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I'm so glad you're here.
I'm Whitney (she/her), a therapist living and working on the unceded territory of the shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation and the Skwxwu7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish) Nation, colonially known as Sechelt, on the Sunshine Coast of BC. The therapy space, pictured here, is located steps away from the ocean at Royal Terrace Building in Sechelt, BC.
As someone who has always found the most meaning in deep conversations and good relationships, I wanted to be a counsellor since my youth. Mental health is a personal passion of mine as I've seen people close to me both struggle and be resilient during mental suffering. I've also walked through hard times myself, and meaningful support made all the difference to me.
This all led me to complete a Masters degree in Counselling from University of Northern British Columbia in 2020, a counselling program especially focused on working with depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. I then received further training and experience in Narrative Therapy, DBT, Sandtray Therapy, Expressive Play Therapy, and EMDR. Over the past five years I've worked as a therapist with Prince George Native Friendship Centre, with university students, in child and youth mental health, and with adult clients in private practice. I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#16735) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.
My Story
My biggest feelings have been my biggest teachers. I've learned to love my feelings, be with them, and know they are trying to tell me something important. The feelings of fear and anxiety have especially been a big part of my life. Anxiety has been a voice that has kept me safe, but also limited me and affected my health and body. For all the trouble it's caused, anxiety has given me the gift of understanding mental suffering. It has called me to understand the neuro-biology of trauma, and the world of feelings, as I've sought out my own healing. Anxiety is still by my side, but it's voice is smaller as I've learned about what drives it and the needs behind it. I hope that all of this helps me to come alongside you as we explore together what you need.
I have lived experience in, and a special place in my heart for people going through postpartum anxiety, OCD, divorce, and religious trauma.
Qualifications & Trainings
▪ Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology, University of Northern BC
▪ Bachelors or Arts in Leadership, TWU
▪ Crisis intervention and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
▪ Cultural sensitivity awareness and training: Historical Impacts of Colonization from Stó:lō Nation
▪ Foundations of Narrative Therapy training from Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy
▪ Sand Play Therapy – Centre for Expressive Therapy Marie Jose Dhaese
▪ Expressive Play Therapy: A Holistic and Integrative Approach – Centre for Expressive Therapy Marie Jose Dhaese
▪ Expressive Play Therapy for Complex Trauma – Centre for Expressive Therapy Marie Jose Dhaese
▪ EMDR Tier 1 Training - Sue Genest Life Journeys Counselling
▪ Workshop Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems, Frank Anderson
▪ Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification - Web 2.0 Daniel W. Smith
▪ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Master the Core Skills and Competencies of CBT - Webinar by Charles Jacob, PhD
▪ Dr. Sue Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT): Attachment-based Interventions
▪ DBT Certification Training - Lane Pederson
▪ Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy: Foundation Course - Cathy Malchiodi, PhD
Outside My Role
Here is my little wellness team! Outside work, you can find me with these folks, exploring trails, having movie date nights, playing peek a boo from behind the trees, being totally and awesomely free and foolishly playful with my little one. As a new mom, I'm just obsessed with my son and the journey that is motherhood.
When not with these lovelies, you can find me enjoying walks with friends, watercolour painting, felting and weaving, and trying to sneak in time to rock climb, attend a yoga class or read while snuggling my kitty, Penny.
