibrant & Spiritual Self | 24 hours
- Advanced Vagal Toning: Cultivating Neuroplasticity | 24 hours
The Centre for Healing
- Trauma-Informed Coach | 20 hours
Embodied Philosophy
- Internal Family Systems | 8 hours
- NeuroAffective Touch with Dr. Aline LaPierre | 8 hours
Clear Being
- Soul Coach Diploma | 2,160 hours
Certification
- HTML & CSS (Levels 1 & 2), Vancouver Community College / George Brown College
- Writing for the Web, Vancouver Community College / George Brown College
- User Experience for the Web, Vancouver Community College / George Brown College
- Online Advertising, Vancouver Community College / George Brown College
- Google Analytics Fundamentals, Vancouver Community College / George Brown College
Timeline
Integrative Somatic Practitioner
The Vagus Effect
01.2023 - Current
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
The Vagus Effect
09.2021 - Current