Mental Health Counselling

Qualifications: Registered Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work

Experience: Has worked in MHSU for over 10 years. She was a Therapist on Surrey MHSUS’ ASTAT (Adult Short Term Assessment and Treatment) team, one of the largest community outpatient psychotherapy programs in BC. She offered solution focused, behavioural, psychodynamic, family systems, CBT, DBT and narrative approaches for moderate to severe mental health and substance use clients. She also brings experience from working across a range of substance use services such as Heartwood Centre for Women (PHSA), Maple Ridge Treatment Centre (FHA), BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program (Ministry), and Richmond Addiction Services.

Fun Fact: She has a 2.5 year old son named Ryan

Qualifications: PhD in Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education; MA in Counselling Psychology

Experience: Talino started his career working as substance use therapist in the Youth Custody system. His experience working with youth and their families allowed him to obtain a position with MCFD in an Integrated Mental Health team. This team was eventually moved into the Fraser Health Authority where Talino has worked for the past 18 years.  He has supported and provided counselling to youth and adults dealing with various mental health and substance use issues. He has also provided counselling and support for families affected by these issues and developed psychoeducational groups for the community. He supports his client using a broad range of modalities such as CBT, DBT, and Strength/Solution based therapy.

Fun Fact: Plays guitar and soccer.

Qualifications: Clinical Counsellor with a Masters in Counselling 

Experience: My past clinical experience includes supporting youth and adults struggling with substance use, mental health issues or both. I have also facilitated substance use education and prevention groups for a local school board. My practice is primarily informed by person centered and strength-based therapies and will draw from other approaches such as ACT and SFBT when required.      

Fun Fact: My wife and I have a combined height of 12’6”

Qualifications: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Clinical Social Work, Registered Social Worker

Experience: Lacey has nearly a decade of experience working in both addictions and mental health, including relapse prevention and crisis counselling. She spent the last three years working as a Social Worker on the Older Adult Mental Health Unit at Royal Columbian Hospital. During her time there, Lacey worked to support those admitted as well as their loved ones and families as they experienced challenges around ageing, loss, bereavement, changes in roles, circumstances and life transitions. Lacey practices from a strength-based and trauma-informed lens, frequently using a family and ecological systems approach. Lacey believes in the innate wisdom, strength and resilience of all people and considers it a great privilege to work with you.

Fun Fact: Born and raised in the hometown of Wayne Gretzky, Alexander Graham Bell and Lawren Harris. Enjoys great coffee, good stationery and time in nature. 

Qualifications: Registered Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work and a Bachelor of Psychology

Experience: Julia worked as a case manager with Burnaby Mental Health and Substance Use, where she worked with clients with chronic mental illness and concurrent disorders. She previously worked with John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society, where she worked with clients with persistent multiple barriers who were involved in the justice system, advocating for their rightful justice and fair treatment. She also brings experience from Victoria, working with addiction recovery clients at Island Health. Julia uses Solution-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and she is committed to a trauma-informed, strengths-based practice. Julia believes that the role of the counsellor is to guide the client toward creating greater awareness of their strengths and activating their internal resources.

Fun Fact: Julia enjoys paddleboarding throughout the year.

Qualifications:  Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s in Counselling

Experience: Kelvin previously worked as a clinician at Mental Health and Substance Use Services, where he worked with adults who are battling with their mental health challenges. With a passion of fostering growth and resilience, he empowers individuals to cultivate self-awareness and explore their journey towards recovery by drawing from CBT and ACT.

Fun Fact: Kelvin also likes to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen, even though this adventure often ends with what you can generously describe as a “abstract expressionism” of the recipe…

Qualifications: Sara holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Solution-Focused Therapy. These qualifications provide a strong foundation for delivering personalized, evidence-based care to clients.

Experience: With over 13 years of professional experience, Sara has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice at Alpine Clinic and Fraser Mental Health. Specializing in individual and couples counseling, Sara has extensive experience helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, stress, OCD, and relationship challenges. As an immigrant, Sara deeply understands the complexities of cultural differences and is able to offer unique insights into the experiences of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Sara’s client-centred approach helps individuals build resilience and achieve their personal and relational goals.

Fun Fact: Sara is always up for an adventure, dreams of thrilling experiences like bungee jumping, scuba diving, or even spending time alone in the jungle to embrace new challenges and excitement.

Qualifications: Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s in Counselling and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology & International Studies

Experience: Emily has worked in a variety of counselling forms that include one to one counselling, group facilitating and family based counselling. Her most recent experience is working with clients with long term mental health, and concurrent disorders, in community settings. Prior to this she has ten years experience working with the neurodiverse population in the lower mainland at a variety of ages. She caters her work to the individual but has demonstrated capability to incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,  Solution Focused Therapy and Somatic Based approaches. She works through a trauma informed lens, and has prior experience with Grief Therapy, and often incorporates tools from these therapy forms into her work. She looks forwards to connecting with the individual and supporting them in the next step of their journey.

Fun Fact: Emily is an ex-competitive cake baker.

Qualifications: Clinical Counsellor with a Masters of Counselling Psychology and a Masters in Psychology

Experience: Previously worked as a counsellor at Jim Pattison Primary Care Centre in Surrey and Maple Ridge Treatment Centre, as well as an individual and group Therapist for Daytox Creekside Withdrawal Management for mental health and addiction recovery clients. Mehrdad uses CBT, DBT, client centred, schema therapy and gestalt approaches with clients.

Fun Fact: Keen on poetry, musician playing (Tanbour and lute Middle Eastern instruments) and love nature

Qualifications: Masters of Health Administration, Certified Clinical Exercise Psychologist and Certified Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) facilitator

Experience: Served as a Case Manager/Clinical Counsellor with Burnaby MHSUS, managing a case load of 60 patients living with chronic persistent mental illness and concurrent disorders. He has worked collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team setting with team psychiatrists. Andre utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, motivational interviewing, and a ‘recovery approach’ with his clients.

Fun Fact: Andre currently plays competitive soccer in VMSL, and used to be a professional television actor

Qualifications: Master of Art Counselling Psychology; Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences; Registered Clinical Counsellor

Experience: Kaitlin has experience working in the community, clinical settings, and the private sectors. She works with a culturally informed lens and has prior experience supporting BIPOC folks and the neurodiverse communities in the lower mainland. She approaches her work with an intersectional and person-centred approach and has demonstrated capability in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She has also previously worked with adolescence and youth in both community and child care settings. She approaches each session with curiosity and compassion as she believes in holding space for clients to feel valued and empowered. She is committed in supporting clients with skill development and bridging community support.

Fun Fact: Kaitlin has two guinea pigs, Bilbo and Frank.