Paul Izenberg, BSc, MACP
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #24807)
Certified Canadian Counsellor(CCC #11245434)
Rates
Paul is now accepting new clients at Inner Knowing Therapy at a rate of $140 / 50 minute session and $200 / 80 minute session.
Insurance
Please contact your health insurance provider for counselling coverage under a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)or Certified Canadian Counsellor(CCC). You can submit your receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
About Paul
I was born in Los Angeles and grew up surfing along the Southern California coast. In my late teens, immersed in the rhythm of the ocean, I began reflecting more deeply on life and meaning. This led me to Tibetan Buddhism, which I began studying and practicing at eighteen. Over the next 20 years, I dedicated myself to the path of non-dual awareness, including six years living in Nepal and two cumulative years in strict meditation retreat.
Through that journey, I came to recognize an enduring wisdom at the heart of all human experience—an innate awareness that is fundamentally clear, kind, and spacious. While I no longer hold to all the metaphysical or cultural frameworks of that tradition, I am filled with gratitude to my teachers and the essential realization of the tradition remains central to my life and work.
Over several years, I’ve returned to my Jewish roots with new eyes—finding depth and beauty in its rituals, wisdom, language, and sacred symbols. My path continues to integrate these streams: non-dual contemplative practice, embodied awareness, and a heartfelt living connection to my heritage.
Along the way, I recognized areas within myself that needed further attention, maturity, healing, and growth. This recognition prompted me to return to university, where I earned a BSc in psychology and an MA in counselling psychology. Alongside my studies, I also sought the support of trained mental health professionals, deepening my understanding and personal development.
My Approach
You may feel overwhelmed by strong emotions or uncertain about your direction in life. You might be thoughtful, spiritual, or reflective, yet feel disconnected—from yourself, your purpose, or your path. You may be seeking clarity, resilience, and a grounded sense of being. You're not just looking to manage symptoms—you want to reconnect on a deeper level and live with more presence, depth, and authenticity. You may be longing for a quiet space to feel seen and supported as you rediscover what truly matters. I offer a space to slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with the clarity and wisdom already alive within you.
Transpersonal Counselling
I offer transpersonal counselling that draws on awareness, meditation, and spiritual or existential reflection. These sessions are always collaborative and tailored to your needs in the moment. Whether you’re exploring meaning, navigating transitions, or seeking to live more fully from your inner clarity, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.
Our sessions can include practical meditation instructions drawing inspiration from my over 20 years of immersion in an authentic tradition to help you come to the clear awareness that is at the core of who we are. I feel this is an important factor in emotional regulation. Equally important is integrating that deep awareness into the felt sense of the body, which is the theater of our emotions. Grounding my mind and body in pure awareness has benefited my life tremendously and is something I have a passion for sharing with clients.
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
For clients navigating trauma or painful life experiences, I also offer EMDR. Sometimes we need more than talk therapy to work through what we’ve carried. EMDR offers a powerful way to help the nervous system integrate and release trauma in a way that feels safe, grounded, and embodied. My practice of EMDR is framed in Polyvagal theory, emphasizing human connection and the nervous system to reprocess past experiences, current triggers, and future scenarios.
A Space for Jewish Clients
I also specialize in working with Jewish clients—all are welcome. I offer a safe, respectful space to explore spirituality, belonging, and meaning. You may be struggling with rising antisemitism, the ongoing pain of October 7th and its aftermath, or feeling alienated. You may be seeking a more personal and meaningful relationship with your heritage or with Jewish spiritual life. This space is here to meet you where you are—with someone you share a connection with.
An Invitation
If you're curious about working together, I welcome you to reach out. You're welcome just as you are. If something here resonates with you, feel free to schedule a free 20-minute consultation call—I'd be glad to connect and explore what might be helpful for you.
In my free time, I enjoy staying active through swimming, biking, and running and doing the occasional triathlon. I live on the beautiful west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, together with my wife and cat.
Education
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University (Graduated with Honours)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology - California Institute of Integral Studies
Certificates
EMDR Basic Training - Trauma Therapist Institute
Motivational Interviewing for Addiction - Dr. William Miller and Dr. Theresa Moyers.
Unified Protocol for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders - Dr. David Barlow & Dr. Todd Farchione
The Power of Awareness - Jack Kornfield & Tara Brach