If you are a new client, please choose the Initial Free Consultation option

Free Consultation

Via phone call. While the cornerstone to effective counselling is a trusting and respectful professional relationship, it is vital that your counsellor has training and expertise with your specific issue. As part of the initial assessment process we will conduct a brief phone call interview to help understand and prioritize your specific needs.


Individual Counselling


Couples Counselling

We can work with you and your spouse or partner to address problems with communication and connection. This may include disagreements about money and lifestyle, parenting your children, responding to your teenager, differences over work/life balance, or the influence of external family members on your relationship.


Family Counselling

We can work with you and your family members to improve relationships, and bring more balance and harmony back to your home. This may include addressing impacts of addiction, caregiver stress linked to an ill and/or aging family member, conflicts between siblings, changes in family structure (separation, divorce) or issues related to living with and supporting your young adult child.


Child Counselling

We can work with your child in collaboration with you to address challenges within their relationships or in different aspects of their lives. This may include changes to family structure and dynamic, experiences of grief and loss,managing life transitions, responding to new diagnoses and coping with trauma. Using expressive, narrative and compassion focussed therapies, we will draw on their st... Read More

We can work with your child in collaboration with you to address challenges within their relationships or in different aspects of their lives. This may include changes to family structure and dynamic, experiences of grief and loss,managing life transitions, responding to new diagnoses and coping with trauma. Using expressive, narrative and compassion focussed therapies, we will draw on their strengths and support a sense of empowerment in their own journey. Together we will work towards fostering a greater sense of self, a deeper connection to their thoughts/ feelings and behaviours and practice strategies to support them in their days ahead.


Intern Counselling

Sessions are provided at a reduced rate with counselling students who are completing their internship toward a Master of Counselling Psychology or Master of Social Work program with Hollyburn Family Services. All counselling students are provided weekly supervision and are chosen based on prior experience providing support service to families and course work specific to family therapy. Email... Read More

Sessions are provided at a reduced rate with counselling students who are completing their internship toward a Master of Counselling Psychology or Master of Social Work program with Hollyburn Family Services. All counselling students are provided weekly supervision and are chosen based on prior experience providing support service to families and course work specific to family therapy.

Email info@hollyburn.ca to inquire about student private counselling.


Behaviour Support Services

We utilize evidence-based assessment and treatment services to support a wide range of individual and family functioning. Our team is experienced in supporting individuals with a variety of diagnoses, including: developmental, learning, attention, behavioural and emotional challenges including Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder... Read More

We utilize evidence-based assessment and treatment services to support a wide range of individual and family functioning. Our team is experienced in supporting individuals with a variety of diagnoses, including: developmental, learning, attention, behavioural and emotional challenges including Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Developmental Disabilities (DD), Intellectual Disabilities (ID), and Trauma. Our team of experts are qualified and excel in assessment services, case management, behaviour support

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

Growing up on the North Shore, Alessandra is thrilled to be providing counselling services to her own community as a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Warm, empathic, and nurturing, Alessandra has over ten 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

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

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

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

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

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

I give you credit for making it to this page. Like many, you find it difficult to acknowledge when you have a problem, never mind reach out for help. You came by this honestly. Early on, you were punished for showing vulnerability, and learned that real men project strength or keep quiet. Recurring issues in your relationships have motivated you to change. If you have kids, you want better for them especially. You’re not defective or broken, you integrated what you were taught. You are intelligent, thoughtful, and determined to do better. You can adapt once again, and I can help.

I am a son, brother, husband, father, and counsellor. I worked mainly with young men as a probation officer over 12 years, and with adults at a residential drug and alcohol recovery program for five. In those roles, I learned to build on a client’s existing strengths and motivation to help them change longstanding habits of behavior using evidence-based strategies.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in principles of collaboration and empowerment underlying Person-Centered Therapy for individuals, and Narrative Therapy for families. I also offer techniques from multiple other modalities, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and the Gottman Method of Couples Counselling. I hold a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Victoria’s School of Child and Youth Care, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University.

If I am not at the office, you are likely to find me on nearby trails - hiking, mountain biking, or skiing - on a pitch - playing rugby - or at the rink - playing or coaching hockey. Let me know when you’re ready to put in the hard work and I’ll be there.

Contact me

By email: wmcvey@hollyburnsociety.ca

Phone: (604) 200-3563

Or by booking a Free 15 minute Consultation.

I give you credit for making it to this page. Like many, you find it difficult to acknowledge whe... Read More

Will be away the months of Sept and Oct. Will be accepting new clients starting Nov. 1st.

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.

Will be away the months of Sept and Oct. Will be accepting new clients starting Nov. 1st. Ash de... Read More

Lesley (she/her) believes that her clients have the inner resources and strengths to work through challenges and shift their lives. Her role as their counsellor is to provide a warm and accepting environment where her clients feel safe as she walks with them along their path.

Lesley is interested in working with youth and adults with a variety of mental health concerns. She leads her practice with a Narrative approach while viewing mental health through a Trauma Informed lens. Lesley is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and has a keen interest in evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness. Lesley feels that all human beings are unique, and these interventions should be tailored to her client’s individual needs.

Lesley grew up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, has lived internationally and has experience working with marginalized groups in community health settings. Lesley holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology and a Master of Counseling Psychology. She is a Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and a Canadian Certified Counselor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She has settled in North Vancouver with her husband, two children and their dog Subi. She enjoys hiking, biking and being active with her family and of course the Canucks!

Lesley (she/her) believes that her clients have the inner resources and strengths to work through... 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

I am deeply grateful to live and provide service on the traditional and unceded territory of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Watuth first nations. I’ve been providing counselling support to a diverse range of women, men and non-binary individuals in indigenous, non-indigenous and immigrant populations. I work with individuals, couples, families and adolescents experiencing a wide range of challenges including relationship difficulties, conflict, parenting challenges, grief, depression, anxiety and stress through a compassionate and person-centered approach.

I believe the counselling process is a collaborative effort between client and counsellor of reflection, self-exploration and discovery. I welcome the opportunity to provide a safe and trusting space that facilitates self-awareness and personal growth to create greater well-being and resilience. I take a holistic approach to self-discovery and utilize family systems therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), mindfulness and outdoor therapy to promote insight, growth and transformation in individuals, couples and families.

I am available for in-office sessions or outdoor meetings as is your preference.

I am deeply grateful to live and provide service on the traditional and unceded territory of the ... 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

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

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

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

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

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Located at: 104-267 Esplanade W, North Vancouver
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