About Lily

It's great to meet you.

I'm glad that you're here. Whether you're feeling stuck, navigating changes, or just looking to enjoy life more, I would love to work with you.

To get the most out of sessions, it's important that my approach feels like a good fit. Read more about me and how I work below.

Introduction

A bit about me

My name is Lily. I love working with and learning from people, and I’m interested in all things related to psychology, neuroscience, and human relationships. I’ve spent years as a coach, peer supporter, and crisis line worker.

Lived experience

Like many of us, I've had experiences of trauma and mental health challenges. I know the grit and perseverance it takes to keep going, to grow, and move forward into a life that you may not have even dared hope for. These experiences inform my work, and I have the deepest respect for anyone putting in the effort to improve their wellbeing.

Lily Kaufmann

Personal

I grew up in Winnipeg, and then spent several years traveling and living in cities all around the world. I love adventuring and exploring new places - but since I moved to Vancouver 5 years ago, this has felt like home.

Neurodivergence

I was diagnosed with ADHD late in life. I've really enjoyed learning how to set up my life in ways that work for my brain.

Sports & movement

I'm an athlete at heart. Sports and movement have always been an important part of my life. I spent 15+ years as a competitive diver, competing in NCAA, national, and international competitions. After a career-ending injury and many life transitions, I found my way back to movement. I now train, teach, and perform partner acrobatics. It's been such a powerful experience to rediscover the joy of movement, connect with community, and make space for a childhood passion in my adult life.

Modalities

Approaches

Nothing works for everyone. I bring together different approaches in my sessions, based on what you need. However, all my work is trauma-informed and centered around harm reduction.

Somatic

Somatic

Our nervous systems shape so much of how we feel, think, and behave. Just talking about things doesn't always do the trick. By using somatic therapy, we can tap into the body and become more aware of our responses, learn to shift between activated and relaxed states, process trauma, and access deep rest.

Parts-work

Parts-work

It's common to feel torn, uncertain, or conflicted (part of me wants this, but another part wants that!). Sometimes we are inconsistent, or behave in ways that are not aligned with our values. Therapy can help us understand the different parts of ourselves and help them work as a team.

Interpersonal

Interpersonal

Humans are social creatures. Often, what hurts us most is other people, and what heals us most is other people. By becoming more aware of our expectations of ourselves and others, we can move towards connections that feel safer and more fulfilling.

Solution-focused

Solution-focused

Sometimes we get so lost in what’s going wrong, we forget what’s going right. In sessions, we’ll find what’s already working, and build on it. You have successes and strengths that can help you get where you want to go.

Trauma-informed

Trust is earned, never expected. We will work at your pace and make sure that you have choice, information, and opportunities to shape what sessions look like for you.

Harm reduction

Many coping strategies (like substance use, self-harm, and suicidal ideation) can be difficult to talk about. You can bring these topics to your sessions without fear of judgment. I see my role as providing information and support, so you can make informed choices about what works best for you.

Education & credentials

Expertise & experience

Education

  • Master of Counselling — City University of Seattle (in progress)
  • Master of Human Rights — University of Manitoba (2021)

Selected training

  • Sport Psychology & Athletic Counseling Course for Clinicians (PESI, 2026)
  • Finding a Faster Way to Treat Trauma: A Neurobiologically Informed Approach (PESI, 2025)
  • Complex PTSD Clinical Workshop: A Comprehensive Approach (PESI, 2025)
  • IFS in Action Master Class by Richard Schwartz (PESI, 2025)
  • Violence Prevention and Intervention (Battered Women's Support Services, 2025)
  • 10-Day Silent Meditation Retreats (Vipassana)

Areas of Interest

Mental health for athletes Complex trauma Dissociation Disorganized attachment Neurodivergent-affirming Poly/CNM-informed Queer-affirming

Not sure where to begin?

A free 15-minute introduction call is the first step. We'll find the right path together.

Book 15-Min Intro Call