INNER BALANCE SOLUTIONS
ARE
ENGAGED MEMBERS
OF YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
WE’RE HERE TO LISTEN AND PROVIDE YOU WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Everyone experiences periods of difficulty in their lives at some point.
Perhaps you’re experiencing a difficult situation. Maybe you’re dealing with unexplained emotions or feelings. Or it could be that you just want some extra support from a trained professional.
Whatever your situation or circumstances, it can be helpful to know that there is support out there for you.
Counselling / Therapy
From individual sessions to groups, traditional “talk therapy” to EMDR, CBT, DBT and EFIT, counselling allows you to work through feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, and more. Whether you’re exploring a possible diagnosis or want to learn new skills and tools to maintain your mental health, we offer services designed for your specific needs as well as social services support as required.
Clinical Consultation & Supervision
Clinical consultation supports clinicians to build their practice by providing mentorship on a monthly basis through the professional discussion of specific cases whilst exploring the various pathways and methods of support being provided. We also supervise interns where appropriate.
Workshops & Groups
Whether you’re looking for retreats, diagnosis-specific focus groups, community and group support events or workshops centred around a variety of specific mental health topics, Inner Balance Solutions is happy to be able to facilitate workshops and groups or support connections between members of the community who are looking to put a group or workshop together. Please talk to us about your ideas.
Inner Balance Solutions Team
MEET TERRESA MCKENZIE, RCSW
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 PILKEY, CD, M.A., RCC (He/Him)
Associate
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).
Corrin Skalbeck, RCC, CCC - 21301
Associate
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 Ibrahim MSW, RSW - 15063
Associate
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.
Ashton Goldthorp RSW - 15803
Associate
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.
VANESSA VIGGIANI (She/Her), MC, RCC – 18436
Associate
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.
Katelyn Pesut MSW, RSW - 14217
Associate
I’m Katelyn, I am a Registered Social Worker (#14217). I have a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Social Work. Over the past 5 years I have worked in the community and in health care settings providing support to people with a range of stressors affecting them and their families. My experience is in supporting people and families who are experiencing issues with substance use, people who have chronic pain, illness and/or disability, people who have experienced trauma, people who are experiencing depression and/or anxiety, grief, and loss, as well as navigating other life transitions and stressors.
You can expect to be met with warmth, kindness, compassion, and humility. Some therapeutic modalities that I use are: Narrative Approach, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I believe that each person is unique, and we will work together to meet your wellness goals.
Jenny Sudermann
Affiliate Counsellor
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!
Ericka Young
Master Level Intern Counsellor
Ericka Young brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her counselling practice. With over 15 years of dedicated service in the mental health field, Ericka has cultivated a deep understanding of various psychological challenges and a passion for helping individuals overcome them.
While Ericka is undoubtedly dedicated to her counselling practice, she is much more than just a therapist. She brings a vibrant personality and a touch of humor to her sessions, drawing from her experience as a stand-up comedian. Ericka believes in the power of laughter as a tool for healing and connection, making her counselling sessions engaging and enjoyable.
Ericka is a qualifying master’s level clinician, and has knowledge and skills to address a wide range of concerns effectively. Her specialization in substance use allows her to provide specialized support to individuals struggling with addiction issues.
Ericka’s approach to counselling is grounded in empathy, compassion, and a deep respect for each individual’s unique journey. She creates a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely.
Ericka also offers low cost counselling services.
JJ
Master Level Intern Counsellor
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.
Michelle VanDokkemburg
Office Coordinator
Michelle is the friendly face you’ll see when you visit our office and the helpful voice you’ll hear when you call. As our Office Coordinator, she ensures everything runs smoothly, from scheduling appointments to answering any questions you may have. With her warm and welcoming demeanor, Michelle is dedicated to making your experience as seamless and comfortable as possible, whether you’re contacting us by phone or arriving in person. She’s here to support you every step of the way.
Sigmund Floyd
Therapeutic clinical K9
Sigmund joined the IBSI team in January 2025 as our therapeutic clinical K9. He is a mini golden doodle and is adjusting to the new environment and people. Look for treats in the waiting area if you would like to meet him (if he is feeling up to it, like humans dogs have their days where they prefer less interaction). We recognize not everyone is a dog person so if Sigmund isn’t your cup of tea just let Michelle or your therapist know and we will do our best to keep him away during your session.
Phone Number:
(604) 819-9828
INNER BALANCE SOLUTIONS
HAS YOUR BACK
We’re a team of dedicated therapists and professionals with a wealth of experience. We’re ready and willing to support you in whatever capacity helps you achieve your goals.
We are committed to building emotional and mental balance in a safe manner for everyone we work with. From assessment to diagnosis, skilled in a wide scope of therapeutic treatments including beneficial support and guidance where needed. You can be assured that, here at Inner Balance Solutions, you have a dedicated and safe environment to explore various areas of mental and emotional health.
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts
- Winston. S. Churchill
7+
Team Members
12+
Years of Experience
10+
Events Per Year
