About Us

I’m Terresa McKenzie, a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) and counsellor, and the owner of Inner Balance Solutions.

With over a decade of experience and education in my field, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life in various ways. I work with people of all ages, and I’m happy to work with individuals, couples, and families.

As an RCSW, I’m comfortable and qualified to diagnose many mental health conditions and often do this in collaboration with a client’s existing health team. I have experience diagnosing adult ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD, amongst others. And if I can’t give you a diagnosis, I’ll support you in pursuing that diagnosis through the appropriate channels. I also help clients with any social needs and requirements they have, as well as work with people going through domestic violence, PTSD or other traumatic experiences.

My qualifications include a Masters of Social Work, and I’m a BC licensed Clinical Social Worker. I also have treatment-specific qualifications for EMDR and EFIT.

I’m a member of:

• Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA)
• British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW)
• British Columbia Association of Social Workers (BCASW)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA)
• and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW)

Outside of my professional work, I’m also heavily involved in the community and support local charities such as the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, the Chilliwack Charitable Firefighter’s Association, and BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Dean provides a wide range of service for his clients.  He specializes in treatment modalities aimed to reduce symptoms of trauma and improve an individual’s sense of mental and emotional health.  Dean is  skilled therapist in several areas of counselling including:  Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Addiction, Trauma, Aggression, Anger Management, Couples, Men’s issues, Grief and Loss, and Life/Work Transition planning.

By initiating a Client Centered Approach in conjunction with evidence based models, Dean has been instrumental in helping people overcome their struggles and learn to discover their own solutions to maintain long term mental and emotional health success. 

Dean is also a skilled Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Counsellor who is also trained in therapeutic modalities such as  Traumatic Incident Reduction,  Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Choice Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). 

I am a warm, culturally competent, trauma-informed helping professional with experience in domestic and family violence counselling, youth counselling, crisis counselling, grief counselling, and emergency mental health. I support those who have experienced childhood abuse, sexual trauma, relational abuse, and those affected by serious and persistent mental health challenges and/or substance use.

I take a strength-based, person-centered approach and am well versed in various evidence based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, polyvagal-informed therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
I help clients discover and acknowledge their unique set of strengths and abilities, aiding them to develop more compassion and empowerment to embark on their healing journey and restore vitality and well-being.

I believe in the healing power of warmth, deep connection, care, and open-hearted presence, by creating therapeutic conditions that offer safety, refuge, and hope and encouragement.

I would be honored to support you in your mental health recovery.
Let’s connect, collaborate and recover.

Viana holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from The University of Calgary (2010) and is a Registered Social Worker (#15063) with the BC College of Social Workers and also registered with BC Association of Social Workers (#2000302).

Viana has worked in non-profit and government settings for the past 13 years supporting; children, adolescents, families, and individuals experiencing a range of concerns. Some concerns include; depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-harm, suicidal ideation, grief, trauma, veterans experiencing PTSD and life transitions. In addition, she also supports new immigrants and refugees adjusting to the new life as they make Canada their home.

Viana approaches the counseling process with compassion, warmth, and respect. Honoring the vulnerability and courage required in allowing oneself to be ‘seen’ and believing in the capacity of each individual to grow, heal, and change is her main goal.

Hello, I’m Ashton, a dedicated and compassionate Registered Social Worker with a passion for making a positive impact. With two years of hands-on experience, I have worked across diverse areas within the field, including supporting seniors, navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system, assisting youth, and addressing challenges related to substance misuse.

I believe in the power of human connection and the importance of creating a safe space for individuals on their unique journeys. I am excited about the opportunity to meet you, understand your needs, and provide the support you require. Let’s embark on this journey together, as I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.

Hello, I am Vanessa, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with 13 years of experience working in the social services field. I have been a counselling therapist for four years and hold a Masters of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle. I am available to work with individuals and people in partnerships who are 19 years of age and older.

My approach to counselling is that of showing warmth, validation, empathy, and building trust through honest dialogue and experiential strategies that place clients’ needs for safety and connection at the forefront. I will work with you collaboratively to reach your desired goals in therapy as you gain confidence in and compassion towards yourself to make courageous decisions toward the betterment of your mental health and overall wellbeing.

I will use a combination of approaches that are tailored for you to gain deeper insight into the concerns that are in the way of you feeling satisfied and resilient in your life. These approaches include: bio-psychosocial, emotion-focused, attachment-oriented, somatic, trauma-aware frameworks as well as person-centered, solution-focused, strength and values-based approaches to counselling.

I am trained and skilled in using evidence based therapeutic modalities such as: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Feedback Informed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Somatic therapies, Existential therapies, and Expressive therapies; all which assist in understanding, managing, and relieving symptoms of mental health difficulties.

I have supported children, youth and adults who have experienced: abuse, anxiety, depression, bereavement, grief and loss, cultural stress, gender identity stress, parenting stress, relationship stress, self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance use stress, employment stress, crime, and trauma. Being a mother and partner myself has enhanced my passion for supporting new and experienced parents navigate their mental health while raising infants, children, and adolescents.

Instead of going in a straight line, change meanders like a river. I am here to help you navigate your journey from patterns of protection and disconnection to patterns of calm reconnection with yourself and others. I am honoured to be invited to work with you and endeavour to create a safe space for you to be yourself and feel your full potential.

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.

I am Tammy Pope, a registered Social Worker (RSW) and counsellor.

I have a great deal of life experience and education. I feel honored to support people during challenging times in their lives. Navigating life can be stressful. I value the therapeutic relationship and seek to help empower clients. I have been described as approachable and relatable. I have supported youth, adults, and seniors, and I have experience with grief and loss, anxiety, and depression.

I am an inclusive practitioner. I work from a person-centered lens, anti-oppressive practice, and evidence-based practice. I am a member of the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) and the British Columbia Social Workers Association (BCASW).

With her calm, grounded presence and deep respect for each person’s story, Jen offers a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. Her approach is integrative and person-centred, drawing from existential therapy, narrative therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and mindfulness-based, trauma-informed practices. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in both Child and Youth Care and Sociology.

Jen brings extensive knowledge and experience in grief and bereavement, with a particular gift for supporting individuals navigating the intersection of loss, addiction, and life transitions. She works with clients from all walks of life, including those who have been marginalized—such as members of LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities—offering a space grounded in acceptance, autonomy, and respect.

Collaboration is central to Jen’s work, building trust through authentic connection and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience. Clients often describe her as nurturing, insightful, and empowering.

Jen’s practice is shaped not only by her academic training but also by her lived experiences. She is passionate about helping people embrace their true selves, reconnect with their inner strength, and recognize their inherent worth.

Coneitia is a compassionate and intuitive Registered Clinical Counsellor and Indigenous Art Therapist with a deep commitment to supporting individuals on their healing journeys. With extensive experience working with Indigenous communities, Coneitia integrates traditional Indigenous knowledge, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Adlerian principles to create a sense of belonging and empowerment for her clients.

Her approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, and rooted in cultural healing practices. She participated in specialized training, such as ‘Project Making Medicine’ at the Indian Country Child Trauma Centre in Oklahoma to enhance her ability to support youth facing challenges like anxiety, depression, self-harm, and intergenerational trauma.

Coneitia provides a safe, welcoming space where clients can explore healing through art therapy, mindfulness, and evidence-based practices. She believes in the power of connection and creativity to foster resilience and growth.

Hello and Welcome! Navigating the decision to start therapy can feel daunting. So, finding the right therapist who resonates with your needs is pivotal in your therapeutic journey. Life presents us with a multitude of challenges, stemming from both internal struggles and external circumstances. Within each challenge lies an opportunity for profound growth and understanding. As your therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment to empower you to face these challenges, promote mental and emotional wellness, and build healthier relationships.
My approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, integrating elements of different therapeutic modalities such as CBT, narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and ACT, empowering you to develop healthier coping strategies and enhance self-awareness. I offer services in English, & am also proficient in conversational Farsi.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating a major life transition, or seeking greater fulfillment and meaning, I am here to support you every step of the way. I look forward to working together.

Hi, my name is Justin. I understand that starting counselling can feel daunting or even intimidating. But if you’re ready to take a step toward healing or personal growth, I’d be honored to support you on your journey.

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor, having obtained my master’s degree in counselling psychology in 2021. I use a person centered approach and view counselling from a trauma informed lens. I make sure my client’s feel safe, seen, heard, and understood. I provide counselling to clients of all ages, with a passion for supporting individuals as they navigate life transitions—whether they are teenagers, young adults, or middle-aged adults. I specialize in working with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, anger, and other mental health challenges.

I am trained in a range of counselling modalities, allowing me to tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. I look forward to working with you in your counselling process.

Hi, I’m JJ!

I believe that we were not meant to do life alone. I take a relational approach to counselling. I prioritize authentic connection with each client, as I believe that healing and growth happen best within supportive, trusting relationships. I am committed to honouring each individual’s story, valuing the paths they’ve walked and the experiences that have brought them here. I believe in meeting people where they are and creating a safe space to sit with them in their current experiences without judgment or expectation.

I approach counselling through a person-centred, systemic, and critical feminist lens. This means that I prioritize understanding you as an individual while considering the broader social, cultural, historical, and relational contexts that shape your experiences.

I have my Level 2 certification in Observed Experiential Integration Therapy (OEI), a trauma-focused therapy designed to help individuals process difficult or traumatic events from their past. Evolving from EMDR therapy, OEI uses your visual pathways (eyes) to connect both hemispheres of the brain, helping to reduce trauma symptoms. Research demonstrates that OEI is effective in addressing numerous symptoms and difficulties, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, grief, addictions, eating disorders, negative self-talk, and more.

I look forward to being a part of your counselling journey and holding space for you.

Hi, I’m Jess! 

I’m so glad you’re here. Reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step, and it takes courage just to land on this page. My hope is to make that step feel lighter by offering a space where you don’t have to carry things on your own.

My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative, with space for both meaningful reflection and moments of lightness. I believe counselling doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time — sometimes laughter or sparks of joy can be part of the healing too.

Together, we’ll explore what’s been weighing you down, untangle the difficult parts, uncover your strengths, and find practical tools you can use in daily life.

I often support clients who are navigating stress, anxiety, self-worth struggles, or major life transitions. At the same time, I welcome people from all walks of life, with a wide range of experiences and goals. Whatever brings you here, this is your space.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my calm, approachable presence and the uplifting energy I bring to our sessions. I don’t believe in quick fixes; real change takes time and compassion. Wherever you are starting from, know that you don’t have to walk this path alone — I’d be honoured to walk it with you.

Hey there, my name is Stephen! I am a pre-registered counsellor here at Inner Balance.

I have experience working with youth, young adults, children, LGBTQIA2s+ community, Indigenous people and people with disabilities. My services are welcoming, trauma-informed and culturally safe.

My approach to counselling centres from my belief that therapy is most effective through connection. I believe that people are the experts in their own lives, and I aim to meet you where you are at when you come into the therapy space. Whatever is going on for you, I hope to offer a safe space for you to feel heard & supported through life’s ups and downs.

Hi! My name is Jessica. I’m a registered social worker, psychotherapist trained in Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness. I hold a BA, BSW, and MSW. My approach to therapy is Humanistic and Existential – I like to explore the big questions about what our lives mean!

Working with me looks like exploring the influence of external systems upon our lives, giving space to both the spirit and the mind, and making friends with our more complex emotions. I believe you have the tools inside you to chart your own path, and that our relationship is the vehicle for healing – we are not meant to do this work alone!

I look forward to embarking on this journey with you. I am available virtually for residents of British Columbia and Ontario.

I have an abundance of respect for people that come to counseling because I understand how vulnerable and strange it can feel. It takes a huge amount of courage to heal, and to work through issues that are uncomfortable, especially with people you don’t know at first. I became a counsellor and social worker because I had a tough life. My experiences throughout my life motivated me to want to help people. I was fortunate enough to have some wonderful supportive counsellors throughout my healing journey which motivated me to start a career as a helping professional. It would be my honour to support you in your healing journey.

I am an EMDR trained trauma therapist and counsellor providing service based on your individual needs and goals. I have an extensive background serving clients with CPTSD, PTSD, anxiety, depression and addiction as well as many other diagnoses. I have worked for Corrections Canada and the Department of Defence and worked for Mission Public Schools for 18 years

Your voice in our counseling sessions will be respected and heard. I can also provide CBT or DBT focused sessions integrating solution focused talk therapy if you wish. I look forward to working with you! Call or book an appointment online today and start healing now!

I am a Registered RCC With BCACC. Supervisor for clinical supervision. Emotion Focused Family Therapist, CBT, Generational Trauma, Sexual abuse and trauma, Play Therapist. I have over 30+ years experience with children, adults, families and Indigenous communities, and the LGBTQIA community. I have a nonjudgmental approach and meet my clients where they are at.

 I want to help clients discover what keeps them from moving forward. I offer a supportive, safe environment where clients can easily share their experiences, thoughts and stories.

Hi, I’m Beth! I am a Social Work masters level student counsellor. I have a long history of work in the human services and social services world and have spent the past ten years working in the criminal justice field. I take great pride in walking with others on their journeys and meeting them where they are at on that journey. You can expect to be met with a calm, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment when working with me. I understand that counselling is a big first step for many people and am grateful to my clients for allowing me to join them in their deeply personal work.

I approach counseling from an anti-oppressive person-centred lens and integrate narrative therapy and trauma informed practice in my work. I am open to working with you to find a path that will best serve you in our work together if these approaches don’t fit. Life can be hard, and I have always believed that the key to long term wellness is working together with the right team to process the challenges we come up against and intervene with the best therapeutic approach to help you live the life you want.

I have experience in grief and loss, with a focus on child and infant loss, complex relationships, and extensive personal and professional experience working with children. I will be providing individual counseling, couples counseling, and working with children through play therapy. Play therapy is a modality of counseling which acknowledges that children often cannot express themselves through words in the way that adults can, so we allow them to communicate in the best way that they know, through play.

I look forward to having the opportunity to work together in a calm and inclusive environment that puts your personal growth at the forefront of our journey together.

Healing begins with safety—the kind that makes it possible to show up fully without masking, minimizing, or editing your experience to be accepted. In my work as an intern counsellor at Inner Ballance Solutions, I offer a space where you can be real, feel supported, and explore your inner world with honesty, curiosity, and compassion.

My approach is client-centred and integrative, drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, somatic and mindfulness-based practices, and trauma-informed care. I pay close attention to the nervous system and the ways the body holds stress, working collaboratively to restore regulation and reconnect you with what matters most.

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent 15 years in healthcare—including time as a paramedic—which shaped my understanding of crisis, resilience, and the deep need for spaces where people can slow down and be seen. My lived experience with ADHD, ASD, trauma, grief, and burnout continues to inform my work in meaningful ways.

I support individuals navigating grief, trauma, identity exploration, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. I also bring experience working with bereaved children and youth and their caregivers, as well as with neurodivergent and LGBTQ2S+ clients.

Clients often describe me as grounding, warm, intuitive, and gentle. I build safety through authenticity and a genuine interest in getting to know people beneath the surface. You don’t have to carry everything alone—or keep masking to be accepted. This is a space where you can be yourself.

I am Stó:lō from Sts’ailes Nation and Tsimshian from Metlakatla Nation. My counselling is rooted in the teachings of land, story, and relationship.

I support clients carrying trauma, stress, emotional pain, or coping patterns that no longer serve them, helping them return to safety and resilience. My work integrates somatic and polyvagal-informed practices, along with narrative and relational-cultural approaches, within a trauma-informed, client-centered relationship.

I am also involved with Sacred Circle Wellness, supporting healthcare grounded in Indigenous knowledge. I hold a BA from UBC and am completing a MA in Counselling Psychology from City University.

Hi there—my name is Antonio, though most people know me as Tony. I’m a student counsellor attending Yorkville University, looking to complete my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I have a background in criminal justice alongside my psychology expertise. I have previous experience working in the mental healthcare field, offering counselling and support to youth and parents alike. I am deeply passionate about working in the helping field to improve the mental well-being of my community and each person I come in contact with. I understand the ups and downs of life and how difficult each obstacle can be. Though I believe in the strength and determination of each person, alongside their support networks, to ensure success in the life circumstances each person faces.

I’ve always had an interest in understanding people’s minds, using my genuine curiosity as atool to aid in the therapeutic process. During my sessions, I strive to provide an open and

accepting environment for each person seeking support. This includes incorporating

collaboration, culture, and personal identity into each counselling session. I emphasize the importance of empathy and emotional validation through active listening while providing evidence-based interventions and useful resources to benefit each person seeking support. This happens alongside providing psychoeducation to assist everyone in understanding the processes of therapy and what they’re experiencing. Knowledge is power and the key to therapeutic success.

I practice counselling from a holistic approach, meaning that I enjoy using a variety of

techniques during counselling sessions to match the needs of the people I’m working with. I have experience applying interventions including person-centred therapy (PCT), cognitive

behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Additionally, I strategically incorporate skills and concepts from psychodynamic theories while operating from a strengths-based mindset, highlighting the skills and abilities of each person I work with.

These techniques allow me to work with a variety of difficulties, including psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression. I also have experience working with neurodivergence, helping navigate life changes and self-exploration for personal development, improving relationships and communication, managing stress and enhancing self-care, setting goals, and developing constructive coping mechanisms. Anyone aged 10 or above is welcome to access my services.

Beyond psychology and counselling, I have interests in video games, music, movies, shows, and reading. I look forward to learning more about and connecting with each person seeking support, discovering your hobbies and what makes you, you.

Having grown up in a first-responder family, as well as working in Public Works over the past few years, I can understand how difficult it can be and how much courage it takes to make the decision to enter counselling. I am here to support you throughout the entire process, so that you can reach the goals that you want to achieve. 

I take a non-judgmental, person-centred, and strengths-based approach to counselling, creating a safe and collaborative space for clients to explore their experiences and discover meaningful pathways forward. Every individual holds unique strengths and inner resources, and I work alongside clients to uncover these abilities so that they can be applied in other areas of their lives.

People would describe me as an inviting and understanding individual who puts the needs of the client first. I am also grounded in the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives. This means that I am committed to learning and honouring your rich cultural background, heritage, and experiences. I approach every interaction with curiosity, respect, and cultural humility, ensuring that clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.  

It would be an honour to walk beside you through your journey and help you achieve your goals! I look forward to working with you!