There is space for all of you here.

My name is Shay Manerikar and my pronouns are they/them/theirs.

I am a biracial, trans, and non-binary settler born in Canada. I'm descended from Indian immigrants and white settlers, and grew up in Treaty 7 territory in Alberta (Mohkinstis). I have been living in Lekwungen territory for two years, and feel a deep connection to these lands. As a settler, I am always deepening my understanding of how to decolonize my counselling practice and fulfill my responsibilities to the land and its original stewards.

I am a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. I have over 4 years experience working with both teenage and adult survivors of sexual violence and educating other professionals about how to support survivors in the work they do. I strive to work from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and strength-based lens that explores and affirms the impacts of politics, community, identity, environment, and relationships on mental health. My approach incorporates narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, self-compassion, the neurobiology of trauma, and somatic (body-based) interventions.

I believe that healing happens through authentic relationships where you feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. I bring my full self into the counselling room - I'm a nerdy human who loves to laugh, leans into the awkward, stumbles over my words, and acknowledges what I don't know. I have lived experience navigating chronic depression, accessing gender-affirming care, and finding my place in a world where I often felt I did not "fit."

I am honoured to walk with my clients through the messiness of healing and being human, together. We can laugh, cry, sit together in silence, celebrate your wins, rage against systems and people who have hurt you, ask questions, and explore hard truths. I invite you to show up exactly as you are and know that there is space for all of you here.

When I'm not counselling, you can find me drinking copious amounts of tea, reading all the books, lounging by the ocean or in the forest, obsessing over my two kitties, crafting, and spending quality time with friends.

 How I Show Up

  • Grounded

  • Curious

  • Compassionate

  • Authentic

  • Relatable

  • Direct

  • Consistent

Areas of Passion

  • 2SLGBTIAQ+

  • Sexual Assault & Abuse

  • Interpersonal Trauma

  • Gender Exploration

  • Hormone Care Planning

  • Racial Identity & Racism

  • Sex & Sexuality

  • Navigating Relationships

  • Communication & Boundary-Setting

  • Self-Compassion

I am currently accepting new clients.

I work with individual clients ages 13+

I offer in person and virtual sessions for my clients.

My session fee is $150 for a 50 minute session.

Email: shay@burnbrightcounselling.ca

 My Values

  • Authenticity

  • Accountability

  • Social Justice

  • Community

  • Empathy

  • Humour

  • Creativity

  • Playfulness

My Education & Registrations

  • Registered Social Worker - BC College of Social Workers RSW#14989

  • Master of Social Work - University of British Columbia Okanagan (2021)

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology - University of Calgary (2014)

Additional Learning

  • Certificate of Somatic Embodiment - Linda Thai (2024)

  • Foundations of Narrative Therapy - Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy (2022)

  • San'Yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (2022)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training - Interior Health (2021)

Book a consultation with Shay here