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Lavender Counsellors

Finding the right counsellor to support you is incredibly important.

Finding the right counsellor to support you is incredibly important. You want someone who is professionally trained in supporting your specific issue and who feels comfortable for you to talk with. Research has consistently shown that the relationship you have with your counsellor contributes more to you making change than any other factor.1 Relationship is considered the single most curative component in therapy.2 It might surprise you that your relationship with your counsellor has so much influence on you making change. But, take a moment to consider how much you respond to support from someone you don’t genuinely like or respect. Clients attribute their positive therapy outcomes to therapists3 who are “warm, attentive, interested, understanding, and respectful”.4

Our team is made up of highly skilled counsellors who go through rigorous hiring practices to ensure they meet the Lavender Counselling standard for care. As a group, we value the client-counsellor relationship so highly that all of our counsellors offer a complimentary conversation (20 minutes) so you can get a sense of the counsellor and ensure that it is a good fit. If you don’t feel like you connect, we welcome you to do a complimentary conversation with as many of our counsellors as you wish in order to find just the right counsellor for you. If 20 minutes doesn’t feel long enough for you to get a sense of the counsellor, you can book a full 50 minute session and we will pro-rate your fee to half price to ensure you get the benefit of our complimentary conversation.

Take a look at our individual bios and pay attention to which counsellor you seem to be drawn to. We look forward to meeting you.

Registered Clinical Counsellors

Heidi Maxwell

MA (In progress)

Hannah Nguyen

M.Ed., RCC, CCC

  • Children | Teens | Adults
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Intercultural concerns
  • Relationship & Boundaries
  • Teachers

Kate Mackay

M.Ed., RCC

  • Teens | Adults
  • Academic/school related issues
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Emotional distress
  • Relationship issues

Tara Blake

MC, RCC

  • Teens | Adults
  • Aging, Menopause & Empty nest
  • Caregivers of children BCCH
  • Career Change & Personal Dev
  • Pain or Illness

Caitlin Zalm

MA, RCC

Mitra Mirshafie

M.Ed., CCC, (English & Persian)

  • Children | Teens | Adults
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Cross cultural challenge
  • Life Transitions
  • Self Worth/Esteem

Allison Esau

M.Ed., RCC, CCC

  • Teens | Adults
  • Challenges for Teenagers
  • LGBTQ+ Issues
  • Religious /Spiritual Trauma
  • Regulating Emotions

Brittany Lasanen

MA, RCC

  • Adults
  • Feeling inadequate
  • Perfectionism
  • Grief & Loss (pet loss)
  • Fear & Overwhelm

Ali Alexander

MA, RCC, CCC

Ajay Erasmus

MA, RCC, CCC

Jenn Moudahi

MA, RCC, CCC

John Murray

MA, RCC, CCC, CT

Carolynn Turner

MA, RCC, CCC, CT

  • Only working with
  • Counsellors
  • Supervision, Supervision of Supervision,
  • Consent Agreements

Heidi Maxwell

MA (In progress)

Book
My experiences with life, death, despair, love, bliss, and everything in between helped me realize that fundamentally people need people. I will walk alongside you as you (re)discover and connect with who you truly are and what you envision for yourself. I will support you in the process of self-exploration which may include identifying your underlying beliefs and patterns, developing self-awareness, cultivating self-compassion, opening yourself up to growth and inspiration or working to achieve your goals.

Location

Office 2 - #360 8029 199 Street

Hannah Nguyen

M.Ed., RCC, CCC

BookEmail: hannah@lavendercounselling.com
I am honoured to witness and to journey alongside with each client that I meet. As a counsellor at Lavender Counselling, I am humbled by the strength and resiliency that each individual possesses. I value the collaborative and relational nature of counselling, and will work with you from a place of warmth, non-judgement, and acceptance. I look forward to engaging with you in this work, and in walking alongside you in this journey.
At times, life transitions and change can become too challenging to navigate alone. Before becoming a counsellor, I grew up struggling in trying to navigate between different social groups and environments. I commonly experienced a tension in how my various cultural and group memberships had me experiencing connection as well as alienation from others as well as from myself. I was inspired to become a counsellor as I heard from others – friends, family members, the children, youth, and adults I had worked alongside – sharing their own stories of navigating through life’s challenges, their emotional scars, and in triumphing despite hurdles and injustices. As a counsellor, I endeavor to create a safe and welcoming space for you to explore and share your own story of struggle and triumph.
Before landing at Lavender Counselling, I had received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria, and had completed my Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Counselling and Human Development from Simon Fraser University. I received my Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. In my work as a counsellor, I have worked with clients primarily through a relational, humanistic, and person-centered lens. I have continued to work in expanding my competency in areas such as trauma-informed practices, as well as in child and youth counselling. I have completed workshops and trainings in: Trauma-Informed Practice Level 1 & 2; Helping Children Heal from Complex Trauma (Children’s Foundation); in working with Trauma Exposed Professionals (Warrior Health); and in Play Therapy 1 & 2 (Justice Institute of British Columbia).
With warmth, I welcome you to Lavender Counselling. I look forward to being able to meet with you, and in hearing your story.

Location

Office 1 - #101 8047 199 St

Kate Mackay

M.Ed., RCC

Book
Email: kate@lavendercounselling.com
kate is a relationally centered counsellor who will meet you with warmth, understanding, and compassion. With a trauma informed approach, Kate hopes to support you in developing a stronger relationship with yourself.
Kate works with adults and adolescents and is able to support you with work in the following areas:
  • -anxiety & depression
  • -stress & life transitions
  • -relationship issues
  • -trauma
  • -grief & loss
  • -personal development & growth
  • -academic/school related issues
  • -emotional distress
Kate provides counselling services from both Lavender Counselling Langley and Vancouver offices.

Location

Office 2 - #360 8029 199 Street & #506 402 W Pender Vancouver

Tara Blake

MC, RCC

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Tara works collaboratively with individual clients as a trauma-informed and relational-based counsellor. Her intention is to provide safety, support, and acceptance to adolescents and adults through authentic connection. The various concerns you may explore include:
  • Grief and loss
  • Depression
  • Anxiety and OCD
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Divorce
  • Pain or illness
  • Personal development and career change
  • Aging, Menopause, and adjusting to an empty nest
  • Caregivers of children involved with BCCH
$140+GST/session

Location

Office 2 - #360 8029 199 Street

Caitlin Zalm

MA, RCC

Email: caitlin@lavendercounselling.com
When I reached out to a counsellor for the first time, I felt stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, and utterly exhausted. I was struggling to move forward. It took a couple of tries to find the right fit, but when I did, it was feeling truly seen, understood, and trusted that helped me develop the self-understanding and insight to navigate those next steps.
I believe deeply in each person's resilience and capacity to meet life’s challenges, adversity, pain, and unpredictability. However, we can become blocked when we are disconnected from ourselves and our inner wisdom. My goal is to create a safe space that fosters embodiment and presence, where you feel supported to explore your experience with curiosity and kindness. My work is trauma-informed, grounded in a Person-Centred and strength-based approach, and incorporates an attachment lens, body-orientated work, mindfulness, and self-compassion. My purpose as a counsellor is to support clients as they develop a sense of clarity, authenticity, and ownership on their unique path, whatever that may be, so they can experience a more fulfilling life and come to a place of greater peace within themselves.
Supporting others to develop their potential, self-worth, and sense of empowerment has always been my passion. However, it was my experience working in a group home, family shelter, and residential treatment centre for addictions that inspired and motivated me to pursue counselling. I am privileged to have earned my Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University and become a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
I deeply respect and honour my clients’ personal choices and recognize that it takes courage, strength, and self-love to begin your journey to healing. I would welcome the chance to meet you, listen to your story, and see if I am the right fit for you. I currently work with adults who are facing a range of challenges, including:.
* Anxiety* ADHD* Addictions (loved ones of those experiencing addictions)* Boundaries* Depression* Self-esteem, lack of confidence, or feelings of not good enough* Shame* I do not work with couples

Mitra Mirshafie

M.Ed., CCC, (English & Persian)

BookEmail: mitra@lavendercounselling.comOur counselling session will be your space to explore what is important to you in a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can truly feel heard and supported. I believe that the healing power of our work will come from a collaborative and trusting therapeutic bond we form together. I strive to attend to you with warmth, compassion, and empathy as you progress through the discomfort that comes with exploring your life challenges. On this journey together, we discover opportunities to understand and experience your authentic self, uncover your strengths, connect with your values, create resilience, and overcome the barriers that interfere with your true potential to lead a fulfilling life.
In the past six years, I have worked as a BC certified teacher with children and young people of all ages. I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2013, followed by a Bachelor of Education degree in 2014. Since becoming a teacher, I developed a deep passion for helping others improve their lives via mental health support. Shortly after, I returned to UBC to further pursue my passion through a Master of Education degree in Counselling Psychology.
During my postgraduate coursework, clinical practice, and internship experience at Lavender counselling, I connected with a non-directive person-centered counselling approach that is focused on the expression of emotions and the therapeutic relationship. With these foundational experiences, I provide a counselling practice that is guided by a trauma-informed, experiential process-based, focusing-oriented perspective. I am also enthusiastic about and inspired by the evidence-based interactive counselling methods, such as mindfulness-based therapy, play therapy, and expressive arts therapy. My aim is to facilitate your path toward inviting awareness and embracing an inner space. I have completed the Level 1 workshop for Trauma-Informed Practice, and a workshop presented by the BC Play Therapy Association on using the sand tray with children and adults.
I am wholeheartedly committed to working with children, adolescents and adults of all ages, backgrounds, and areas of concern, and I look forward to meeting with you and listening to your story. I provide counselling services from both Lavender Counselling Langley and Vancouver offices.

Location

Office 1 - #101 8047 199 St Langley & #506 402 W Pender Vancouver

Allison Esau

M.Ed., RCC, CCC

BookEmail: allison@lavendercounselling.com
When we meet you will be greeted with a warm and open presence. My hope is to create a space with you that feels accepting and supportive.
Sometimes people have a specific reason that brings them to counselling, like anxiety, depression, loss, or a personal transition. Other times it’s not as clear, and there’s a part of you that feels stuck and wants to know why. You might be hoping to find ways to feel more connected and fulfilled by the relationships in your life or to understand yourself in a new and meaningful way. Whatever it is, I’m glad you’re here and look forward to exploring your story.
I love being outdoors and value all that nature offers us for grounding, beauty, and adventure. I enjoy activities like hiking and yoga and appreciate that our bodies often seem to be communicating with us. I believe we all have an innate ability to heal and grow into the best versions of ourselves. We all deserve healing, connection, and belonging.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and a level 1 AEDP therapist.
My approach to counselling is relational, experiential, attachment based and trauma informed. I draw mainly from Person-Centred Therapy, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and Focusing.
I work with adolescents and adults. I hold an inclusive practice that is open and welcoming to all individuals. I provide counselling services from both Lavender Counselling Langley and Vancouver offices.
I acknowledge that I have the honor to live, work and play in the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples.

Location

Office 2 - #360 8029 199 Street Langley & 402 W Pender Vancouver

Brittany Lasanen

MA, RCC

 BookIn my own life, I continue to experience how connecting to my emotions in the presence of an empathetic and compassionate other can facilitate healing and growth. When I feel stuck, overwhelmed, or insecure, having a steady and patient presence by my side gives me the space to connect to myself, uncover what I need, and find my way forward. Thanks to these experiences, I wish to offer you a gentle and comforting space where you can settle in and connect with yourself. I also acknowledge that each person is different and while you may relate to my experiences, you may be searching for something else entirely. I wish to meet you where you are and move at your pace.
You may struggle with feeling too much, nothing at all, or feel that you are not good enough, bad, unworthy, or unlovable. You may have a sense that something is off but are perplexed about what that may be. Or you may feel content with life but are seeking ways to grow. My hope is that we can explore all this together in a space where you feel understood and accepted as we tend to your emotions, mind, and body.
I received my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, where I also minored in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. My approach to counselling has been deeply shaped by experiences at Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW), where I provided emotional support and resources to survivors of sexualized violence, and Looking Glass Foundation, where I provide consistent person-centered peer support for individuals with concerns around eating.
I have been struck by the creative ways people have for coping with painful experiences and inspired to learn practices to help individuals heal from trauma. In addition to trauma, I work individually with young adults and adults of varying intersecting identities on a range of concerns such as self-worth and insecurity, shame, grief, loss, transitions, fear, overwhelm, anxiety, depression, relationships, identity, boundaries, coping, growth, and healing. I have a special place in my heart for people who try so hard to be perfect but nonetheless feel not good enough, small, or insignificant.
At Lavender Counselling, I’ve co-developed our Relational Practices in Counselling Group for new counsellors who wish to join us for a day of learning and experiencing embodied approaches and practices. I'm so excited to being co-supervising students who intern with us at Lavender. I also provide individual counselling to counsellors, as we can only take clients as far as we’ve been ourselves.
I have completed the following workshops: Emotion Focused Therapy Level 1, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Levels 1 and 2, Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Practice Levels 1 and 2, and Trauma Exposed Professionals. I integrate relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, body-oriented, emotion-focused, and experiential approaches that can bring your experiences alive and transform how you relate to others and parts of yourself.
A little about me: I absolutely love being warm and cozy and you can often find me bundled up on my couch with tea, blankets, a heating pad, a rice bag, and my reading socks. My dirty pleasure is watching reality TV and I enjoy reading, embroidery, board games, camping, walks in nature, remote date nights with my long-distance partner, and venturing about exploring cities and cafes. My joy in these endeavors is amplified when I am joined by my partner, friends, or family. I am delighted to connect with you and acknowledge that I work on the stolen traditional lands of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, and Semiahmoo First Nations.
Brittany provides counselling services from both Lavender Counselling Langley and Vancouver offices.

Location

Office 2 - #360 8029 199 Street & #506 402 W Pender Vancouver

Ali Alexander

MA, RCC, CCC

BookEmail: ali@lavendercounselling.comAt times, life can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Pain and uncertainty are unavoidable parts of life, yet these experiences can leave us feeling stuck and disconnected from ourselves, others, and from our sense of hope in life. My aim is not only for you to find healing and growth, but to experience an increased sense of calmness and joy so that you can engage in life in a more meaningful and fulfilling way. My hope is to provide you with a space of empathy, warmth, and acceptance where you can explore unsafe experiences in a safe place.
I have a deep love of the outdoors, and often find renewal in hiking, biking, and camping in our beautiful part of the world. I have spent many years in high level athletics, navigating both the excitement and demands of that environment. I love to read and am drawn to stories in all forms. I find meaning and beauty in holding the experiences that have brought you to this point in your story.
I operate from an emotion focused, trauma-informed, body centered approach, that encourages a sense of collaboration and curiosity throughout the process. I work with teenagers and adults dealing with a broad range of issues including, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, life transition, shame, emotional regulation, and sports related stress and anxiety. My education includes a Bachelor in Arts in Psychology (BA) with a Certificate in Human Services, and Masters in Counselling Psychology (MA) from Trinity Western University. I have certifications as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).
It takes an incredible amount of courage to enter into the counselling process, and I would be honoured to be a part of this chapter of your story.

Ajay Erasmus

MA, RCC, CCC

BookEmail: ajay@lavendercounselling.comLife is full of many demands and stressors making it easy to feel lost, stuck, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Sometimes we feel like we are drowning in our feelings and can’t deal with life. Or we feel like we can deal with problems but really struggle to feel life. Usually we want to be able to do both: feel AND deal with life, but feel ashamed when we are not able to do this. I view counselling as not only helping with processing what is hard and helping feel unstuck, but to help people thrive in their life and feel empowered and free.
In the journey of being a person it can often feel dark, lonely, and confusing. I consider it my deepest privilege to help another bear in the darkness, with safety, warmth, and compassion, to help them see light and work towards healing. My approach to counselling is personalized, collaborative, and accepting because I believe every person is unique and brings their own set of thoughts, feelings, and perspective to their experience of life. Through empathy and meeting people where they are at, I work to come alongside people and support them in their journey of connecting to themselves and their unique position towards their experience of life, to help them not only heal, but to live a life they want to. My passion is to see people thriving in life by being able to fully engage with themselves, others, and the world, in a manner that is authentic and fulfilling to them.
I have completed my Bachelor in Arts in Psychology and Communication (B.A) and Masters in Counselling Psychology (M.A) from Trinity Western University and am registered as both a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).
My therapy style is influenced by the certification and training I have in existential, experiential, and trauma-informed therapies such as Existential Analysis, Emotion-Focused Therapy with couples, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy and Observed-Experiential Integration. I have experience working with young adults, adults, and couples with various concerns including: depression, anxiety, self-growth/personal development, emotion regulation, shame, embodiment, relationship difficulties, shame, identity & existential issues (meaning, purpose, fulfillment, etc.), spiritual and cultural crisis, trauma and life transitions.

Jenn Moudahi

MA, RCC, CCC

BookEmail: jenn@lavendercounselling.comSometimes in life we experience a loss of connection with ourselves and those around us, leaving us feeling unfulfilled and looking for change. Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, numb, detached, or empty. Maybe you bounce around feeling many of these things, frustrated to be stuck on an emotional rollercoaster. Counselling can help with navigating and making sense of these emotions, moving you towards connection, clarity, and purpose.In our sessions together, I commit to creating an environment of warmth and acceptance. I encourage curiosity and openness. And I believe that you are the expert of your story.My path to counselling was a winding adventure. I grew up dancing and am truly at home in the dance world; previously teaching and performing as a semi-professional dancer. However, this lifestyle wasn’t a good fit for me, so I shifted into a Registered Massage Therapy career—the human body amazes me! Aside from my clinical work, I taught and supervised massage therapy students at Vancouver Career College and assisted with continuing education courses for RMTs. But…I felt like I was missing an important part of the human experience. Turns out, I don’t just love the biology of the human body, I love PEOPLE and everything we encompass. I completed my MACP and have found another place that I am at home…here at Lavender Counselling. In addition to 1-on-1 counselling, I enjoy leading workshops and psychoeducational groups, and have co-authored an Advanced Empathy group for counsellors and Burnout workshop for health professionals.Currently, I am grateful to engage in many passions; working as both a counsellor and RMT, dancing for fun, and authoring children’s books. You can also find me reading or crafting, exploring BC’s beautiful outdoors with my husband and daughter, or playing board games a little too competitively.I offer counselling for individuals 14+ with a range of concerns, including: trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress and life transitions (eg. becoming a parent, pursuing new passions/changing careers, or any change in your life), suicidal ideation, grief and loss, emotional distress or numbness, and personal development and growth. I would love to meet you and find out if we’re a good fit!Staying connected to my own Indigenous background, I am delighted to be a Mental Health Provider with First Nations Health Authority. If you are able to access support through FNHA, please send me an email to confirm availability and discuss pre-approval.

John Murray

MA, RCC, CCC, CT

BookEmail: john@lavendercounselling.com
Everyone comes to counselling with a variety of lived experiences that I treat with compassion and curiosity. Each new individual client and couple comes with a story that is unique to them. This story includes elements of culture, family background, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious background, experiences with social norms, and so much more. I work with each person to create an environment that is safe for them to explore their lives, difficulties, and strengths. Together we create goals that guide a journey toward wellness. I always feel honoured when clients choose to see me.
I work with teenage and adult clients desiring personal growth, experiencing interpersonal difficulties, or more specifically struggling with trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, depression, suicidal thinking, anxiety, grief and loss, and more. I work with couples and those in diverse relationship structures who are struggling to determine their right way forward, looking for deeper connection, better communication, or even trying to determine whether they want to remain together. I also provide consultation and supervision to currently-practicing counsellors and therapists.
I welcome individuals and couples from all walks of life and backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community and non-traditional relationships. I work from an attachment-based, emotionally-focused, and person-centered perspective.
I have my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. I have certifications as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC #13099) and as a CCC-Supervisor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #15459) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and as a Counselling Therapist (CT #1797) with The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta. I am also part of the clinical team with Wounded Warriors Canada, where I help deliver group programs to members of the Canadian military and first responders in the following programs: COPE (Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday), TRP 1 & 2 (Trauma Resiliency Program), SRP (Spousal Resiliency Program), and SFP (Surviving Families Program).
I have completed the following trainings: Externship and Core Skills training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples and Level 1 and 2 training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals; basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy with the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD); and basic certification in trauma therapy with the ISSTD. I have also completed training in supervision through the University of Lethbridge and am a registered CCC-Supervisor.
It is always my honour to get to know the people who come to me and their stories, to learn what life is like them, and then become a part of how they write their story moving forward. Whether you are an individual or couple looking to change or improve something in your life, or a therapist looking for supervision and support, I would be privileged to be a part of helping you create your story of wellness.

Carolynn Turner

MA, RCC, CCC, CT

BookEmail: carolynn@lavendercounselling.com
Carolynn is not currently accepting new individual clients and she no longer maintains a waitlist. She is currently accepting new clients as participants in group therapy or with counsellors seeking support through the consent agreement process.
Life is a complicated series of twists and turns. At some points along this road we can struggle and at other points it can feel as though life couldn’t get any better. Even when life does feel good we might be waiting for the other shoe to drop. We can find ourselves feeling out of control, anxious, or overwhelmed, or numb and flat. These experiences can lead to anxiety, depression, and a loss of connection with ourselves and others. Working with a counsellor can help you to re-connect with yourself and improve relationships in your life. It can allow you to embrace your life, uncover your dreams and feel more energized so you can engage more effectively with others (partners, children, family, colleagues). Counselling is not limited to times of struggle. It can be incredibly useful to have a neutral third party to walk alongside us as we navigate the twists and turns of our lives. Having someone to cheer with us can be equally as important as having someone beside us when life feels out of control.
Group therapy is not often a go-to consideration for many potential clients. It can be unthinkable that working with other ‘strangers’ and sharing intimate parts of your life with others going through similar things might actually help you process through your situation more effectively. Coming into a group therapy setting can leave clients feeling less alone and isolated and more gentle with themselves as they recognize they are not alone in their way of coping.
I began my career in business and spent 9 years working for a local grocery chain. I started off bagging groceries and eventually resigned from my Head Office position when I realized it was not fulfilling my heart. I resigned and moved on to complete my B.Ed. at UBC and spent the next 11 years teaching high school English. I quickly realized that I spent more time at the counsellor’s office trying to figure out how to support kids than I cared to spend on ensuring their grammar was up to par. So, back to school I went. I graduated with an MA in Counselling Psychology from UBC in 2013. During my graduate degree I worked for the former President of Anxiety Canada in her personal research lab and conducted my own novel research in the field on social anxiety in adolescents. I spent time counselling in schools for those struggling with intensive behaviour, or severe mental health (Category H in the school system) who struggled to integrate into a classroom setting and who were part of our District’s Social Development Programs. I have served as a member of the Board for the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), and subsequently as the VP and Chair for Region 5 and more recently as the Fraser Health Representative. I enjoy being part of the counselling profession’s political landscape.
I am proud to be the Founder and Director of Lavender Counselling where we are committed to exceptional clinical training and care for our clients. I thrive on creating a space where clinicians and clients alike feel safe and cared for in a way that aligns with trauma informed principles. I am an Approved Clinical Supervisor(ACS) with BCACC and a CCS with the CCPA. I have provided supervision and consultation to counselling students and professionals for close to 10 years and more recently have begun supporting counsellors going through consent agreements with their professional association.
I am also part of the Program Development & Clinical Teams for Wounded Warriors Canada where I have had the privilege to co-develop both the SRP (Spouses’ Resiliency Program for those Living alongside military, veterans and first responders with PTSD) and the SSP (Surviving Family’s Program for those whose immediate family members were killed in the line of duty or who died by suicide). As part of the clinical team I deliver the following group therapy programs: COPE (Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday), TRP 1 & 2 (Trauma Resiliency Program), SRP and SFP. I work with a broad range of client issues including: PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, traumatic grief, postpartum transition, self harm, suicidal ideation, self esteem, emotion regulation, life transitions, and the effects of childhood emotional neglect in adults. I have trained with Dr. Les Greenberg, the primary developer of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and an originator for EFT couple's therapy; I have trained extensively in counsellor ethics and have completed EMDR Basic Certification. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you to embrace your life more fully.

Student Intern Counsellors

Jo Sawa

MASTER'S LEVEL STUDENT INTERN

  • Teens | Adults
  • Emotional distress
  • Identity struggles
  • Relationship Issues
  • Stress/ Burnout

Chantel Van Vliet

MASTER'S LEVEL STUDENT INTERN

  • Teens | Adults
  • Chronic Pain
  • Depression
  • Life Transitions & Stress
  • Womans Health

Jagbir Mand

MASTER'S LEVEL STUDENT INTERN

  • Teens | Adults
  • Athletes
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Life Transitions

Georgia Spiliotopoulos

MASTER'S LEVEL STUDENT INTERN

  • Teens | Adults | English or Greek
  • Autism (self or caregiving)
  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Parenting

Jo Sawa

MASTER'S LEVEL STUDENT INTERN

Book
As an intern counsellor, I am honoured to have the opportunity to walk alongside you through your healing journey. I am currently completing my master’s in counselling and am influenced by the therapeutic modalities that include neuroscience, attachment-based therapies, somatic, emotion-focused, and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Areas of focus include;
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Relationship Issues
  • Identity struggles
  • Stress/ Burnout
  • Life Transitions
  • Emotional distress
  • Feeling disconnected

Location

Office 1 - #101 8047 199 St

Chantel Van Vliet

MASTER'S LEVEL STUDENT INTERN

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I see counselling as a way to validate the human experience and encourage well-being. I strive to stay curious and open to your story, recognizing the immense power that can occur through being heard and seen. As an expert of your story, the space we create together is one based on validation, acceptance, and authenticity. Together we can find a path that brings you closer to you. Areas of Focus include:

Location

Office 1 - #101 8047 199 St

Jagbir Mand

MASTER'S LEVEL STUDENT INTERN

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I aim to create a safe, inclusive, non-judgemental, and confidential space where you can freely express yourself. I see counselling as a collaborative journey where you are the expert in your own life. My role is to empower and guide you in exploring your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we will cultivate a path that empowers you to navigate life's challenges, fostering self-awareness, resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself and working towards positive change and growth.

Location

Office 2 - #360 8029 199 Street

Georgia Spiliotopoulos

MASTER'S LEVEL STUDENT INTERN

BookI believe our whole system is connected and I primarily support clients in integrating mind and body in therapy. My commitment is to create a meaningful connection with you in your exploration, healing, and growth. I primarily work with the following concerns:
  • Autism (self or caregiving)
  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Parenting
  • PTSD/Complex Trauma
  • Trauma
Providing services in English and Greek.

Location

Office 2 - #360 8029 199 Street

Counselling Fellows

1 Castonguay, Goldfried, Wiser, Raue, & Hayes, 1996
2 Labert & Barley, 2001
3 Lazarus, 1971
4 Strupp, Fox & Lessler, 1969