A little about us
Curiosity comes out of a sense of safety; rigidity out of being vigilant to threats.
-Dr Sue Johnson
Specializations
Melissa Chan, Clinical Director, MACP, RCC #15037
Melissa, born and raised in Victoria, BC, is a dedicated counselor with a Bachelor of Child Studies in Early Intervention and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her expertise includes Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Individual Therapy, and Play Therapy, which she integrates into her practice. Melissa's counseling approach is collaborative and client-centered, tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual or family. She frames her work with science and research based Attachment theory, recognizing the importance of childhood to young adult experiences that shape world views.
Melissa works towards helping others find connection and feeling a sense of belonging within themselves so they may be present in their relationship with others. With a background in both non-profit, private practice and public sector settings, she addresses a wide range of issues including ADHD, anxiety, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and parenting challenges. In her practice, she incorporates a cultural lens which brings a deeper awareness to one's sense of self. She provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, offering practical strategies and tools to cope with stress, manage emotions, and cultivate resilience.
Melissa works towards helping others find connection and feeling a sense of belonging within themselves so they may be present in their relationship with others. With a background in both non-profit, private practice and public sector settings, she addresses a wide range of issues including ADHD, anxiety, relationship conflicts, life transitions, and parenting challenges. In her practice, she incorporates a cultural lens which brings a deeper awareness to one's sense of self. She provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, offering practical strategies and tools to cope with stress, manage emotions, and cultivate resilience.
Accepting NEW Individual, Child, Youth and Families and Couples to Waitlist for January 2025
Email [email protected] to be added to waitlist
Email [email protected] to be added to waitlist
Available: Days, Evenings and Weekends
Location: In office, Virtual
Specializations
Yvonne Chen, Clinical Director, MEd,
RCC #14778
RCC #14778
Yvonne, a compassionate counsellor rooted in Vancouver since 1973, holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, specializing in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of British Columbia.
With a heart for helping others, her journey began in university settings, supporting young adults, and expanded into the non-profit sector, where she developed a deep understanding of trauma. At BC Cancer Agency's Patient and Family Counselling Services, Yvonne provided invaluable support to those facing cancer, embodying empathy and understanding in every interaction. She believes in the power of compassion to heal wounds and guide individuals toward growth and resilience.
Yvonne's therapeutic approach is characterized by genuine care, insight, and a commitment to creating a safe space for personal exploration and growth. She excels in tailoring strategies to meet the diverse needs of clients, offering support for issues ranging from trauma recovery to vocational rehabilitation. With Yvonne, clients can expect compassionate guidance and unwavering support on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Beyond her counseling practice, Yvonne is a dedicated mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and survivor. In her downtime, she finds solace in nature, exploring trails and sharing moments of joy with her beloved dog, Sookie.
With a heart for helping others, her journey began in university settings, supporting young adults, and expanded into the non-profit sector, where she developed a deep understanding of trauma. At BC Cancer Agency's Patient and Family Counselling Services, Yvonne provided invaluable support to those facing cancer, embodying empathy and understanding in every interaction. She believes in the power of compassion to heal wounds and guide individuals toward growth and resilience.
Yvonne's therapeutic approach is characterized by genuine care, insight, and a commitment to creating a safe space for personal exploration and growth. She excels in tailoring strategies to meet the diverse needs of clients, offering support for issues ranging from trauma recovery to vocational rehabilitation. With Yvonne, clients can expect compassionate guidance and unwavering support on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Beyond her counseling practice, Yvonne is a dedicated mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and survivor. In her downtime, she finds solace in nature, exploring trails and sharing moments of joy with her beloved dog, Sookie.
Accepting Waitlist clients for January 2025. Please email [email protected]
Specializations
Catherine Chlebak, Associate, MA,
RCC #10973
RCC #10973
Catherine has made Vancouver home since 2010, bringing with her a deep sense of empathy rooted in her experiences as a second-generation Canadian. She holds a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology, specializing in Vocational Rehabilitation from University of British Columbia, and a Certificate in Human Resources Management (With Distinction) from BCIT.
She concurrently works at WorkSafeBC, further honing expertise in supporting adults with psychological and physical injuries from workplace incidents. Her specialties include depression, anxiety, chronic pain, grief and loss, workplace trauma, adjustment to injury, and career assessment, transition, and development.
Catherine continuously seeks growth through ongoing, science-backed education in mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and more recently is informed in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She also holds a regular meditation practice as part of her own personal development. Catherine provides an intentionally compassionate and non - judgmental setting, focused on self-growth and barrier removal. Clients deserve to feel free, more content, and work towards better versions of themself.
Catherine continuously seeks growth through ongoing, science-backed education in mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and more recently is informed in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She also holds a regular meditation practice as part of her own personal development. Catherine provides an intentionally compassionate and non - judgmental setting, focused on self-growth and barrier removal. Clients deserve to feel free, more content, and work towards better versions of themself.
Accepting Waitlist clients for January 2025. Please email [email protected]
Specializations
Karmen Skrajnar, Associate, MA,
RCC #19937
RCC #19937
Karmen, a dedicated counselor with roots in Slovenia and nearly two decades in Canada, deeply values personal connections. In her practice, she creates safe spaces for meaningful dialogues, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and respect.
With expertise in harm reduction, Karmen specializes in preventive approaches to mental health. She supports clients with anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, self-worth, body image, and eating disorders. Additionally, Karmen guides individuals in making informed career choices, managing workplace stress, and planning professional development.
Drawing from her diverse experiences, Karmen offers compassionate counseling to clients from various backgrounds. She provides support to older adults facing isolation and age-related challenges, focusing on proactive strategies for mental well-being. Rooted in person-centered therapy, Karmen tailors her approach to each client's unique journey and needs, fostering growth and self-discovery. With her, clients receive professional guidance infused with warmth, compassion, and a forward-thinking mindset toward mental health.
Drawing from her diverse experiences, Karmen offers compassionate counseling to clients from various backgrounds. She provides support to older adults facing isolation and age-related challenges, focusing on proactive strategies for mental well-being. Rooted in person-centered therapy, Karmen tailors her approach to each client's unique journey and needs, fostering growth and self-discovery. With her, clients receive professional guidance infused with warmth, compassion, and a forward-thinking mindset toward mental health.
Accepting Individual and Youth
Available: Days, Evenings and Weekends
Location: Virtual
Available: Days, Evenings and Weekends
Location: Virtual