Building Safety, One Conversation at a Time: How Cecilia Mannella Created a Haven for Healing in the Fraser Valley
- Cecilia Mannella
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
From Dream to Reality
It all started at a lunch date with a friend where we dreamed of what we would want if we had our own group counselling practice. After hours of dreaming of the possibilities, we turned to each other and committed to making it a reality.
I was inspired to start Eterna out of frustration with what the community was lacking, for community members and employers. In 2009, there was a need for non-traditional and non-denominational counselling services. I envisioned an agency that stood out from the norm in our community by its unconventional approaches, innovation of practice, and a safe place for everyone.
What started as a dream turned into reality when we paid our deposit for our first office in September 2009. We officially opened our doors in December 2009, and I haven't looked back since.
Since that lunch, Eterna has grown into a team of over 20 gifted therapists, we've trained more than 50 students, we've served over 15,000 community members, sponsored non-profits, and continue to increase our impact in the community.
Meaning Behind the Name
I was reading a book and the term "Lux Eterna" was mentioned, which captivated me to search for the meaning. When I found out that the word Eterna comes from both the Latin meaning for 'eternal' and the European root for 'vital force' and 'life', I felt a homecoming of sorts, where one word captured the vision and mission I had envisioned.
Changing the Conversation
The biggest misconception is that therapy is for those who are "messed up." I have seen the public understanding of mental health evolve over the course of my 25-year career with the decrease of stigma. Despite the social changes, we still hear that people think they have to be suffering greatly before seeking services. We see therapy as a prevention for suffering, no one needs to struggle in isolation, we all deserve connection and support.
Building a Team With Heart
I look for heart, dedication, and a bit of weirdness, a willingness to be messy and vulnerable, to try new things, and support others on the team. I look for people who want to be part of a team, who see the success of others as a collective win and strive to do better every day.
Advice for First-Timers
Therapy is an act of bravery and courage, it takes a lot to admit that you don't have all the answers or the map to resolve the challenge you're currently facing. Asking for help takes courage, and I'm in awe of all the people who choose bravery every single day.
Therapy also doesn't have to be so serious, at Eterna, you'll often hear people laughing, because we believe that we can heal our pain through finding some humour in our own messiness. Therapy is about building safe and caring relationships where you can explore your life and your dreams.
Looking Ahead
Eterna has a big year ahead as we continue to grow our team and offer new ways to access support through groups, workshops, courses, and journals. Our intention is to provide more to the community and increase our impact to those who are seeking a safe place to explore their lives.
We see therapy as a prevention for suffering, no one needs to struggle in isolation, we all deserve connection and support. - Cecilia Mannella
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