Meet Us

Meet The Team

We are a collective of therapists with similar strengths and individual specialities.
Click read more below to learn more about each counsellor, or contact us to talk to somebody about who might be the right fit for you.

CHRISTINA HENDERSON Founder

BSW, MSW, RSW, RCC
Christina Henderson's photograph
  • Read More About Christina

    CONTACT CHRISTINA

    1.604.615.9033


    If I could choose the best word to describe myself as a therapist, or even just as a person in general, it would be to say that I am “real.” Other adjectives come to mind: warm, compassionate, engaged, personable, non-judgmental, outgoing. Yet authenticity seems to be the one that rings most true, and seems to be the quality people most appreciate in me. Counselling is ineffective at best, in absence of relationship with the therapist.  The ability to build authentic connections with others is what brings me life in this work, and is where I believe I excel. 


    I didn’t come to this work as a therapist because I am simply a “good listener.” My journey toward this career came from experiencing the inevitable sufferings of being human, learning from these experiences, and integrating them into who I am. 


    That being said, I deeply value the education I received and the perspective this education and training brings to my counselling practice. I was trained as a social worker, receiving my Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of the Fraser Valley, and my Master of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia. Social Work at its core is about challenging the multiple injustices of our world; it recognizes that the suffering people experience is often part of systems and structures far beyond their control. I bring this worldview into my practice. 


    I also have other various training and lenses through which I work with clients: 

    • Internal Family Systems

    • EMDR

    • Narrative Therapy

    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

    • Child-Centred Play Therapy 

    • Mindfulness-based Interventions

    • Trauma and Attachment Informed practice 


    In my career I have worked extensively with at-risk youth and their families, with people struggling with substance misuse, in health care settings, community development, with children involved with MCFD, co-parenting after separation, and with adult survivors of multiple forms of trauma. I am currently an instructor at the University of the Fraser Valley in the Department of Social Work and Human Services. One of my passions is supporting the development of new practitioners in the field. 


    I am also a mother to two brilliant and wise daughters. I love to hike, write, dance, and take photographs, and am just doing my best to live fully and with intention. 


    I am a Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor, accountable to a code of ethics and committed to ongoing professional development. 


JACQUELINE STRATING

BSW, MSW, RSW, RCC
Laurie Schulz's photograph
  • Read More About Jacqueline

    In my work as a counsellor, I am constantly captivated by the power, beauty, and resilience of the human spirit. The grit that it takes to keep going, to open up about life’s struggles in the presence of a stranger, to acknowledge the moments in our lives that leave us feeling raw or unsettled… These things take great courage.


    I recognize that not everyone has had a positive experience with counselling, and it takes a great deal of courage and vulnerability to be willing to share your life with someone you have never met. I consider it a privilege to be invited into your life and your stories in this way. Close people in my life often describe me as someone with deep compassion and the ability to appreciate and validate the darker struggles of life. I am also known as a person of contrasts – though I have a sincere and serious side that comes out as I support people and speak into their core strengths, I also have an ability to spark light-heartedness, joy, and an appreciation for life. Using warmth, humour and depth, I am skilled at creating an authentic, non-judgmental space for you to process the parts of life that may feel confusing, overwhelming, or painful. My goal is for you to gain greater insight, coping strategies, and an ability to relate to your past and experiences in a way that is empowering and brings meaningful change.


    I have worked extensively with youth, young adults and individuals experiencing challenges related to anxiety, substance use, depression, self-esteem, trauma, abuse, grief and loss, and personal growth. My past positions have included counselling, services for at-risk youth, outreach counselling, international social work and international development. 


    Through these experiences, and through my education as a social worker, I have developed a passion for social justice and an appreciation for the complexity of human experiences and how we overcome hardship. Every person brings a unique blend of culture, beliefs, personality and life experiences into therapy. Therefore, no one approach or solution fits everyone. Using a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, it is important to me that we find solutions or insights that make sense for your life, and in your context. That being said, other therapeutic lenses I practice from are internal family systems, EMDR, dialectical behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and attachment-informed approaches.


    I am a mother to two young children and am married to a loving and supportive husband. Some of my favourite things are baking, reading interesting books, and being active outside.


    I am a registered social worker and a registered clinical counsellor, committed to ongoing professional development, and accountable to a code of ethics.

KATIE JOHNSON

BSW, MSW, RSW, RCC 
Laurie Schulz's photograph
  • Read More About Katie

    I believe that each person is capable of healing and producing growth and transformation in their life. People continually overcome difficult experiences in life and are able to accomplish more than they can imagine.


    I will journey alongside you through the highs and lows as you work through challenges and take steps toward change. You can expect genuineness, compassion, empathy, and laughter throughout this process. My approach to counseling does not involve telling you what to do but is rather about partnering with you to discover and bring about the growth and new direction you long for. 


    I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of the Fraser Valley and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Registered Social Worker. My approach to therapy includes the use of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, as well as self-compassion and mindfulness practices."


    My areas of practice include: 


    • Trauma 
    • Anxiety
    • Perfectionism
    • Grief and Loss
    • Life Transitions 
    • Body Image and Self Esteem
    • Religious/Spiritual Trauma 
 

    I work with adults, youth, and couples from a variety of cultural backgrounds and identities. I incorporate a social justice-oriented and trauma-informed lens and my approach is always tailored to your unique needs and intersecting identities. I will collaborate with you to ensure that your needs are met and will continually adjust my approach as needed so that it fits for you and is moving you in the direction that you hope for. 


    I also bring an anti-oppressive lens to the work that I do which means I am constantly holding an awareness of the ways that power and oppression impact and cause suffering for the individuals I work with. I strive to provide a safe, accepting, and empowering space where you can share your stories of both pain and joy and move forward in creating new stories that align with your values and hopes in life.


    In my spare time, I enjoy reading a good book, baking something delicious that usually includes chocolate, and connecting with friends and family. I am a mother to three young children and am grateful to have the support of my amazing husband.


JULIE WARKENTIN

MACP, RCC, CPC
Laurie Schulz's photograph
  • Read More About Julie

    There are many differing messages of who to be or what to do and it can be easy to lose connection to ourselves, to the truth of who we are. We are continually shaped and impacted by relationships, life experiences, trauma, and our worldviews. As well, our own mental health can rob us from living authentically.


    As a therapist, I value the unique identity and experience of each person I work with, welcoming individuals of diverse backgrounds, identities, cultures, and spiritual orientations. It is my desire that you experience a warm, supportive therapeutic relationship with me where you are encouraged to be the truest expression of yourself. 


    I will receive you wherever you’re at and support you in pursuing your desired goals. If you don’t know what they are, that’s ok, we can journey into discovery together. It is a gift for me to hold a safe space for clients, to listen and empower you towards discovering more of who you are and finding your own answers to the transitions/challenges you face. It is my desire to work with each client within their own unique needs and values rather than treating you as a one size fits all. My strongest passion is journeying with individuals in coming home to themselves, accepting their own humanness with compassion, and using their own strengths to bring about their desired change.


    My therapeutic approach

    I am an Internal Family Systems informed therapist that incorporates a trauma-informed lens while integrating approaches from Person-centred Therapy, self-compassion, mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.


    My areas of practice

    •       Anger

    •       Anxiety

    •       Coping Skills

    •       Depression

    •       Grief and loss

    •       Life Transitions

    •       Relationships

    •       Spiritual discovery or deconstruction

    •       Stress

    •       Trauma


    My love for learning

    I hold a Certificate in Professional Coaching from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. My love for learning has led me to additional professional development to enhance my work with clients. This additional training includes:

    • Advance Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma (NICABM)
    • Diversity Training – Standing Together & Caring for Each Other: Mobilizing Cultural Safety and Humility in Professional Practice (BCACC)
    •  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)(Envision)
    • Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Anxiety, Depression, and Shame
    • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Inner Circle: Foundations of the IFS Model
    • Queering your Practice (BCACC)
    • San'yas Core Indigenous Cultural Safety Mental Health
    • Trauma Informed Practice Institute Level 1 (Trauma & The Body)
    • Trauma Informed Practice Institute Level 2 (Healing Trauma Experientially)

    My life outside the office:

    When I’m not working you can typically find me nestled up with a good book, playing games, hiking, mountain biking, or paddle boarding with my husband and two teens.


DAVE GRAEWE 

MAMFT, RCC
Laurie Schulz's photograph
  • Read More About Dave

    I’m a husband, a father of 3, and a therapist who has the privilege of accompanying people as they navigate the complexities of being human.


    I do my best work in helping individual adults (ages 20+) process their trauma & interpersonal wounds. While my scope of practice includes a number of presenting concerns (see more in the “What I offer” section), I am particularly well-suited in working with those who identify with being big/deep feelers, highly sensitive, introverted, or easily overwhelmed, as well as new therapists/student therapists-in-training. I support those I work with through experiential, attachment-based, and emotion-focused therapy approaches that help people shift and evolve the way they carry their suffering and pain to uncover peace, balance, flexibility, greater presence, and more secure connections to self and others. 



    What it’s like to work with me…


    I’m perhaps not what you might expect of a typical therapist. I’m not a neutral observer or a blank slate. I join with you with present attunement, engage with you honestly, invest deeply in you, mirror back what I see, experience, and notice, and show up as my real self. I never wear a suit or dress shirt to work; I prefer to keep things casual and comfortable. I honor your complexity by not being big on advice-giving or telling you what to do, but instead using curiosity and interest to help you uncover your wisdom or next step. I don’t see you as a diagnosis, a label, or a problem to be fixed, but as the complex and unique person that you are, deserving of being seen, known, and accompanied in your pain and stuck places. Tenderness, emotional attunement, and humour are a few of my therapeutic superpowers. I’m known to laugh with my clients, cry with my clients, and deeply delight in my clients.



    My commitment to you…


    I will show up for you as an active participant in your healing and transformation. I’ll use my curiosity and therapeutic instinct to ask meaningful questions to help us both understand you better. I will tell you how I see you, point out your strengths, and help you make sense of what’s driving your distress. I’ll share insights and feedback directly and lovingly. I will hold hope for you. I will work hard to undo your aloneness by drawing near to your experience. I will partner with you in moving towards your hopes and goals.



    What I offer…


    Individual Therapy for Adults

    In my work with individual adults, I am guided by attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, trauma research, polyvagal theory, and affective neuroscience. My approach is primarily based on AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and IFS (Internal Family Systems). AEDP is richly relational (meaning the client-therapist relationship is vital to the therapeutic process) and experiential (meaning that in sessions we seek to experience feelings rather than talk about them). IFS is an approach where we will often utilize parts work—a way of connecting to and working with aspects of ourselves that bother us, get us into trouble, protect us, hold tension or conflict with other parts of us, or are deeply hurting and wounded.


    We may be a good fit for therapy if…

    • You are 20+ years old
    • You have a trauma or complex trauma history (or wonder if you do)
    • You are interested in exploring your family-of-origin experiences and dynamics
    • You are struggling with one or many of the following concerns: PTSD, anxiety, dissociation, emotions that feel really big, out of control, or scary, feeling emotionally detached/disconnected, hiding your emotions from others or even yourself, family-of-origin issues, grief, spiritual wounding
    • You are looking for more depth-oriented work rather than mental health tips/tools/advice
    • You are willing to try an approach that is more exploratory and experiential in nature, and less directive and cognitive


    The technical stuff…


    I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA-MFT), meaning that I have a solid understanding of how we are impacted by the relational systems around us, both past and present.


    In addition, I have attended specialized workshops, trainings, and received clinical supervision in various attachment-based, emotion-oriented, trauma-informed, and experiential approaches and topics:

    • AEDP: The Dyadic Repair of Attachment Trauma, Level I Immersion Course – AEDP Institute
    • An Introduction to the Intra-Relational Triangle: AEDP, Complex Trauma and Parts Work – Kari Gleiser of the AEDP Institute
    • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship – Vancouver Couple & Family Institute
    • Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation: A Polyvagal Theory Guided Approach to Therapy – Deb Dana, hosted by Mental Health and Addiction Services of Ottawa
    • An Introduction to Embodiment: Theory and Clinical Practice – Dr. Hillary McBride
    • Minding the Heart Training Group on Experiential Therapy – Dr. Tori Olds
    • Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach
    • Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy Training Program – TheraPsil
    • Making Sense of Kids, Level I – Neufeld Institute

KARA PHELAN

MAMFT, RCC 
Laurie Schulz's photograph
  • Read More About Kara

    As a therapist, I believe it is a privilege each and every time a client invites me into their most vulnerable moments. Their hurt and struggles. The parts that they are proud of, and the parts that they hide away from most of the world. 

    This work makes me so aware of human resilience and the reality of common humanity i.e. that we are all a work in progress.


    My hope is to create a space for you that is comfortable, non-judgemental, openly reflective, and real. It is amazing to me how often new clients disclose their nervousness upon our first session, and by the end of the hour confidently state how thankful they are that they came. This is the power of a safe, well-fitting therapeutic relationship.


    As I partner with clients in the work of therapy, I come as a companion. I am not the authority or expert on what is best for you, but play the role as mirror and gentle guide, in order for you to become more of your authentic self. I help you to lean into what has previously been too challenging to look at alone, and by “undoing the aloneness” of the most wounding moments of our lives, we find the ability to heal in new ways. 


    I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and hold a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family therapy. Therefore, I understand that we live our lives within the context of relational systems, and I take these wider contexts into consideration when working with individuals. I see every client as a whole being; body, mind, soul, spirit, and relationships, and by addressing these different areas of the Self, it is my firm belief that growth, healing, and positive change is possible for every person.


    I draw from therapy models such as Satir Transformational Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and attachment theory. I strive to work with clients in such a way as to provide them with a new therapeutic experience of themselves, which they can then take with them into the other contexts of their lives. I also come from a trauma-informed perspective, and often integrate body-based awareness with emotional processing. 


    I work with women, men, young adults, teens, couples, and families through a variety of struggles around self-worth, relationships, depression and anxiety, trauma, personal development, life transitions, and spiritual formation.

REBECCA HORCH

BA, CPC 
Laurie Schulz's photograph
  • Read More About Rebecca

    Supporting people in their individual journeys is a privilege I don’t take for granted. It is in building connections, creating safe space, and empowering people to trust that they are the experts in their own lives that I hold fast to as a counsellor. The approach that I take is gentle, but direct; often leading with education, and through the lens of attachment. It is for these reasons that I am gifted at working with youth and parents as well as individuals and couples who are motivated to really “do the work.”

     

    My approach with youth comes from a comprehensive understanding of development, plus many years of experience, and so my work with this age group does not look like your typical “therapy” session. My strengths lie in working with youth who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self harm, executive functioning, and negative self talk/limiting beliefs. Additionally, I have built and facilitated programs and workshops for parents to help educate and support them on their parenting journey and I love to work with parents to aid them in building a home full of mutual love and respect within the family unit.

     

    I have also found that similar practices such as education, and an understanding of attachment is equally as valuable for couples and individuals who are looking to build communication skills, work on conflict resolution, and deepen their interpersonal relationships.  I am someone who is passionate about empowering my clients to discover their strengths, break out of habits that are difficult to change and help them get "unstuck.”

     

    I am a true believer that there is no” fixing” your way into wholeness, there is only remembering. Sometimes remembering means a hard look at the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs you have about yourself and how those play out in your day-to-day life with your actions. It is about taking an inventory of what habits are no longer working for you, and learning new habits from a place of self compassion and true reflection that will lead you towards growth. I am here to help you feel seen & known without judgment, and be empowered to live from your truest, most authentic self.

     

    My area of practice includes:

    -Internal Family Systems

    -Choice Theory

    -Solution-Focused Therapy

    -Narrative based practice

    -Somatic Practise and Felt Sense

    -Family of Origin and Attachment Theory

    -Coaching and Personal Development

    -Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

     

    I am also the mother of 3 uniquely amazing kids, am married to a kind and supportive man. In my spare time I love to run the trails around beautiful Abbotsford with my crazy dog Pepper. I have my BA in Child & Youth Care and am working on my MA in counselling Psychology. I am also a trained and certified parenting coach, and am committed to continued personal and professional development.

     

    Finally, it is important for me to share with all my clients that I struggle just like anyone else. We are all on a journey, and you are not alone. I look forward to working with you.


REBECCA EDWARDS

RSW, MSW
Laurie Schulz's photograph
  • Read More About Rebecca

    My journey towards social work and counselling is largely due to my own life transformations. As someone who has been in the position of a counselling client, I know what has been instrumental for me in helping move through the most challenging times in my own life. Building trust, suspending judgement, and remaining curious has been an important part of my work as a social worker, and I am excited to bring these skills into serving people in a therapeutic capacity.


    I have work experience with children and families, grief and loss, addictions, depression and anxiety, body and issues and disordered eating, trauma, and the criminal justice system. I am passionate about social justice, and I practice from a feminist perspective. 


    My approach is trauma-informed and client centered. I believe that everyone brings strengths to the table and look forward to helping people discover and nurture those strengths. Attachment theory and internal family systems are instrumental in my work, and I am looking forward to this new journey of building connections and finding solutions with you. 


    The life that led me here includes close to 15 years of being a personal trainer. Wellness has evolved for me into something less about fitting into what society tells me I should look like, and more about honouring my body and what it needs. In my down time, I still enjoy the gym, and am an ice cream connoisseur. I practice meditation daily, and like to read, paint, and watch movies. 

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