about

Why a Lotus Flower?
“Growing naturally in ponds, the lotus starts out rooted deep in mud and scum. In order to blossom, it must make its way through the murky water until it finally breaks the surface.
In time it emerges and blooms in the sun, beautiful and whole. Because of its unique transformation, the lotus has long been regarded as a symbol of enlightenment, purity, rebirth, and triumph over obstacles.” Buddhagroove

Why Universal Consciousness?
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” -Aristotle
The half-moon over the lotus flower in the logo represents universal consciousness. Universal consciousness represents the idea that we are all:
- Able to actively observe and understand all things within us and around us.
- Able to develop a high level of awareness to fully connect with ourselves and with what surrounds us consciously and authentically.
Meet Andrea
Hello!!
My name is Andrea Rivera, and here is a little bit about me.
With lived experience as a refugee, I devoted part of my life to helping refugees and immigrants through the challenges of settling in Canada. Through these experiences, I saw that mental health was a big challenge for this population and many others. I recognized that I needed to grow my knowledge of supporting others through their mental health journey to grant them the ability to build successful and fulfilling lives. I pursued my Masters’s in Counselling and, when I graduated, opened Universal Consciousness Psychotherapy and Wellness Services.
My aim is to create a place where you can feel supported and heard. I will provide you with a compassionate ear, free of judgment, so you may talk about the challenging experiences you are currently facing.
I do not have all the answers. I will, however, support you while you discover your answers to these challenges from within. Using my knowledge of evidence-based approaches and helping you identify your strengths, I can accompany you on your journey.
On this journey, I am here to provide you with my time and support as we work together through struggles and celebrate successes. We will collaborate to find a path that leads towards a better understanding of yourself, reconnecting to who you are and those around you.
Like the Lotus, we will walk past the murky waters and into the sunshine.