CHILD/YOUTH & PLAY THERAPY

Play Therapists

Lisa Moore - Counsellor

DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth, Adults and Family Therapy 

SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Special Needs Advocacy and Diagnosis, Anxiety, Depression, Career Counselling, Addictions, LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal Issues, Grief

Lisa Moore, ma
MA Counselling Psychology, RCC, CCC
Clinical Counsellor

Languages: English & French

It’s my goal to help people heal and grow through periods of transitions in their lives. Many of us experience loss, grief or unhappiness as we transition from one role to another in our daily lives. 

It’s my honour to help counsel you during these difficult transitions and help you heal from any of these experiences: 

  • Dreams you don’t achieve
  • Changes in career
  • Diagnosis of a child with special needs
  • A loved one entering long term care
  • Divorce from a spouse 
  • Beginning of a new marriage
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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through BCACC. I am also licensed through CCPA and hold a CCC license. I completed my Masters of Counselling Psychology at Trinity Western University and began working in my own private practice in 2016.  Before going back to school to pursue my masters, I worked as a senior executive in sales and marketing.  I believe that my unique education has allowed me to help people grow and develop and create change for themselves.

About 10 years ago, I became involved in helping a family with special needs children and it was through that journey that I came to the work I am most passionate about; helping parents of special needs families. Using play therapy, I am able to access children for ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Autism and other types of learning disabilities.

The following list below are my areas of specialization:

  • Personal development
  • Assertiveness / Boundaries
  • Depression, anxiety & panic disorders
  • Phobias
  • Past or recent trauma or abuse
  • Relationship and couples counselling
  • Addictions
  • Divorce, separation and blended families
  • Eating disorders and addictions
  • Life transitions
  • Gender dysphoria, LGBTQ transitions & other issues
  • Communication building
  • Grief counselling
  • Career planning

CHILD AND YOUTH THERAPY

  • Child play therapy
  • Self esteem and confidence coaching
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Career exploration with youth
  • Dealing with separation and divorce from the child and parents perspective
  • Helping parents and children with strategies to deal with ADHD and ADD
  • Assessments for Autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder 

PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY AND MEDIATION:

  • Access to assessments and diagnosis
  • Psycho-educational, Autism, ADHD testing
  • Referral to local psychologists for assessments and testing
  • Referral to local behavioural consultants and creating a behavioural intervention team
  • Mediation with school districts and IEP planning
  • Access to 3rd party funding and Ministry of Children and Family case workers
  • Completing government and agency paperwork to obtain funding, therapy and resources
  • Family planning at transitional ages: birth, school age and adult

 

      Michael Zibauer - Counsellor

      DEMOGRAPHIC: Children, Youth and Family Therapy

      SPECIALTIES: Play Therapy, Working with Neuro-diverse children, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and Depression

      Ages: Under and Over 6

      Amanda Morazain, MA
      MA Counselling Psychology, RCC, CCC
      Clinical Counsellor

      Languages: English

      I love working with kids and offer them mental health support in a fun, friendly, and compassionate space. I use play therapy to help children express and process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences while guiding them in building coping skills and emotional regulation.

      Children are not always able to find the words to express challenges they are facing or how they are feeling. Play therapy creates a safe, stress-free place to learn new problem-solving skills, practice empathy, build self-esteem and respect for others, while building language and communication skills. It gives children the chance to share and speak with a trusted adult who can objectively help them figure out their day-to-day.

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      I use an integrative, case-specific approach, finding what works best for you and your children. As a parent you know that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to kids and it is no different when it comes to therapy.

      I have experience working with clients who are neurodivergent and recognize the unique differences that come with that. I have supported children and youth with ADHD, Autism, ODD, anxiety, depression, and OCD.

      I am a part of the Crossroads Collective high conflict team where I support children and teens navigate tense family situations and dynamics, and also help parents be the best support that they can be for their children while they are going through challenging times.

      I am also grateful that I can meld my two passions: psychology and music together to offer music-integrated therapy as part of play therapy. This can be particularly helpful for children to calm their autonomic nervous system, reduce anxiety, build self-confidence and competency through a creative outlet that brings happiness.

      I am here to help find what works for you and your children and would love to be a part of your journey.

      counsellor-marie

      DEMOGRAPHIC: Toddler, Child, Youth, Adult, Adults 65+ Individual and Groups

      SPECIALTIES: Grief & Loss, Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Low self-worth,Confidence Relationship and couples/Physical and Mental abuse

      Ages: Under and Over 6

      Gurdeep Patara, RPC-C
      Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling,
      Counselor Candidate

      Languages: English and Punjabi

      Children have the ability to connect with others while they are playing. As a play therapist, we are able to create that bond with the kids who are going through things at school or at home and have difficulty expressing those feelings. My approach to play therapy is to individualize treatment plans for all my clients. I feel it is better to cooperatively work with children to help them be and feel their best in whatever situation they can go through. Whether that is to help them with confidence, self-awareness, self-control, and self-esteem. I create activities or play games that are customized to help with stress, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, or big emotions my clients may be dealing with. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen to them vent their frustrations. With whatever situation your child may be dealing with, I provide a warm, caring, empathetic, nurturing environment that will allow your child to be safe to feel their feelings in a non-judgemental space.

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      I work with children and youth of all ages.

      My specialties include:

      • ADHD
      • ASD
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • OCD
      • Separated/Divorced parents
      • Childhood traumatic events
      • Bullying
      • Discrimination
      • Racism

      I also help and coach the families to learn more about their child’s needs and where they can help and support at home. I look forward to meeting your child and creating an environment where they can flourish, grow and thrive to be the best version of themselves.

      Michael Zibauer - Counsellor

      DEMOGRAPHIC: Youth, Adults

      SPECIALTIES: Individual and couples counselling, Personal development, Chronic Disease Counselling and Grief, Co-parenting counselling and blended families

      Ages: Over 6

      Katerina Medina
      MA Counselling Psychology
      Clinical Counselor Intern

      Languages: English & Czech

      I am an Intern in Clinical Counselling. I completed a Master’s degree in Psychology from Harvard Extension School, Harvard University in Cambridge MA, placing on the Dean’s list. I am currently completing a diploma program in Clinical Counselling from Kelowna School of Professional Counselling. I love the human mind, psychology and am very passionate about being a clinical counsellor.

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      I have spent most my previous working career supporting individuals and families in their struggle with mostly physical health. I worked as a Primary Care Paramedic for 12 years and a Respiratory Therapist for 10 years. This experience allows me to be very understanding, compassionate and supportive while helping you navigate and work through issues and obstacles to achieve your goals and maintain a good quality of life. I strongly believe that body and mind are equally vital. I strive to provide a safe, comfortable, inclusive; and compassionate space for everyone I work with.

      SERVICES I provide include:

      Individual and couples counselling

      Grief and issues surrounding chronic health problems

      Trauma and Post-traumatic stress

      Personal development

      Life transitions

      Depression and anxiety

      Co-parenting counselling and blended families

      Michael Zibauer - Counsellor

      DEMOGRAPHIC: Under 6, children, youth, adults, elderly, 2sLGBTQIA+ individuals

      SPECIALTIES: Anxiety, self-esteem, autism, ADHD, emotion regulation, queer-allied, neuro-affirming

      Ages: Under and Over 6

      Domonique Murdoch
      MA Counselling Psychology
      Clinical Counselor Intern

      Languages: English

      With a deep understanding of the power of play, I strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can express themselves freely. Through the use of various play techniques, I help children explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies.

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      My gentle and empathetic approach allows children to feel heard and understood, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being. I work with children of all ages, including under 6. My experience working with children has shown me that a caring therapeutic relationship is the necessary foundation for healing. 

      I have extensive experience working with neurodiverse children and families, which has led me to prioritize the needs of neurodiverse children in my practice. I am also passionate about the needs of 2sLGBTQIA+ children and families and am committed to social justice and advocacy in this area. 

      I graduated from UBCO with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology, and I am working towards my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I am also working towards my play therapy certification and am always interested in integrating new learnings into my approach. 

      Speciality areas: 

      • Under 6 years 
      • Anxiety
      • Self-esteem
      • Neurodivergence 
      • Autism
      •  ADHD, 
      • Emotion regulation
      • 2sLGBTQIA+ clients 

      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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      Based on 94 reviews
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