“We know by now that there’s no such thing as normal—or rather, we’re all normal. We’re all made of the same parts as everyone else, organized in a unique way. No two alike.”
— Dr. Emily Nagoski, Come As You Are
CLINIC Founder & Psychotherapist
Amy Gordichuk, MA CCC
MY STORY
My approach is very relational, trauma-informed, and integrates mindfulness and embodied approaches to support nervous system regulation, safety, and self-trust. I work at the intersection of body, identity, and relationship, because I've learned that our bodies remember relational wounds that our conscious minds often can’t. With me, you'll feel a foundation of permission, safety, and love:
Permission to be messy and complicated.
Permission to feel without guilt.
Safety felt in the presence of others.
Safety in your own body.
Loved for who you are.
I have also received additional training in sex therapy, and while this is no longer the sole focus of my therapy practice, I am still very passionate about supporting folks looking to shed shame and create new sexual possibilities. I truly believe that life itself needs to be pleasurable in order to be sustainable - we all need and deserve pleasure. I hope to help others create a life not just worth living, but savouring.
I believe sexual wellness is an essential component of mental and physical health. We cannot simply separate or cut off our sexuality from the rest of our identity and life. Even though sex is such an important part of how we connect with ourselves and with others, during my MA Counselling Program, sex was hardly even mentioned in the curriculum – at least not outside of the contexts of trauma or pathology. My passion pushed me to pave my own way, but most therapists don’t receive any training on sexuality.
Like many folks, I didn’t grow up in a sex-positive community. I went to a Catholic School and received minimal, fear-based sex education (boys and girls in separate rooms). But also like many folks, I was curious. I can vividly recall as a young child sneakily watching the Sunday Night Sex Show with Sue Johanson – late at night when I was supposed to be asleep. I excitedly educated my friends about what I learned about blow jobs, anal penetration, and the clitoris! I can even remember putting the show on at my friend’s house during a sleepover (which they all loved too). I dreamed about being Sue Johanson one day (I’d like to note I was in elementary school and already fantasizing about being a sex educator). While I don’t have my own sex talk show, it’s my personal goal to normalize talking openly and comfortably about sex and intimacy. Isn’t it wild that individuals/couples can have sex but cannot talk about it?! I’m deeply passionate about destigmatizing sex and empowering others to embrace their true desires.
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Speaking of a life worth savouring… I’m deeply committed to creating my own pleasure-filled life. I’m curious, adventurous, a nature- and travel-enthusiast, wife to an amazing man, and dog mom to the cuddliest and goofiest Cockapoo (I know, I know – a sex therapist with a Cockapoo). I intentionally take time every day to mindfully soak in the pleasures that life offers – however small. It might be searching for beach glass, noticing the tiniest mushrooms in the forest, taking in a beautiful sunset, savouring a delicious dessert, snuggled under a fuzzy blanket, watching cute animal videos, snacking on buttery popcorn, or breathing in the fresh ocean air. I also love a good sauna and cold plunge ritual!
While the truth is I cannot help everyone (no therapist can), I aim to provide inclusive and accessible services and to create an environment that is trauma-informed, judgment-free, body-neutral, kink-aware, ethical non-monogamous-affirming, and pleasure-centered. I would also like to acknowledge that my position as a white, able-bodied, cishet woman gives me immense privilege and shapes how I navigate this world. I commit to reflecting on my behaviour and my practice each day to ensure I am being actively anti-racist and de-colonial.
My values
01
Connection
I believe that intimate relationships are rooted in attachment – our early experiences form relational patterns and shape our understanding of partnership and sexuality. We can’t shut the bedroom door and leave behind our fears of rejection, abandonment, or of not being ‘good enough’. By reconnecting with yourself and accessing your inner histories, we can break the unhelpful patterns that may have been inherited, so you can foster caring relationships beyond the therapy space.
02
Authenticity
I encourage my clients to explore pleasure and embrace their relational and sexual needs without judgment. By challenging unrealistic, societal expectations, we can dismantle the toxic shame surrounding sexuality and pleasure. Without the shackles of shame, we can embark on a unique journey of self-discovery to uncover and embrace your true sexual self.
03
Playfulness
In my practice, I promote curiosity and joy in exploration. Playfulness invites us to try new things, let go of perfectionism, and approach desire with a sense of wonder and openness, making space for discovery and pleasure in unexpected ways. Sex is about connection, not perfection.
04
Pleasure-centered
You deserve pleasure. In the wise words of adrienne maree brown, “Pleasure is the point. Feeling good is not frivolous, it is freedom.” Pleasure is a crucial life force – it connects us, sustains us, enriches our experiences and makes life worth living. We are wired to feel and experience pleasure. Yet, we often deprive ourselves with fears of being selfish or indulgent. But I’m here to tell you pleasure is not a luxury – Pleasure is yours to have.
Education & Training
Formal Education
I completed my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2016, and later attended the University of Guelph's Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program in 2017. I’ve also studied with Options for Sexual Health in Vancouver, and am a professional member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). After working in the non-profit setting, I opened my own private practice in 2018 in Victoria, BC. When 2020 rolled around, like most other Canadian counsellors, I transitioned to offering online services. While I have maintained a thriving practice in BC for several years, I have temporarily relocated to the Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia. I've retained my BC certification (CCC) as well as obtained my license as a Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) to practice in Nova Scotia.
Specializations & Trainings
First and foremost, I am client-centred and believe in working collaboratively, so I will honour your unique journey. Together, we will create a relaxed, open space where you can be honest about your sexual questions, needs, and wants. I primarily practice interpersonal-attachment (relational) psychotherapy, and will often incorporate embodiment and somatic practices (body-based) to help my clients to reconnect and find safety in their body. I believe being curious about and listening to our body helps to uncover our deeper, inner histories, so we can repair our early attachment injuries.
My curious nature fuels an ongoing desire to explore and deepen my knowledge, so I consider myself a lifelong learner. I’ve read countless books and listened to podcast after podcast (some of my favourites are linked on my resources page), attended community gatherings and experiential workshops, collaborate and consult on cases with colleagues, and of course, regularly learn through my own therapy.
If you're also a curious human and would like to hear about my other training and qualifications, you can read more about my formal education and training below.
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Integrative Sex and Couples Certification Training: Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) Course with Dr. Tammy Nelson (In Progress)
Beyond Sex Addiction: A Compassionate Model for Treating Out of Control Sexual Behaviors with Douglas Braun-Harvey, Mind Body Training Institute
The Rules of the New Monogamy: The Changing Face of Committed Relationships, PESI
Ethical Non-Monogamy Training for Therapists with Cherish Dorrington
Healing from Affairs Training with Tammy Nelson: Moving Past the Trauma of Betrayal and Infidelity, PESI
Overcoming the Challenges in Consensual Non-monogamous Relationships with Jessica Fern & David Cooley, Mind Body Training Institute
Compassion-Based Approaches for Working with Shame, Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer
"When Love Hurts" Certified Training for Helping Professionals (2-day Workshop in 2022)
The Science of Female Sexuality with Dr. Stephanie Buehler, Mind Body Training Institute
2-Day Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification Workshop: EMDR, CBT, and Somatic-Based Interventions to Move Clients from Surviving to Thriving, PESI
Anti-Asian Racism and Gender-Based Violence: Historical and Contemporary Realities, Learning Network and Knowledge Hub webinar
Diverse Voices Family Violence Conference 2021
Gender Diversity in the Workplace: Strong practices for supporting trans, non-binary, & Two-Spirit clients and colleagues, Ambit Gender Diversity Consulting
Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) Workshop, Options for Sexual Health (4-day Training in 2019)
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: 2-Day Foundational Group Training with Candice Monson
Canadian Institute For Military And Veteran Health Forum (2018)
Level 1 Narrative Therapy Training, The Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy
The Canadian Mental Health Summit: Advanced Interventions and Strategies For Frontline Professionals (2018)
Compassion Fatigue & Burnout
A Psychological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT)
Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST): A New Approach to Addictions, Eating Disorders, Suicidality & Self-Destructive Behaviours
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
The Body Releases Trauma And Restores Goodness with Peter Lavine, PESI