Jesse earned his B.A. in Psychology at University of British Columbia and his Masters in Counselling Psychology from Simon Fraser University. He has over ten years of experience working with children, teens, and adults with agencies.

Jesse works from a client-centered, trauma-informed perspective with influences from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Existential Psychology, among others. He specializes in depression and anxiety, interpersonal dynamics, suicidal ideation and hopelessness, recovering from trauma, and assisting individuals in the process of reconnecting with their best selves, their sense of identity, and their ability to find joy in life.

Jesse considers it a calling and a privilege to be able to call himself a counsellor. He applauds those who find the courage to seek change and improvement in their lives and feels a deep gratitude that he is able to bear witness to these incredible processes.  He believes that by choosing to explore self-awareness and self-improvement through counselling, the client is breaking a pattern that may go back several generations and taking the pen to write their own story.

Jesse has counselled clients of all ages (adolescent to senior), genders, and sexual orientations. He has also worked with clients from various cultures including those of Indigenous, Asian, African, Middle-Eastern, and European descent. Whether you see Jesse as a fit for you or not, he hopes that you will continue to follow the instinct that has you reaching out and exploring ways to enrich your life. You are worth it.

Jesse is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors.

Jesse earned his B.A. in Psychology at University of British Columbia and his Masters in Counsell... Read More

I am inspired by the strength shown by anyone (young people in particular) brave enough to engage in therapy and accept the vulnerability required. I strive to match this courage while walking with clients in pursuit of their self-directed goals. My primary tools as a therapist include a deep sense of curiosity, non-judgmental openness, and expressive empathy. My approach is rooted in principles of collaboration and empowerment underlying Person-Centered Therapy for individuals, and Narrative Therapy for couples and families, while I also offer therapeutic techniques from multiple other evidence-based modalities – commonly including Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

The lenses I see through have been coloured primarily by my experiences as a son, brother, husband and father. Also influential has been my 15 years of work as a youth probation officer and practice analyst with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Every unique person and group I came across in that work brought strengths that could be enhanced alongside any problems to address. The only meaningful assistance I ever provided them depended upon developing trusting relationships, and then a deep understanding of a client’s context. I have relied upon clients as the experts of their own lives to guide me towards that deeper understanding.

Secondary to influences of my personal and professional experiences, my therapeutic approach was developed while completing a Master of Arts Degree at the University of Victoria’s School of Child and Youth Care, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at Simon Fraser University. If I am not at the office, you are likely to find me on nearby trails, hiking, biking or skiing, or at the ice rink, playing or coaching hockey.

I am inspired by the strength shown by anyone (young people in particular) brave enough to engage... Read More

First language counselling services in Cantonese, Mandarin and English language.

Olivia has experience counselling individuals who have severe, persistent mental illness including: schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, mood disorders (e.g. bipolar and major depressive disorders), co-occurring disorders. She has experience counselling groups of individuals who have addictive behaviours. Olivia also has experience counselling groups of family members and caregivers of people with mental and substance use difficulties, to provide information and resources so that they can be as well-supported as possible in caring for themselves and their loved ones. She has experience working with individuals of varying ages with different disabilities, from a diversity of cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and life situations.

Olivia’s approach to counselling is client-centered. She works collaboratively with her clients to determine the approach to therapy that will work best for them. She strives to create a strong and positive working alliance in order to help people make positive changes and resolve their issues. Her practice is influenced by mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) and Personal-Counselling with an ability to be flexible based on client needs.

Olivia holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from University of British Columbia and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Contact Olivia: olivia@soulfreecounselling.ca

First language counselling services in Cantonese, Mandarin and English language. Olivia has expe... Read More

Shalene Takara, MA, RCC Individual, couples and family counselling services in French or English.

Shalene Takara has been providing counselling to individuals, couples and families for over 10 years and uses an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach. She specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals (EFIT), couples (EFCT) and families (EFFT).

For family therapy, Shalene also uses Theraplay-informed techniques and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) principles to work with children and their parents/caregivers together to address child and family issues. These techniques involve using therapeutic play and developmentally informed strategies to create a playful, nurturing atmosphere to help improve the child-parent/caregiver bond while helping to address child-related/parenting challenges.

Shalene also works with parents/couples facing issues such as communication, conflict, anger and emotional difficulties, mental health issues (e.g. depression, anxiety, trauma), parenting challenges, addiction, separation/divorce, co-parenting, and major life transitions.

She also has specialized training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT).

She has worked with diverse populations including immigrant and refugee families, same-sex parent couples, and families from the indigenous community.

Shalene holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She is bilingual and can provide counselling services in English or French.

To book or inquire, please contact Hollyburn at: (604) 986-8211 info@hollyburn.ca

Shalene Takara, MA, RCC Individual, couples and family counselling services in French or English.... Read More

Daria is excited about this opportunity to work with individuals and families in the North Shore and believes everyone is deserving of compassion and support as they navigate life’s challenges. She has 5 years of experience working in community mental health in both Edmonton and Vancouver where she had the honour of providing support to adults affected by depression, anxiety, complex trauma, and addictions Daria practices from a person-centered and trauma-informed approach which is informed by attachment theory. Her style integrates emotion-focused, humanistic and solution-focused approaches. She is particularly interested in addressing interpersonal struggles in couples and families and aims to provide all her clients with a safe environment and a strong therapeutic relationship so they can effectively meet their therapeutic goals. Daria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently completing her Master of Counselling degree with City University of Seattle with the goal of becoming certified as an RCC.

Daria is excited about this opportunity to work with individuals and families in the North Shore ... Read More

Diana is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), BC Certified teacher and is part of the Registered Autism Service Providers (RASP) in the Province of British Columbia. She has her MEd in Special Education with a concentration in autism and related disabilities. Diana has been working in the field since 2003 and has focused her clinical work on using evidence-based assessment and research-based intervention when supporting individuals and families. As a practitioner in the field, she noticed the need to provide services that increased independence, was a contextual fit and attainable in the home, school and community settings. Diana has specialized her practice to include addressing a wide range of academic concerns and functional communication.

Diana is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA), BC Certified teacher and is part of the Regi... Read More

First language counselling services in Czech, Slovak, and English language.

Jana grew up, studied and worked in the Czech Republic. She was a police psychologist for 7 years and worked with First Responders, their families, victims and witnesses of crime. She moved to BC in 2015 and took care of her two children, worked with adults dealing with addiction and with landed immigrants. Jana specializes in issues such as post-traumatic growth, loneliness, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parenting challenges, attachment issues, career coaching and relationship challenges. Her therapeutic approach combines dynamic and attachment-based theories, with client-centered and strengths-based approach.

Jana is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She holds a Master of Art degree in Psychology from the Charles University in Prague and a Bachelor Degree in Law and Security studies from Police Academy in Prague. Jana has various training from the Czech Republic, USA and Canada, such as trauma work, occupational stress, group therapy and victim support.

Contact Jana: info@janahruba.com

First language counselling services in Czech, Slovak, and English language. Jana grew up, studie... Read More

Growing up on the North Shore, Alessandra is thrilled to be providing counselling services to her own community as a counselling intern. Warm, empathic, and nurturing, Alessandra has over nine years of experience supporting countless children, youth, and families in non-profit organizations, hospitals, community centres, and as an Education Assistant with the North Vancouver School District.

Alessandra specializes in supporting children and youth who experience mental health challenges, trauma, and neurodiversity. With a gentle and comforting presence, she is able to quickly build a trusting rapport with clients while supporting them through high levels of emotional distress.

Alessandra balances a relaxed, conversational, and strengths-based approach with strategic use of evidence-based interventions. Her counselling style draws from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, and mindfulness. Her therapeutic treatment is integrative and uniquely tailored to each client.

Alessandra holds a Master of Counselling from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia.

Growing up on the North Shore, Alessandra is thrilled to be providing counselling services to her... Read More

Ash dela Cruz Yip (they/them) is a pre-licensed counsellor-in-training that completed their clinical practicum and is working toward their registration with the BCACC as a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Their Narrative and Feminist approach centres the clients’ skills/knowledge and fosters a collaborative space to navigate client issues. Ash believes that the client knows themselves best and gives them the space to explore their experiences, and the context surrounding them, with empathy and care.

They are comfortable supporting with and addressing emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences, BIPOC experiences, systems of oppression, lack of connection and belonging, etc. They specialize in working with youth and emerging adults but are open to connecting with all ages.

Ash identifies as a queer, non-binary, Filipinx/Chinese, able-bodied settler living on the Indigenous lands of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. To care for themselves, they swim at their local community centre and spend quality time with their loved ones.

Ash offers individual therapy and works with youth ages 11-24.

Ash dela Cruz Yip (they/them) is a pre-licensed counsellor-in-training that completed their clini... Read More

Throughout our lives, we all face challenges, hardships, and increasing uncertainties about the future. Sometimes, they are too difficult to navigate on our own, and it is okay to ask for help. You might come to me feeling stuck and unsure how to take stock of life situations. We’ll work collaboratively to acquire insights into the complexities of your life problems, re-connect with yourself, and explore your relationships with others and the world so that you can use your core values, personal strengths and resources to guide your choices and actions. I also work with partners, couples, and families, focusing on the mission statement, interpersonal relationships, and communication.

My approach to counselling is primarily informed by Existential Therapy, in which therapists acknowledge human limitations and emphasize the self-construction of a meaningful life. I integrate theories and techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychology. My clinical practice is specialized in Trauma-informed, Anxiety and Depression, Relationships, Loss and Grief, and Life transitions.

I am currently completing the Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I hold a BA in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s in Business Administration. Before entering the field of psychology and counselling, I worked for 15 years in supply chain management in the automotive industry and seven years in operations consulting. For a decade, I dedicated my time to volunteering at schools and sports clubs, where I served as an executive member and the liaison with families of expatriates and immigrants.

Email Essay: ysun@adler.edu Text Msg: (236) 304-6760

Throughout our lives, we all face challenges, hardships, and increasing uncertainties about the f... Read More

Terri has been counselling individuals and families for 25 years. She has worked extensively with children, youth and adults who have experienced trauma including emergency services personnel and veterans of war. With compassion grounded in a non-judgmental approach, Terri helps people move through life’s challenges in a supportive, trauma-informed way. She has worked as a counsellor and spiritual director in prisons and hospitals, was a Professional-in-Residence at the Hazelden/Betty Ford Clinic and has worked with many people living with addiction on the downtown Eastside of Vancouver. In addition to being a Certified Trauma Professional, Terri specializes in helping people through grief and loss, life transitions and challenging family relationships. With training in many therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Somatic and Emotional Regulation, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and Addictions Recovery, she is able to bring depth and flexibility to the therapeutic relationship. With her partner, she owns and operates Listening Horse Ranch where, as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Play Therapist, she does Equine Facilitated Therapy.

Contract Terri: terriscallon@gmail.com

Terri has been counselling individuals and families for 25 years. She has worked extensively with... Read More

Melissa (pronouns she/her/hers) is a clinical social worker and counsellor who has been working with children, youth, families, and individuals for over 10 years. She works from a relational, trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. Her practice draws from a number of therapeutic modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and expressive art and play. Melissa believes in providing an integrated person-centred approach that is focused on working collaboratively with you and your unique goals. Further, Melissa has completed specialized training for utilizing EMDR with children and youth and she is skilled at providing therapy in an online format, in the comfort of your own home.

Melissa believes in the innate resources we all possess and the healing power of our own inner wisdom. Melissa has a passion for supporting individuals and families to unearth their strengths, shift their narratives and create healthy relationships with themselves and others. As a settler on this land, Melissa has also had the honour of working alongside Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. She continues to provide ally-ship in her role as a counsellor and uses a culturally safe approach.

Melissa holds a Master of Social Work degree, with a clinical specialization, from the University of Calgary. She is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers.

Melissa is a FNHA Provider.

Contact Melissa: melissataylortherapy@gmail.com

Melissa (pronouns she/her/hers) is a clinical social worker and counsellor who has been working w... Read More

Patti works from a trauma informed, feminist, anti-oppression lens. She has worked with the Boys and Girls clubs of Greater Vancouver, the Burnaby School Board, and the Nicklin Adolescent Program as a youth counsellor. Further, she has worked for Kinections (Australia) in a Specialized Family Violence Program as a children’s counsellor. She has spent the last 10 years as a Specialized Victim Support Worker, supporting clients who have experienced abuse. Patti has worked with individuals and their families with issues that include anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic attacks, and those that have been survivors of intimate partner violence and sexualized violence. Patti believes that people come to counselling with a great deal of their own resources and expertise and believes in a collaborative approach to counselling.

Patti holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Patti is trained in EMDR and is a C-VAP approved counsellor.

Contact Patti: pcustance@hollyburnsociety.ca

Patti works from a trauma informed, feminist, anti-oppression lens. She has worked with the Boys ... Read More

First language counselling services in Farsi, and English language.

Poupak has worked with the North Vancouver School District for over 14 years. She has also worked with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and various non-profit organizations in providing therapy to children, youth, individuals and their families with issues that include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges, and other issues. She uses a bio-psycho-social approach in conceptualizing client issues and in developing treatment plans to assist them to reach their goals in therapy and their fullest potentials. Poupak uses Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) to assist her clients with their progress.

Poupak holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).

Contact Poupak: ptoufanian@hollyburn.ca

First language counselling services in Farsi, and English language. Poupak has worked with the N... Read More

Marlae Vermeer has been providing counselling and support to individuals and families for over 10 years. I am passionate about creating a relationship built on acceptance, safety and trust. I consider it a privilege to come alongside someone on their journey towards growth, healing and rejuvenation. My personal practice model is largely informed by Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and somatic (body-centered) practices. I am committed to supporting individuals and/or families in restoring balance, strengthening connectedness to self and others, and promoting resilience and emotional wellbeing. I am passionate about exploring ways to diminish hardship and increase the ability to cope with challenges that arise, so those I walk with may begin to experience increased joy and self-compassion. I am currently completing my Master of Social Work degree with University of the Fraser Valley with the goal of becoming a Registered Social Worker (RSW).

Contact Marlae: mvermeer@hollyburn.ca

Marlae Vermeer has been providing counselling and support to individuals and families for over 10... Read More

Tomi began working with families following her retirement from a 20-year career in policing. She has worked closely with First Responders and Veterans who struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. More recently she worked for over two years, providing support and counselling directly to families presenting with parenting difficulties, couples conflict, addiction, and impacts of acute mental health conditions.

She is specialized in approaches to individuals and families coping with the unexpected, and is skilled at facilitating adaptation through crisis, loss and trauma. Tomi has facilitated parent education groups and is trained in attachment and family systems approaches to therapy.

She is trained in Trauma Informed Practice, Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) and has completed trainings to enhance cultural safety and awareness. Tomi has worked with a diverse client population, including those who identify as indigenous, Asian, and Middle-Eastern as well as clients who identify as LGBT2QIA.

Tomi holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology.

Contact Tomi: thamner@hollyburn.ca

Tomi began working with families following her retirement from a 20-year career in policing. She... Read More

Lena is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with an undergraduate degree in BioPsych and a Masters in Social Work. She has worked with children and families for 20 years. Initially trained in Behaviour Intervention, she has collaborated and consulted with schools, various community organizations and ministry teams. She has fostered a therapeutic alliance with a diverse population utilizing training in a range of therapeutic methods including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and  Expressive Therapies. Her primary focus has been on supporting children with neurodiversities, their siblings and caregivers across their many life transitions. She has worked with children and families in their management of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, and in adjustment to multiple diagnoses.

She uses an anti-oppressive, strengths-based, trauma-informed and compassion-focused lens in her work. Lena believes in fostering the well being of the whole child and family system by finding creative ways to build therapeutic rapport. She focusses on holding space with her clients to connect to and express their true selves.

Contact Lena: gilbert_lena@outlook.com

Lena is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with an undergraduate degree in BioPsych and a Masters i... Read More

Agnieszka holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and is focused on helping clients to create the life they’ve always wanted. Her person-centred approach to counselling is rooted in unconditional positive regard and tailored to suit the unique needs of each client. Agnieszka works from the foundation of the nervous system to help clients find ways to move out of dysregulated states and into well-being. Along with a compassionate and warm presence, Agnieszka integrates a nourishing strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to help clients overcome anxiety, depression, substance abuse, body image issues and eating disorders. She supports her clients through difficult life transitions including grief, impacts of immigration, relationship and family problems and parenting. She believes that meaningful connection is a fundamental human need that is necessary for healing and becoming our best selves.

Contact Agnieszka: awyka@hollyburn.ca

Agnieszka holds a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and is focused on helping clients to c... Read More