COUNSELLING

Associate Counsellors

Michael Zibauer - Counsellor

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Young Adults, Women, Seniors

SPECIALTIES: Anxiety, Depression, Divorce/Separation, Relationship Issues, Losses, Life
Changes, Stress Management, Boundaries, Emotional Regulation, Self-Esteem, Burn-out,
Career Planning

Jeanne Griesel (Nortje), RPC-C
Associate Counsellor and Virtual Counsellor

Languages: English and Afrikaans

Everyone wants to be heard. It is my aim in practice to listen with interest and without judgement as I help you work through obstacles that have come on your path. To further self-discovery I believe in creating a space that is safe and knows no boundaries. Working from a person-centred approach, I believe that you are your own best-expert. Helping you learn to understand how all aspects of life can impact mental health and guide you towards achieving your individual goals. It is a privilege to walk with you on the journey to healing, celebrating and mitigating life’s ups and downs. My hope is to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship with you by treating you genuinely and empathically.

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I believe in a counselling setting where we work together to explore and discover your individual strengths and develop skills to overcome life’s challenges and adversities to ultimately achieve fulfilment and overall well-being.

I can offer counselling and support in the following areas:

  • Relationship difficulties
  • Trauma
  • Losses
  • Life transitions
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Process addictions
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Burnout
  • Self-Esteem
  • Anger Management 

I decided to pursue a career in counselling when I was standing with a sales client trying to navigate his recent separation from his spouse. I remember standing there desperate to help and feeling completely helpless. That was the day I discovered my passion for people and helping them realise their absolute potential in mitigating difficult situations.

As an Immigrant to Canada, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the therapy room and understand the importance of being able navigate life’s uncertainties and changes. Immigration has also taught me the importance of relationships and community and how difficult it can be to adapt to a new culture or surroundings.

Michael Zibauer - Counsellor

DEMOGRAPHIC:  Individuals, Adults, Youth, Children, Couples

SPECIALTIES: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Boundaries, Personal Development, Grief, Life Transitions, Anger, Abuse, Addictions, Self Esteem, Relationships, Communication, Cultural/ Racial Identity, Loss, Wellness, Emotional Regulation, LGBTQS+ Issues

 

Ruby Sall
Associate Counsellor

Languages: English, Punjabi

Hi I’m Ruby Sall, a Clinical Counsellor and Child Play Therapist. Sometimes navigating challenges can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage when our capacity feels full. We often feel alone and lost in these personal experiences, often relying on uncomfortable means of coping. If you are here, it means you’re beginning the difficult step to reach out and foster your mental wellness.

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I use an integrative trauma informed approach to therapy which includes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy and Person Centered, to best suit your needs. I see humans as holistic beings through a biopsychosocial lens, acknowledging the interplay of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of our contexts. I have had the privilege of working with an array of clients and their challenges, including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, ADHD, processing grief, and life transitions. At the heart of my approach is the therapeutic relationship, which is built on unconditional positive regard, non-judgment, empathy and safety.

 

I have a background in Psychology and World Literature from Simon Fraser University, and currently at the end of my Master of Arts in Clinical Counselling Psychology thesis program at Adler University. Prior to graduate training, I worked as researcher within the field which influenced my keen interest in understanding the human experience, along with supporting and advocating for individuals in crisis and at risk. I take it to be the greatest honor to be a witness to and have the opportunity to hold people’s stories in a therapeutic setting.  Most importantly I would like to acknowledge the important first step you are taking in seeking therapy.

 

 These are some examples of areas  I can support you with:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Mood Disorders
  • ADHD/Neurodivergence 
  • Self Confidence and Self-Esteem
  • Life Transitions
  • Body Image
  • Grief and Loss
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Wellness 
  • Divorce/ Separation
  • Assertiveness/Boundary Setting
  • Cultural/Racial Identity
  • LGBTQ+ Challenges 
  • Family Dynamics/Conflict
  • Relationship Challenges
  • Time Management
  • Addiction 
Shannon Lawrence - Behavioural Technician

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults & Parents

SPECIALTIES:  Child Play Therapy, Assessments for various Diagnoses, ADHD, Autism, ODD

Shannon Lawrence

Associate Counsellor, Certified Play Therapist & Behavioural Programmer

Languages: English

Are you stuck at a crossroad in your life, and you are not sure which road to take? Let me assist you in teaching you the skills you need to grow yourself and or your children. I can help your child deal with unexpected life struggles and behaviors. Or are you struggling with a recent separation/divorce? I can help! I have experience in Play Therapy, CBT, Grief Therapy, and run Grief Support Groups. I can be utilized as a Behavioural Consultant, Play Therapist, or Grief Therapist. My goal is to help you support your child or support you in your journey right now.

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As an empathic listener for my clients, I treat them with kindness and a non-judgemental approach. I believe that all people pose an internal drive towards positive change and growth. Let me assist you in reaching new goals for your child/youth and family. I have had experience working with a wide range of children and families, blended, or separated.

Some of the diagnoses that I have worked with are Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, ODD, OCD, Behavior Issues, Stress, Autism, Grief. I have helped families in all these areas, plus more. I have a passion for teaching, playing, learning, and bringing out the best in all. Let me assist you on your journey or your child’s journey. We are in this together!

Michael Zibauer - Counsellor

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Young Adults, New Moms, Families

SPECIALTIES: Play therapy, Gender affirming LGBTQ+ care, Neuro diverse affirming, Anxiety, Fear, Self-esteem, Behaviour Intervention, School and academic related challenges, supporting parents with Autism/ADHD/ADD/ODD diagnosis and psychoeducation.

 

Mansi Parekh
Associate Counsellor

Languages: English, Hindi & Gujarati

Your story, your pain and your collection of struggles and memories are unique to you. My overall goal in therapy is to build a grounded relationship with my clients and facilitating them to. My approach is interactive, warm, and accepting; helping my client, which includes children, youth, young adult, and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole, and safe.

I follow eclectic approach to therapy as I believe there is no one size fits all approach to therapy. We will spend time understanding exactly what you are experiencing and why so that when you start making changes that improve your life, they will stick.

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I prefer in utilizing an integrative approach in which they blend different but complimentary theories to work with their client in the most effective way. This flexible approach enables the counselling experience to be tailored to the individual needs and style of each client. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where relationship can thrive.

I have earned my Bachelor’s in Developmental Counseling and Master’s in Psychology from India. Also have 6+ years of experience of working with children and young youth both in elementary and secondary schools as a counselor and as academia support teacher. I plan to educate myself again in Canada starting May 2022 with master’s in counselling psychology. I have experience working with a broad range of mental health difficulties along with life challenges. I have worked alongside parents and teachers and other professionals. My main areas of focus are those who present with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. I also work with those who have experienced grief/loss, life transitions (school, work, moving), anger, bullying/discrimination and conflict resolution.

Nadine Viker - Behavioural Technician

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults, Families

SPECIALTIES: Depression and Anxiety, Life transitions, Grief and Loss,  Substance Use and Addiction, Trauma, Illness

 

Ana-Maria Comia, DVATI, RTC
Associate Counsellor, Registered Therapeutic Counselor, RTC

Languages: English, Romanian

Art Therapy as well as the other expressive therapies are unique in that they bridge cultural and language divides. I am passionate about helping my clients find their voice through artistic expression and transforming their pain and trauma into something capable of supporting growth and a meaningful future.

I have a background in outreach and community support and have worked with individuals and families in crisis. I truly believe in our ability to overcome trauma and tragedy through connection and creativity and I will meet you where you are. 

 

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I am an Art Therapist and a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with training in individual and group counselling and work with children, teens and adults. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology with the University of British Columbia and my postgraduate diploma with the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. My theoretical lens is Humanistic and Person Centered and I take a Strengths-based approach to therapy. 

As a parent with a child in the local school district I also have an intimate awareness of the limitations and challenges of navigating the system while advocating for their needs and dealing with the constant turnover in staff. I support kids and their families in pursuing assessment, meeting their education goals and managing difficult behaviours. In addition to neurodiversity and learning disabilities, I also support kids and their families through separation and divorce and provide a stable and consistent environment through this difficult transition. 

If you are looking for support with the following issues, please reach out for a free information session:

  • Major life transitions (pregnancy, illness, career changes, loss)
  • Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorders
  • Past or recent trauma or abuse
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Grief and loss
  • Divorce and Separation
  • Relationship Issues
  • Personal development and Identity Exploration
  • Sexuality Conflicts/Questions
  • Self Harming and Suicidality
  • Mental Health Concerns due to Chronic Pain, Illness and Injury
Nadine Viker - Behavioural Technician

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults, Parents, Families

SPECIALTIES: Neurodivergent Children and Youth (Autism, ADD, ADHD, Sensory Processing), Anxiety, Depression, Past or Recent Trauma or Abuse, Coping Skills, Family and Relationship Conflict, Parenting, Divorce/Separation, Burnout, Career Planning, Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence Building, Stress Management, Personal Development, Emotional Regulation, Communication Skills, Life Transitions (New Parent), 2SLGBTQIA+ support

Brandi Woods
Associate & Virtual Counsellor

Languages: English

I wholeheartedly trust that every individual has the innate ability to heal when met with genuine support in a safe, empathetic, and collaborative environment. Through a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach, I hope to walk alongside you on your wellness journey. A few benefits of therapy can be an increased awareness of self and others, the development of adaptive coping skills, and improved self-esteem. It can also help navigate challenging life experiences such as relationship conflict or the transition to parenthood.

I aim to foster a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust and authenticity. My approach is holistic, person-centred, and strengths-based. I draw on evidence-based techniques from emotion-focused, mindfulness, and play therapies. I take great care to provide neurodivergent and gender-affirming care, and I believe individual differences are to be respected and celebrated.

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I am pursuing my Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designation through the BCACC. I attained my graduate degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University and an undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology. My formal education and personal life experiences have provided me with a unique perspective on the complex mind-body connection. 

Over the past decade, I have worked in the community with children and adolescents, both neurodiverse and neurotypical. I am passionate about working with the next generation and am deeply honoured when I am given the opportunity to help a child or adolescent flourish. My hope is to support children and their families who have unique differences. I also believe in a collaborative relationship with parents and other caregivers to promote a positive support network to surround the child or youth.

At the start of your therapeutic journey, we will collaborate on individualized goals that align with your unique needs. My warm, gentle, and attentive nature will hopefully foster validation, empowerment and encouragement. While therapy is a temporary process, and my greatest desire for all my clients is for them to arrive at a place where they feel they no longer need me, my door is always open. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your path to wellness.

We are here to support you along your journey.

We are now accepting both virtual appointments as well as in-person appointments.  Click below and schedule your first visit today!

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