AEDP-INFORMED THERAPY · SURREY, BC & ONLINE

Sometimes, understanding why you feel stuck isn't enough.

You might know where your anxiety, self-doubt, or relationship patterns come from—and still find yourself feeling the same way.

Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is an approach that helps us move beyond talking about feelings and toward gently experiencing and working through them, together.

Book a Free 30-Minute Intro Call

In-person in Surrey · Online across BC & Ontario

Warm, welcoming counselling room at InRelation Psychotherapy in Surrey

A space to feel, explore, and be met with care.

WHEN INSIGHT ISN'T THE WHOLE STORY

You can know something intellectually and still feel it emotionally.

Maybe you know you have a right to set boundaries, but guilt floods in when you try. You know you deserve care, but receiving it makes you uncomfortable. Or you can explain exactly why you fear rejection, yet the fear still feels immediate and real.

These responses often make sense in the context of what you've lived through. And while insight matters, change can also involve having a new emotional experience—not just a new explanation.

What if therapy helped you feel something different, not only think differently about yourself?

WHAT IS AEDP?

Healing happens in connection.

AEDP is an attachment-based, emotion-focused, and experiential therapy developed by psychologist Diana Fosha. One of its central ideas is that we don't have to face difficult emotional experiences alone.

Connection comes first

We build a relationship where you can feel supported, understood, and increasingly safe enough to explore what is difficult.

Emotions carry information

Rather than pushing feelings aside, we gently notice and make sense of them, including how they show up in your body.

New experiences matter

We pay attention to moments of relief, clarity, strength, or connection—and what it is like to experience them.

There is no pressure to access intense emotions or revisit painful memories before you're ready. The pace of our work is collaborative.

Hi, I’m Aïda 👋 You don't need to know exactly what you're feeling or how to explain it. We can start with what's difficult right now, and gently explore what comes up together, at a pace that works for you.

Book a Free 30-Minute Intro Call

✓ Phone or video✓ In-person in Surrey✓ Online across BC & Ontario

WHAT A SESSION CAN FEEL LIKE

We slow down enough to notice what is happening now.

Imagine telling me about a moment when you felt overlooked. We might explore the story, but we may also pause to notice the sadness beneath your frustration, the tension in your chest, or the part of you that wants to say something but holds back.

I might ask what it's like to share that with me, or what you notice when your feelings are met with understanding rather than dismissal.

We aren't trying to force a breakthrough. We're creating room for experiences that may have been difficult to feel, express, or share in the past.

WHAT AEDP-INFORMED WORK CAN SUPPORT

Making space for the parts of you that have been carrying so much.

An experiential, relational approach may be useful when you find yourself caught in familiar feelings or patterns, even after making sense of them.

Self-criticism and shame

Anxiety and emotional overwhelm

People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries

Relationship and attachment insecurity

Emotional disconnection or numbness

Relational trauma and painful past experiences

AEDP-informed therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment. We'll explore together whether this approach fits your needs.

Aïda Retta, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Psychotherapist

WORKING WITH ME

Warmth, curiosity, and room for your whole experience.

Hi, I'm Aïda, the therapist behind InRelation Psychotherapy. My approach is relational, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change can happen through new emotional experiences.

I've completed AEDP Essential Skills 1 training, and I integrate AEDP-informed ideas into my broader work alongside attachment-based, somatic, and other experiential approaches.

We can explore what feels difficult without losing sight of your strengths, cultural context, and the ways you've learned to protect yourself. You can always tell me when something isn't working, when you need to slow down, or when you'd like to take a different direction.

THERAPY OPTIONS

Meet in Surrey or from wherever you feel comfortable.

I offer individual psychotherapy and counselling for adults in two formats:

In-person in South Surrey

15350 Croydon Drive, Suite 201, Office 15, Surrey, BC.

Online across BC & Ontario

Secure video sessions from a private space that works for you.

Getting started

Book a free 30-minute call. We can talk about your hopes for therapy and answer your questions.

See how the fit feels. There's no obligation to continue after the call.

Begin at your own pace. Individual sessions are $160 for 60 minutes.

Book a Free Intro Call

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions about AEDP therapy

What does AEDP stand for?

AEDP stands for Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy. It is an attachment-based, experiential approach that works with emotions and the therapeutic relationship to support change.

Does AEDP mean I have to relive my trauma?

No. AEDP is not about forcing you to revisit painful experiences or become overwhelmed. We work collaboratively, paying attention to your readiness and what helps you feel grounded.

How is AEDP different from traditional talk therapy?

Alongside exploring your experiences and understanding patterns, AEDP brings attention to what you are feeling in the present moment, including physical sensations and your experience of being supported in the therapeutic relationship.

Is AEDP only for trauma?

No. AEDP-informed work may also be helpful for anxiety, self-esteem, emotional disconnection, shame, and relationship difficulties. We can discuss whether it is a good fit for your concerns.

Are you certified in AEDP?

No. I have completed AEDP Essential Skills 1 training and integrate AEDP-informed principles into my practice. I do not present myself as an AEDP-certified therapist.

Can we work online?

Yes. I offer online sessions throughout British Columbia and Ontario, as well as in-person sessions in South Surrey.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALL ALONE

There's room for something to feel different.

You don't need to have the right words, know where to begin, or have everything figured out. We can start with what feels difficult now—and explore what becomes possible together.

Book a Free 30-Minute Intro Call

In-person in Surrey, BC · Online across BC & Ontario

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