Find the Right Support for Your Journey
Our Clinical Counsellors
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Our Registered Clinical Counsellors
Andrew Peterson, MA, CCC
6+ | Adults
Depression/Anxiety
Self-Harm
Neurodivergence
Gender Identity
Stress/Burnout
Andrew Peterson
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety takes over, depression lingers, or ADHD makes daily tasks feel like mountains. You or your child might feel restless, stuck in spirals of self-doubt, or simply exhausted from trying so hard to keep up. Big emotions can show up as irritability, withdrawal, or burnout—and it’s tough to explain it all to others. You’re doing your best, but it still feels like too much. You want to feel calm, focused, and more like yourself again—but you’re not sure where to start.
As a therapist who specializes in anxiety, depression, self-harm, and neurodivergence, I help children and adults untangle emotional overwhelm and reconnect with a sense of clarity and ease. My approach is warm, curious, and collaborative—offering practical tools alongside space to understand what’s beneath the surface.
Therapy can be a space to pause, reflect, and begin making sense of what feels hard to carry alone. If you’re curious about how I can support you or your child, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if we’re a good fit. Send me an email to get started—I’d be glad to connect and answer any questions you have.
Email:
andrew@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 2 – #360 8029 199 Street & #506 402 W Pender Vancouver
Chantel Van Vliet, MC, RCC
Teens | Adults | Couples
Chronic Pain
Chronic Illness
Infertility
Womans Health
CVAP
Chantel Van Vliet
There is immense change that can occur through being heard and seen and I believe that every person is deserving of such a space, especially when we are faced with obstacles and challenges in life.
I offer counselling for adults, teens/tweens, and couples, with a specialization in chronic pain, chronic illness, infertility, and supporting caregivers. Other areas I work with include: women’s health, depression, anxiety, life transitions/stress, first responders and sex therapy/ sexuality.
Living with chronic pain, illness, or infertility can be a debilitating and confusing experience that not only wreaks havoc on you emotionally and physically, but it can leave you feeling invalidated and invisible. It can make you feel like you no longer have any choice over what happens to you, or that your choice was not even considered, whether it be medical treatment or personally. You might feel weighed down by an array of emotions such as sadness, anger, hopelessness, or anxiety, and at other times it can make you feel not much at all, stricken by a sense of emptiness, feeling lost or stuck.
As a caregiver you might be yearning for a space where you canbe truly heard in your experience whether it be to explore burnout, discuss feelings of isolation, or coming to terms with what it means to take care of someone who is sick or no longer the person you use to know.
For whatever reason you find yourself here, I offer a space where you will feel deeply seen and understood. As you are the expert of your story, my approach stems from a place of curiosity and open-mindedness. In the space we create together, I will honor your story, allowing space for any emotions, thoughts or physical experiences to be felt and gently explored.
My lived experience, as well as my volunteering in the support groups and support line at Pain BC, have provided me an opportunity to develop a multidimensional understanding of chronic pain and illness and how to support this population. Moreover, I devoted my capstone to better understanding the mental health impact of infertility in females, which has shaped my counselling perspective.
Through my own experiences with counselling, I recognize the impact that talking to a counsellor can have and hope to provide similar benefits to others. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my adorable cat Nyah, and my loud and large family, which includes our weekly family dinners.
I recognize that it takes a lot of courage to not only start counselling but share your life story with a counsellor. I look forward to exploring your story together.
$145.00 per session
Email:
chantel@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 2 – #360 8029 199 St
Selena Light, MC, RCC
15+ | Adults | Couples
Interpersonal/Familial Issues
Depression/Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem Issues
Emotion Dysregulation
Grief & Loss
Selena Light
I believe that you are the expert in your own life. My approach is centred on adapting to your specific needs and goals. I’m dedicated to working together with you to craft tailored strategies aimed to fostering your growth and healing.
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. However, one key element that I firmly believe in, regardless of the approach, is cultivating an authentic and trusting relationship between client and therapist. That’s always my goal for you.
I specialize in working with individuals and families on a variety of relational issues, including conflict resolution and communication problems. I have experience working with children, youth, young adults, adults, and families with concerns related to anxiety, depression, past trauma, interpersonal issues, shame, self-confidence, life transitions, self-identity, self-empowerment, meaning and purpose.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) from Douglas College, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MA) from City University. I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
I acknowledge the apprehension that often accompanies the initial steps toward finding a therapist you can trust. It’s a vulnerable and sometimes daunting process. Yet, it’s also a testament to your courage, self-awareness, and commitment to personal growth. Taking those first steps toward therapy signifies a readiness to confront challenges, invest in self-improvement, and pursue a more rewarding life. It would be my privilege to accompany you on this journey.
Email:
selena@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 2 – #360 8029 199 Street
Jo Sawa, MC, RCC
Teens | Adults
Emotional distress
Identity struggles
Relationship Issues
Stress/ Burnout
Jo Sawa
Jo Sawa (She/her)
When we are given the space to explore the depths of ourselves, it is magical what transformations can begin. It is often the smallest shifts in us that make the biggest impact. Counselling is a process of self-exploration and unpacking lived experiences.
As a relational trauma therapist, I have the privilege of supporting teens and adults as they heal and grow helping them consciously find their own authentic voice and inner wisdom. Whether you’re clear about what you’re seeking, curious to explore yourself more deeply, or just feeling “blah” without knowing exactly why, we can explore those feelings together.
My practice focuses on somatic attachment psychotherapy, blending evidence-based techniques like mindfulness meditation and body-based approaches with traditional talk therapy. The body holds incredible intuitive wisdom, and when we slow down enough to listen, we can truly feel, sense, and understand its messages. Tapping into this intuitive wisdom can become a powerful tool in the healing journey, unlocking deeper awareness, new insights, and enhancing emotional regulation.
I am a registered clinical counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, holding a Master’s in Counselling and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I have worked in the public sector for over 10 years from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed lens providing support services to children, teens, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. I value ongoing education, and my practice continues to evolve through continued training from psychoanalytic, somatic, relational, neuroscience, and attachment-based therapies.
Choosing the right counsellor can feel like a big decision, and it’s important to find someone who aligns with you and feels like the right fit. To support you in this decision, I offer a free 20-minute consultation where we can connect and explore whether this feels like the right match for you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
$150/sesssion
Email:
jo@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 1 – #101 8047 199 St
Heidi Maxwell, MA, RCC
13+ | Adults
Post-Trauma
Meaning & Purpose
Emotional & Somatic Work
Gender Identity
Grief & Loss
CVAP
Heidi Maxwell
Are you looking for a therapist who isn’t afraid to talk about the very difficult parts of you? Maybe you have long-term trauma that hasn’t been addressed, or maybe there are aspects of yourself that feel too shameful to speak about. With warmth and compassion, I will help you to address these parts of yourself and help you integrate them in a way that is trauma-informed and sensitive to your needs. Together we will discover how to work with your emotions and develop a trusting and grounded relationship with yourself.
I work with clients with concerns such as post-trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, values-alignment, emotional development, and matters related to self-esteem, confidence, and empowerment. I am LGBTQ2+ affirming. My theoretical alignment is person-centered (PCT), emotion-focussed (EFT) and focussing-oriented (FOT).I welcome you to come exactly as you are: broken, fragile, confused, numb or confident, self-assured and triumphant. My hope that you come to realize you are essentially good and worthy just as you are.$150/session
Email:
heidi@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 2 – #360 8029 199 Street
Hannah Nguyen, M.Ed., RCC, CCC
Children | Teens | Adults
Anxiety & Depression
Intercultural concerns
Relationship & Boundaries
Teachers & Administrators
Hannah Nguyen
Email: 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.
Email:
hannah@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 1 – #101 8047 199 St
Caitlin Zalm, MCP, RCC
Adults
ADHD/Neurodiversity
Anxiety/Depression
Trauma/PTSD
Self-worth/Not good enough
Gender Identity
Caitlin Zalm
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:
ADHD/Neurodiversity
Anxiety/Depression
Boundaries
Trauma/PTSD
Self-worth/Feelings of not good enough
Distress/Emotion regulation
Life transition
Shame
Self growth/Personal development* I do not work with couples
Email:
caitlin@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 2 – #360 8029 199 Street
Allison Esau, M.Ed., RCC, CCC
Teens | Adults | Clinical Consultation
Challenges for Teenagers
LGBTQ+ Issues
Religious /Spiritual Trauma
Regulating Emotions
CVAP
Allison Esau
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.
Email:
allison@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 2 – #360 8029 199 Street Langley & 402 W Pender Vancouver
Brittany Lasanen, MA, RCC
Adults | Clinical Consultation
Feeling inadequate
Perfectionism
Grief & Loss (pet loss)
Fear & Overwhelm
CVAP
Brittany Lasanen
In 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.
Email:
brittany@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 2 – #360 8029 199 Street & #506 402 W Pender Vancouver
Ali Alexander, MA, RCC, CCC
Teens | Adults | Clinical Consultation
Sports related stress & anxiety
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
CVAP
Ali Alexander
At 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.
Email:
ali@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 1 – #101 8047 199 St
Ajay Erasmus, MA, RCC
Young Adults | Adults | Couples
Clinical Consultation
Emotion regulation
Self-growth/personal development
Purpose, fullfillment
Relationship difficulties
Ajay Erasmus
Life 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 a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).
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, identity & existential issues (meaning, purpose, fulfillment, etc.), spiritual and cultural crisis, trauma and life transitions.
Email:
ajay@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 1 – #101 8047 199 St
Kate Mackay, M.Ed., RCC
Teens | Adults
Academic/school related issues
Anxiety & Depression
Emotional distress
Relationship issues
Kate Mackay
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 distressKate provides counselling services from both Lavender Counselling Langley and Vancouver offices.
Email:
kate@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 2 – #360 8029 199 Street & #506 402 W Pender Vancouver
John Murray, MA, RCC, CCC, CT
Adults | Couples
Clinical Consultation
Trauma, PTSD
Chronic pain
Suicidal thinking
Grief & loss
John Murray
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.
Email:
john@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 1 – #101 8047 199 St
Jenn Moudahi, MA, RCC, CCC
Teens 14+ | Adults | Clinical Consultation | FNHA
Parenting
Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Infertility
Life Transistions, Self-Growth
Greief and Loss
Trauma, PTSD
Jenn Moudahi
Sometimes 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, distressed, numb, or detached. 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 a counsellor, teaching dance fitness, and authoring children’s books. You can also find me reading or crafting, exploring BC’s beautiful outdoors with my husband and kids, or playing board games a little too competitively.
I offer counselling for individuals 14+ looking for support in various areas such as: parenting and pregnancy, miscarriage and infertility, stress and life transitions (eg. becoming a parent, pursuing new passions/changing careers, or any change in your life), trauma and PTSD, 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. Rate: $165/ 50min Session
Email:
jenn@lavendercounselling.com
Location
Office 1 – #101 8047 199 St
Carolynn Turner, MA, RCC, CCC, CT
Only working with
Counsellors
Supervision, Supervision of Supervision,
Consent Agreements
Carolynn Turner
Email: carolynn@lavendercounselling.comCarolynn 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.
Your Relationship with Your Counsellor Matters Most
Research has consistently shown that the relationship you have with your counsellor contributes more to you making change than any other factor. Clients attribute positive outcomes to therapists who are “warm, attentive, interested, understanding, and respectful.”
Our complimentary conversation is designed around this principle. It’s your chance to see if you feel a genuine connection, without any pressure or commitment. If it’s not the right fit, we encourage you to meet with another of our counsellors until you find the person who feels right for you.
