Meet the Counsellors

Lindsey – Registered Clinical Counsellor

I am registered clinical counsellor (RCC), holding a Master’s degree in counselling psychology. I aim to provide a warm, compassionate and safe space where you are welcome just as you are. I recognize the importance of taking a holistic approach that involves the mind, body and spirit, the three factors that make up who we are. I value taking the time to understand where you currently are in your life and what you are experiencing. I tailor the therapeutic process to fit your unique needs, values and goals using evidence-based approaches. We will work collaboratively to help you uncover and build on your inner strengths to empower you to navigate the challenges you are currently facing.

I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Before enrolling in my Master’s program, I completed my Natural Nutrition Diploma at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, where I became a holistic nutritionist. I also have experience helping youth and adults in crisis from my time volunteering with Kids Help Phone.

I would be honoured to walk alongside you on your journey.

“I have been going to see Lindsey since July and she has absolutely changed my life! She is kind, listens to you fully and gives you the tools you need to help you through your problems. She has helped me get my anxiety under control and work through a lot of unexpected grief I have been dealing with the last few months. I am grateful to have found Lindsey and recommend her everyone I know!”

–Sarah Clark

Specialties – issues:

• Stress
• Life transitions
• Self-esteem and identity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief and loss

Specialties – modalities:

• Person-centered
• Strength-based
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Client focus: children (6+), youth, teenagers, adults

Cost per session: $140/individual | $165/couples

Jocelyn – Registered Social Worker

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), a Registered Social Worker (RSW), and a graduate of the Master of Social Work program at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan. My previous work experience has been community-based, so I love seeing clients find connection and a sense of belonging both inside the counselling office and out in community.

My counselling style is influenced by trauma-informed practice, embodiment theory, and narrative therapy. I have post-graduate training in both EMDR therapy and emotionally-focused couples therapy. However, I recognize that every person who steps into the counselling office has their own story, and their beliefs or preferences may differ from mine. For this reason, I strive to use a collaborative approach in exploring the values, networks of support and resources that could be helpful for each individual.

Whether you’re seeking counselling support for the first time or not, I hope to provide a space that meets you where you’re at with empathy and non-judgement.

Specialties – issues:

• Adverse Religious Experiences
• Anxiety
• Life Transitions
• Relationship with food and/or body
• Relationships
• Trauma
• Survivors of Violence

Specialties – modalities:

• EMDR Therapy
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Narrative Therapy
• Person-Centred
• Strengths-Based
• Supportive Psychotherapy

Client focus: youth, young adults, adults

Cost per session: $150/individual | $170/couples

Praveen – Registered Clinical Counsellor

Praveen is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) possessing a broad range of experience in delivering comprehensive counselling services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Praveen has worked in various settings, where she has had the opportunity to assist individuals that have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties. In addition, Praveen is an advocate for diversity and holds a particular interest and skill set in multicultural counselling.

Praveen is committed to tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs with the use of evidence based treatment techniques. She is accomplished at fostering meaningful relationships and developing effective short-term and long-term plans to achieve client goals. Praveen is passionate about helping clients identify their core issues and is moved by the stories of those she works with. Praveen’s approachable demeanour and natural sense of humour encourages her clients to share their concerns in a safe environment.

“I was reluctant to start counselling, because I have had some bad experiences in the past. However, my experience with Praveen was different. She was extremely easy to connect with and created a comfortable and safe environment for me to open up. In my most difficult moments, she gave me the tools I needed.”

—Gurpreeth S.

Specialties – issues:

• Depression
• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Interpersonal relationships
• Multi-cultural concerns

Specialties – modalities:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
• Person-centered therapy
• Culturally sensitive

Client focus: individual adults, youth (15+)

Languages: English, Punjabi

Cost per session: $150/individual

Katya – Registered Social Worker

Everything you need is already in you, let’s bring it to the surface! I believe that every person is the expert of their life and has all the necessary tools to heal, grow and transform. My role as a therapist is to accompany you on this journey of discovery and empowerment, to take charge and live as you envision. 

My approach to therapy is rooted in empowering and facilitating healing and personal growth. Inspired by evidence-based modalities such as Emotional Focus Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), I aim at creating a safe and non-judgmental space, encouraging self-reflection, self-compassion, and personal growth. 

I am a registered social worker (RSW) with over a decade of experience working with individuals and families in rural and urban Canadian areas as well as abroad. Prior to becoming a therapist, I traveled extensively nurturing my cultural sensitivity, particularly in Latino, Middle Eastern, Indo-Asian and Eastern European cultures. I worked in international development projects, which has exposed me to the impact of social and economic factors on individuals’ well-being. This firsthand experience has fueled my commitment to anti-oppressive practice and promoting social justice within therapy. I am committed to creating an inclusive environment where clients from all backgrounds feel understood, respected, and supported on their therapeutic journey. 

Combining my knowledge as a yoga teacher and Vipassana meditator, I recognize the holistic nature of healing and the power of integrating mind-body techniques. By incorporating somatic and mindfulness practices, I help clients reconnect with their bodies, manage stress, and promote overall well-being.

When not learning a new therapy modality you can find me practicing and teaching yoga, hiking the mountains, climbing, sailing, dancing and gardening. 

Specialties – issues:

• Relationships (including ENM)
• Trauma
• Anxiety 
• Neurodiversity
• Gender dysphoria
• Sexuality
• Identity and self esteem
• Body image
• Life transitions
• Spirituality
• Grief and loss

Specialties – modalities:

• Person-centered therapy
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
• Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Narrative therapy

Client focus: youth, adults, couples, LGBTQIAS2+

Languages: English, Spanish, Russian

Cost per session: $150/individual (50 mins) | $225/individual (90 mins) | $175/couples | $260/couples (90 mins)

Luke – Registered Clinical Counsellor

As a recent graduate with a master’s degree in social work, I am a dedicated and compassionate counsellor who is eager to help people overcome life’s many challenges and improve their sense of well-being. Although I am new in the field, I have strong interests in Mindfulness-based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered therapy. I am dedicated to continuing my education to further enhance my skills and knowledge, staying up to date with the latest research on therapeutic techniques to provide you with the best possible experience. My approach is rooted in empathy and a client-centered focus, and I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental space where my clients can share whatever it is they are carrying with them. I have experience supporting clients of diverse backgrounds with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, and relationship issues.  

Every one of us is on a unique journey of our own, and my goal is to help build with you a template of better communication with yourself, your relationships, authentic decision-making, and identify comprehensive coping skills to meet your needs. We will create this template through a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship and make your journey more you than ever before.  

Thank you for considering me as your counsellor, I look forward to working with you on your path toward personal growth and healing.  

Specialties: 

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Relationships 
• Self-Esteem and Identity  
• Spirituality 
• Stress 

Modalities:  

• Person-Centered Therapy 
• Narrative Therapy 
• Mindfulness-based Therapy 
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 

Client focus: youth (16+), adults

Cost per session: $140/individual (50 mins) | $210/individual (90 mins)

Gaylene – Registered Clinical Counsellor

I began my own journey in counselling about 25 years ago. I was lost, alone, and facing many unbearable losses in my life. I didn’t have the emotional tools, skills, support, or knowledge that I needed…which is when with the help of a counsellor I began my own path of healing and growth. I remain committed to doing my own work and I feel that is an important piece of the work to bring to my clients. I’ve been there, I’ve felt broken and helpless and life has dealt some unexpected intense blows. There was no quick fix and at times it felt like the struggle would never end. I don’t know if I couldn’t have arrived where I am without the guidance from my own counsellors. There have been unexpected gifts from the struggle, and there is hope. I am a testament to the process. 

Helping people has been my lifelong passion, and through counselling services I’ve helped people recognize their strengths, nurtured their abilities to grow, and helped them heal themselves. 

I can walk beside you like a mountain guide, pointing out things like dangers and shortcuts and which tools to use, how to use your map, when to rest and refuel, potential dangers of various routes, helping you along on your journey. I can’t walk it for you or rescue you, but there are times when I can guide and assist you in how to help yourself. Often we can even laugh together.

I have a unique ability to connect with individuals and to help them feel comfortable, safe and at ease. As an empathetic listener, I have a sensitivity to tuning into the needs of others. 

Being non-judgmental, open, and committed to authenticity are qualities I bring to the counselling process.

I practice with genuine gentleness, compassion, humour, acceptance, curiosity, creativity, and a sense of adventure so that people feel open to exploring their needs in a safe manner.I work with ages 12 and up. My favourite group to work with are youth, who despite me being on the riper end of life, most youth still find me pretty ok to work with. I also love working with all other ages and with a variety of issues.
My work experience includes: private practice; working in agencies that focus on crises intervention and working with crimes and trauma and the court process that follows; with agencies that provide services to immigrants and refugees; with agencies that provided counselling for children and youth that were impacted by sexualized violence and other forms of developmental and/or complex trauma; as a school counsellor in a First Nations run school; and with an agency that provides grief counselling for youth and young adults. Each experience has brought new insights, skill, complexities, perspectives, and appreciation and feelings of privilege and honour for people allowing me to accompany them on their journey and being a part of this kind of work.

Specialities – Issues:

• Grief and loss
• Depression 
• Anxiety
• Teen issues 
• Neurodiversity
• Religious trauma
• Abuse (sexual, emotional, etc.) 
• Trauma
• Coping Skills 
• Self Esteem
• Life Transitions/Developmental 
• Interpersoanal Conflict 
• Couples 

Specialities – Modalities:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Person-centred
• Strength-based
• Family systems
• Family of origin
• Trauma-informed
• Response-based
• Anti-oppressive
• Feminist perspective
• Existential perspective
• Mindfullness
• Narrative
• Attachment theory 
• Culturally sensitive/informed
• Nature based (certified interpretive guide) 
• IFS (informed)
• EMDR (informed)
• Gottman (informed)
• EFT (Informed)
• Expressive arts (informed)

Client focus: children (12+), young adults, adults, couples

Cost per session: $150/individual | $175/couples | $180/family

Christina – Registered Clinical Counsellor

I am registered clinical counsellor who uses an individualized approach for each client, drawing upon person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy and CBT, and with a focus on empathy, unconditional acceptance, and transparency, as well as a broad range of other tools. 

The battles and challenges which we face are the catalyst for growth—evolving your mind, body, soul, and spirit. You already have, within you, the ability and wisdom to overcome life’s obstacles. My goal is to empower and assist you, in a safe and supportive setting, as you walk through this stage of your journey.

My work experience involves supporting clients with cognitive and physical disabilities, mental health issues, developmental disabilities, and acquired brain injuries. This has taught me that everyone’s story is unique, including their struggles, their strengths, and their pathway to healing. I am passionate about working with children over the age of 10, teens, adults, couples, and LGBTQ+ individuals!

There are four levels of consciousness: the first level is To Me, this is quite simply a victim mentality, it is when life is happening to you and you are suffering. The second level of consciousness is By Me, this is when life is happening due to your own volition, when you are making things happen. The third level of consciousness is Through Me, this is when the Universe is working through you, everything happens easily with the power of Divine energy flowing through you. For example, when a stranger buys you a coffee at Starbucks, when you start a business and it’s easy, all the people line up that you need, quite easily, when you get your ideal job because you know someone. The fourth level of consciousness is As Me, this is when you hug a tree because you know you and the tree are one, when you live in the state of mind, knowing that the mirror is your universe and it simply reflects whatever is in you. I am able to assist you to get to whatever level of consciousness you want to attain and or to toggle in between any combination of the levels of consciousness in order to live your best life.

“When my wife and I began to see Christina, we instantly appreciated her gentle yet grounded process, which provided us with exceptional clarity, peace of mind, and a new perspective on issues that were deeply troubling at the time. 

Christina has an intuitive ability to see what’s behind the issue. As a result of our couples’ counselling, I am able to label my feelings and emotions and direct my behaviour correspondingly. My wife is more confident in making important decisions and has stronger boundaries. 

Today, our marriage honestly could not be better! For the first time ever, we feel we are growing as a couple—as a team, as friends, and as lovers. For that, we are very grateful.”

—Craig and Kassia

“I’ve been working with Christina for almost two years. She has helped me through my deepest depression and is now supporting me as a entrepreneur. She has helped me understand my mental illness and has given me many tools and resources to manage it. I can tell she really cares and genuinely wants to facilitate positivity in people’s lives. Her personalized sessions have been the most effective therapy I’ve ever received. I have recommended Christina to many others because I truly believe she can help them like she’s helped me.“

—Emily N

Specialties – issues:

• Trauma
• Couples and Marriage
• Play Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Cognitive disabilities
• Brain injury
• Relationships
• Identity and self esteem
• Living with chronic conditions
• Life coaching

Specialties – modalities:

• EMDR therapy
• Person-centered therapy
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Traumatic incident reduction (TIR)
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Play Therapy

Client focus: children (3+), youth, adults, couples, LGBTQ+

Cost per session: $150/individual | $150/play therapy (45 mins) | $150/EMDR session | $175/couples | $195/family

EMDR Explaine

Coleen – Registered Clinical Counsellor

Coleen is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who holds a Masters of Counselling Psychology degree through Yorkville University. Coleen has over 20 years experience working in healthcare including Emergency Room nursing, acute care, mental health, oncology, long term care, as well as helping to advance care through Clinical Research. Coleen previously developed and ran an autism art therapy program for adolescents, teens and adults. In addition, she holds licensure as a Practical Nurse, and Bachelors of Health Sciences Degree with a major in psychology. Coleen has completed certifications in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MCBT), Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Couples Counselling & Systemic Family Therapy, Person Centered, Counselling Children and Adolescents as well as an advanced child psychology.

Coleen is passionate about empowering and helping clients to regain peace of mind and find balance in their lives. By using a non-judgemental empathetic approach, Coleen provides a safe and trustworthy environment that lends well to building a strong rapport with her clients. Coleen incorporates the use of a biopsychosocial approach so to ensure she is capturing the entire image of her clients. She then pulls from a number of different treatment options to create a unique individualized treatment plan together with the client.

Specialities – Issues:

• Trauma / PTSD
• Anxiety
• Relationships
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management
• Grief and Loss
• Abuse

Specialities – Modalities:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Exposure Therapy

Client focus: children (10+), teenagers, young adults, adults, couples

Cost per session: $150/individual | $175/couples | $180/family

Li – Candidate

Li is Next Step’s newest intern and brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to her practice.  Li holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and is currently completing her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.  Li worked in education for ten years, working with neurodivergent teens, teens with mental health challenges, behaviour challenges, and giftedness. She has been an entrepreneur for the last ten years, running several successful businesses and coaching and mentoring hundreds of women how to balance motherhood, business, and personal growth.  As the mother of two neurodivergent teens and a neurodivergent individual herself, she understands what it’s like to see and navigate the world differently.  Additionally, as a former collegiate varsity athlete and multiple national championship-winning coach, she understands the unique pressure of being an elite athlete or high achiever.  She has a passion for helping neurodivergent individuals appreciate their gifts and normalize their lived experiences, assisting women to balance their complex lives, and helping any individual who needs support.

With over twenty years of experience helping to teach, guide, mentor and coach people to feel more at home with themselves and to live more in alignment with their authentic selves, Li is excited to meet you where you are and help walk alongside you in your journey to greater peace, contentment and authenticity.  Li’s professional approach is to meet the diverse needs of her clients as fully as she can while creating a warm and empathetic environment for you to feel seen and heard.  Using a biopsychosocial approach that considers the whole person and the many factors that influence their life, Li centres your experience and challenges in her work and can help you to manage emotions, build healthy coping skills and create a meaningful life.

Specialties – Issues

• Support for individuals with ASD, ADHD, and/or Giftedness
• Stress-related to high achievement
• Stress-related to elite/competitive athletics
• Maternal mental health
• Life transitions
• Grief/loss
• Professional or career challenges
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Parents and guardians of neurodivergent children
• Self-esteem and identity

Specialties – Modalities

• Person-centred and strengths-based approach
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Attachment theory
• Lifespan Integration (Level 2 certified)

Client focus – Mothers, women, Neurodivergent adults, elite athletes, high achievers, teens (16+), adults, and couples.
Cost per session: $50/individual | $75/couples
*Sliding scale available.  Please get in touch with us for sliding scale options.

*Li is not currently accepting new clients until September 1st – if you would like to be added to the waitlist, please indicate that in the submission form

Kate – Registered Clinical Counsellor

As the founder of Next Step Counselling Group and a registered clinical counsellor (RCC), I believe an authentic connection between you and your therapist is the foundation for growth. 

I am a new mother to two little girls and a boy, so I understand the challenges that life can throw our way, and I strive to bring that understanding to the counselling setting. I am passionate about helping young people—children, teenagers, and young adults (ages 6 to 20)—develop the skills to navigate life. 

For school-aged children: I help clients navigate high school and all its challenges, including bullying and school performance/test anxiety.

For youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD): I help clients learn the life skills they need to grow into confident, independent adults. 

Kate worked with my son Jade, who has high functioning autism, for three years. At age 17, he was floundering as to what to do with his life and had many social issues. Kate has an acute sensitivity for guiding her clients and instilling confidence in them so they can get over life’s hurdles—especially when us parents don’t always know what direction to go next. My son now has a full-time job. He is happy, confident, and on his way to full independency. This gives me peace of mind for his life and future that I never would have thought possible back in 2016 (before we met Kate).  Kate will always have a special place in our hearts, and we are so grateful to have been one of the first families she counselled.

—Shana K.

Specialties – issues:

• Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
• Youth issues (school, bullying, anxiety)
• Identity and self esteem
• Life skills
• Transitions
• Supervision of therapists

Specialties – modalities:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Family systems
• Person-centered therapy
• Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT)

Client focus: children (6+), teenagers, young adults, adults, families

Cost per session: $150/individual | $175/couples | $180/family

Supervision:

Leslie – Registered Clinical Counsellor

Specialties – issues:

• Anxiety
• Anxiety and other issues around aging
• Career Counselling
• Coping Skills
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Life Transitions
• Peer Relationships
• Self Esteem
• Stress
• Trauma

Specialties – modalities:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Integrative
• Person-centered therapy
• Solution-focused therapy (SFBT)
• Strength-based

Client focus: individual adults from 19 to 99 years of age

Cost per session: $130/individual | $145/couple

Katherine – Registered Clinical Counsellor

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
― Carl Gustav Jung

As children we are born with every potential and capability within us. However, during our lives, we can go through experiences that wound us and if our nervous systems were not able to fully process what happened at the time, we can suffer from painful triggers that continue to affect us in our present day lives.

With a Master of Counselling degree and training in EMDR therapy, I assist clients to reduce the painful symptoms associated with unresolved trauma. I work with clients to develop the skills they need to access the power within themselves to heal. I am passionate about helping others move toward the life they want to live by using empirically based, trauma informed approaches. Some of the modalities I offer include: Person Centered Therapy to help individuals feels safe and cared for in the counselling room, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to deconstruct disabling beliefs, Inner Family Systems Therapy for deeper self exploration, as well as an array of other methods that help individuals connect to the parts of themselves they may be disconnected from due to trauma.

Specialties – issues:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life Transitions
• Trauma/PTSD
• Self Esteem
• Stress
• Relationship Problems
• Play Therapy
• Youth Issues

Specialties – modalities:

• Cognitive Behavourial Therapy (CBT)
• Solutions Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Person Centered Therapy
• Psychoanalytic Therapy
• Internal Family Systems
• Mindfulness

Client focus: children, youth, young adults, adults, couples

Cost per session: $140/individual | $140/EMDR session | $210/EMDR session (90 mins) | $175/couples session | $260/couples session (90 mins)