Affordable Counselling with Intern Therapists
Quality Support. Lower Cost. Real Impact.
At IBSI, we believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, professional mental health support. That’s why we’re proud to offer low-cost counselling sessions with our Master’s-level intern therapists—carefully selected graduate students who are in the final stages of their counselling or social work training.
Why Choose an Intern Therapist?
Our intern therapists bring fresh perspectives, current training, and a deep passion for helping others. They are:
- Interviewed and hand-selected through a thorough application process.
- Supervised by experienced Master’s-level clinicians with over 5 years of practice.
- Dedicated to learning and growing while supporting you with professionalism and care.
Session Fee
- $65 per session
- Sliding scale options of $25, $45, and $65 are available – if cost is a barrier, let’s talk and find a plan that works for you.
Areas of Focus
Each intern has unique interests and areas of specialization such as:
- Play Therapy
- Individual Counselling
- Couples Counselling
- Family Support
- Emotional Regulation
- Neurodivergence and more
Interns are eager to learn and often gain experience in several areas throughout their placement. Not sure who might be the right fit? Our team is happy to help match you with someone who aligns with your needs.
Ready to Book?
Call us at (604) 819 9828 or email the administrative team at info@ibsi.ca to learn more and get started today.
We’re here for you—affordable, compassionate, and client-centered care.
Our current intern counsellors
Below are our current intern counsellors. You can also check our Instagram page where each intern has a short video introducing themselves and sharing their specific area of specialty. It’s a great way to get a feel for who they are and what they’re passionate about. Add the instagram link
- Master Level Intern
Shirley Thomas
- Master Level Intern
Areas of practice: Child, Couples
Shirley is a graduate student at Trinity Western University, pursuing a master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy. She brings extensive experience supporting children and their families as they navigate challenges and address attachment needs. Shirley is dedicated to working with parents, equipping and empowering them to foster strong connections with their children, and with each other. Shirley adopts a systemic approach to understanding family dynamics and recognizes the importance of how these relationships influence present circumstances. She is passionate about empowering individuals to grow in confidence and strengthen their relationships and brings a genuine care and listening heart into the room with each client. Shirley respects that each person is the expert of their own life and considers it a privilege to be part of their journey. Fundamentally, I view counselling as the work of personal growth, accelerating our ability to find and sustain joy, connection, and meaning in our lives.
- Bachelor Level Intern
Kelli Ovington
- Bachelor Level Intern
Hello, and welcome. I’m Kelli, a fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work student through UFV. My family settled in British Columbia five generations ago, and I was lucky to grow up appreciating everything Stó:lō land has to offer. I find serenity in fresh water, the forest, or with my pets.
I have experience working with local Indigenous communities, youth in care, addiction, and system navigation. I am incredibly grateful to work alongside clinicians whom I can learn from. My practice – though my journey is just beginning – is rooted in connection to self, exploration, and person-centred care. (I also love a good SMART goal!)
Whatever brings you into the office, I look forward to meeting you ◡̈
- Master Level Social Worker Student
- RSW # 18245
Jennifer Dickie
- Master Level Social Worker Student
- RSW # 18245
Language(s) spoken: English
I am a Registered Social Worker with many years of life experience and 4 years of working in the mental health field. What I love about therapeutic relationships is the learning that takes place in the room. We are all travelers on the road of life, and sometimes we find ourselves at an unexpected detour. These detours can disrupt our sense of self and wellbeing. Having the courage to ask for someone to walk alongside you on these detours takes great strength. I would be honoured to meet you where you are and support you as you build skills to help you find renewed wellbeing.
Our current intern supervisors
Do you have questions or concerns regarding our intern counsellors? Contact us.
Currently not accepting new patients
- Founder and Clinical Directory, Inner Balance Solutions Inc
- RCSW - 10090
Terresa McKenzie
- Founder and Clinical Directory, Inner Balance Solutions Inc
- RCSW - 10090
Currently not accepting new patients
Language(s) spoken: English
Areas of practice: Trauma, First Responders, Case Management, Collaborative Divorce
Terresa McKenzie is a Registered Clinical Social Worker and the founder and Clinical Director of Inner Balance Solutions Inc. in Chilliwack, British Columbia. She has been a social worker since 2011, and in 2016 she founded IBSI. Since then it has grown into a multidisciplinary mental health and social work practice serving individuals, couples, children and families across the Fraser Valley.
Terresa’s clinical background is in trauma, PTSD, dissociation, intimate partner violence and first responder trauma. She has advanced training in EMDR and is also trained in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) and the Gottman Method. As an RCSW, she is qualified to provide diagnostic assessment. She has also completed collaborative divorce coaching training and will begin offering mediation in December 2026.
Today, Terresa’s work centres on clinical leadership. She is trained in clinical supervision and is committed to supporting students and newer clinicians as they develop their practice. She leads IBSI collaboratively, alongside a group of skilled professionals who each bring their own expertise and approach.
Terresa is a member of the British Columbia College of Social Workers, the BC Association of Social Workers, the Canadian Association of Social Workers, the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance and EMDR International Association. She is also active in her community, supporting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, the Chilliwack Charitable Firefighters’ Association and BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Bills*
- First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
- Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
- ICBC (motor vehicle accidents)
- Medavie Blue Cross
- Autism Funding/At-Home Program (AFU)
- WorkBC
- Many extended health benefit plans (speak with your insurer or call our admin team)
- One-time or special contracts (such as Child Protective Services)
* If you’re not sure which funding applies to you, please reach out to our admin team — we’ll be happy to help match you with a clinician whose services are covered.
Currently not accepting new patients
- Associate
- MSW, RSW - 14217
Katelyn Pesut (she/her)
- Associate
- MSW, RSW - 14217
Currently not accepting new patients
Language(s) spoken: English
Areas of practice: Trauma, First Responders, Adolescent, Case Management, Collaborative Divorce
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Life is full of changes—some exciting, some heartbreaking, and some that just feel too big to carry on your own. Whether you’re adjusting to a diagnosis, living with one and realizing your needs have shifted, stepping into parenthood, navigating relationship changes, or simply trying to make sense of what’s next—I’m here to support you with care, clarity, and compassion.
I’m a Registered Social Worker and counsellor based in British Columbia, offering counselling and system navigation support to youth, adults, and families. My approach is grounded in kindness, collaboration, and real-world support. I believe that mental wellness starts with meeting basic needs—like food, housing, safety, and connection—and I’m here to help with both emotional and practical steps forward.
I support people from all walks of life and hold a strong commitment to trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive care. I am LGBTQ2S+ affirming and bring a deep understanding of the barriers people face when living with physical disabilities, chronic pain, neurodivergence, and a range of mental health challenges. You deserve to be supported in a way that makes sense for you—and I’ll meet you where you’re at.
I also work closely with parents who are navigating the systems surrounding a child’s diagnosis—or adapting to changing needs over time. Whether you’re looking for services, funding options, school support, or a stronger voice in advocacy, I’ll walk beside you through each step.
Whether it’s filling out forms, making hard calls, or simply having someone by your side—I’ll be there. You don’t have to do it all alone. Let’s jump the “hoops”, together.
Bills*
FNHA, CVAP, AFU, Work BC
- Many extended health benefit plans (speak with your insurer or call our admin team)
- One-time or special contracts (such as Child Protective Services)
* If you’re not sure which funding applies to you, please reach out to our admin team — we’ll be happy to help match you with a clinician whose services are covered.
INNER BALANCE SOLUTIONS - Where Healing Begins.
Book Your Session Today
Take the first step toward a happier, healthier life by scheduling a counselling session with Ericka Young. Contact Inner Balance Solutions Inc. today to book your appointment and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth with Ericka by your side.
How we can work with you
We provide individual counselling (both in-person and over the phone).
Treatments we offer
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that integrates creative expression—such as drawing, painting, or sculpting—into the therapeutic process to support emotional, psychological, and cognitive well-being.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is a practical and short-term type of psychotherapy, useful in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress conditions. It works by helping clients focus on the present, on the problems that come up in day-to-day life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
CBT-I is an evidence-based, drug-free treatment for insomnia that helps you understand and change the thoughts, behaviours, and patterns that can interfere with sleep. It addresses difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and provides practical, personalized strategies to help restore healthy sleep patterns.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a modified form of CBT, and it aims to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT/EFIT)
EFT (for couples) and EFIT (for individuals) are therapeutic approaches that prioritize understanding and transforming emotional responses.
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and it’s an integrative therapy used specifically for clients who have experienced trauma and many other mental health issues. It has been proven very effective in dealing with these conditions.
Gottman Couples Therapy
Gottman Couples Therapy is an approach that helps couples understand and manage their relationship dynamics through practical, research-based methods.
Observed & Experiential Integration (OEI)
OEI helps integrate posttraumatic material in the brain to reduce trauma-related symptoms, including overwhelming emotions (such as anxiety and grief) by engaging the visual pathways (through the eyes).
Play Therapy
Play Therapy is a highly regarded and evidence-based therapeutic modality for children.
Therapy for First Responders
We are proud to offer therapy services provided by Terresa and Dean, both trained through First Responder Health and listed in the Warrior Health directory, an initiative associated with Wounded Warriors.
Trauma-focused Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFT) is designed specifically to help people confront and resolve the impacts of traumatic experiences.