I completed my bachelor degree in linguistics/french in Simon Fraser University in 2007, and soon obtained a government position in the Government of British Columbia as an intake worker serving a wide range of direct or indirect contacts to hospitals, corrections, care centres, and health facilities for fifteen years.

In 2014, I had to take time off to deal with a critical illness. It was a life transition for me to explore and experience the power of art therapy. I want to introduce this healing method to those who are in needs of this therapeutic process.

In 2021, I completed the 700 hours in both direct and non-direct clients’ contacts, and received direct supervisions in both Moving Forward Family Services and Vancouver Art Therapy Institute. In 2022, I graduated from both Athabasca University and Vancouver Art Therapy Institute and obtained the Master Degree of Counselling (MC) as well as the Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy (DVATI).

I am now registered with RCC as a Registered Clinical Counsellor under BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC RCC #20138), and Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA #61173274),

I completed my bachelor degree in linguistics/french in Simon Fraser University in 2007, and soon... Read More

My name is Brenda and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and Art Therapy as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. I have extensive experience in hospital settings and have spent several years working with diverse populations as an adapted fitness instructor and personal trainer.

I bring a holistic approach to my sessions that includes mindfulness, art therapy, body awareness, relationship building skills, self awareness, self compassion and emotion regulation. I work with diverse populations including children, youth, caregivers, families and adults across the age span to create change and move towards hope. My aim is to uncover the unique qualities, values, strengths and gifts of each individual in order to guide each individual that I work with to a place of healing and hope for the future. Through my multifaceted approach I work collaboratively with clients to find a way to a new path forward not just for the individuals I work with but also for their families, friends, caregivers and all those in their social support networks. My expertise includes art therapy, working with children and youth, indigenous populations, transgender youth, families, adults, mindfulness, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, trauma, Cultivating Safe Spaces and leading art therapy groups for caregivers of youth.

My name is Brenda and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical C... Read More

My name is Niki, a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a broad range of experience working with different populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. I had experience working on the US suicide prevention hotline, where I supported people in crisis over the phone. I’ve gained specialized training in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Opioid Poisoning Response, and SMART Recovery for substance use, which has helped me provide comprehensive support to clients in various life situations.

I specialize in helping clients navigate a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and grief. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapeutic approach that’s proven to to help individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and develop more effective coping strategies.

While I’ve found CBT to be incredibly useful, I’ve also come to recognize the importance of addressing emotional aspects that might be overlooked in traditional approaches. As I deepened my work with CBT, I began to integrate other therapeutic techniques, combining them with my own creative approach to customize treatment plans. I believe that every client is unique, and it’s essential to consider their individuality when crafting a therapy plan that truly supports their needs.

In addition to individual therapy, I am passionate about couples therapy, particularly the Gottman Method, which helps partners improve communication, manage conflicts, and strengthen their relationships by building a shared sense of meaning. I also integrate mindfulness and stress-management techniques to help my clients maintain emotional balance and clarity in their everyday lives.

Outside of my clinical practice, I am a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and committed to reducing the stigma surrounding therapy. I am an active member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and am currently in the process of joining the ICBC and CVAP counselling service provider programs. I am constantly seeking opportunities to grow, learn, and expand my skills to ensure I continue providing the best possible care for those who trust me with their mental health journey.

My name is Niki, a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a broad range of experience working with d... Read More