Mara is a Clinical Herbal Therapist, Integrative Adult Sleep Coach and Clinical Aromatherapist. She is passionate about working with those experiencing challenges with sleep, stress, and fatigue, as well as those who struggle to balance self-care with the other demands of life. She loves to help people create positive and lasting changes in their lives using plant medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications.

Mara is a Clinical Herbal Therapist, Integrative Adult Sleep Coach and Clinical Aromatherapist. S... Read More

Henrik Elzinga BSW, MSW, - RSW # 14327

As a counsellor, I support individuals in learning about themselves, and discovering more fulfilling ways to navigate all of life’s challenges. I feel that you are the expert on your own life. I would be honoured to walk with you on your journey, as you build self-awareness through practice, reflection and inquiry, as I believe self-knowledge to be the cornerstone of all change. I aim to offer a non-judgmental, empathetic approach, while bringing warmth, curiosity, compassion, integrity, and respect, to the clinical counselling relationship and journey. I emphasize the importance of building rapport and a strong therapeutic relationship rooted in my own lived experiences. My goal as a counsellor is to offer a client centered, trauma informed approach, and believe in empowering clients to achieve their personal goals for change, healing, and growth. Having experienced my own life challenges, I have received care from diverse health care providers, and I aim to bring this awareness and humility into my clinical work with others. I specialize in substance use, trauma, chronic health issues, mental health conditions, relationship challenges, anxiety/stress, and addictions therapy for individuals and groups. With over ten years of clinical experience, my therapeutic approach is relational caring, holistic. humble, and always evolving. I incorporate a variety of approaches into my work, including current neurobiology research, Humanist approaches, CBT, psychodynamic and attachment theories, somatic work, and mindfulness practices. I take into consideration all the different current and historical life factors that come together in a unique way to shape your experiences and identity. I feel that the relationship between the individual and their social/cultural environment strongly determines an individual's experience and life situation. Finally, I firmly believe that each individual has equal and intrinsic value, independent of their life circumstances. If you have any further questions regarding my practice approach, certifications or training and experience, please reach out by email or phone.

Henrik holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) from the University of Victoria and a Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW) from the University of British Columbia. Henrik is registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW).

Funding Available from: Crime Victim Assistance Program, Tla’amin Firefighters - Counselling, qathet Regional District Firefighters OSR Check in, Veteran’s Affairs Canada, ICBC

Henrik Elzinga BSW, MSW, - RSW # 14327 As a counsellor, I support individuals in learning about ... Read More

Frani graduated with an honours degree in social work from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. Over the past 30 years, she has worked as a medical social worker in various capacities in dual-diagnosis inpatient/outpatient facilities in the mental health and addiction field. Prior to immigrating to Canada, she worked as a private practitioner in her native South Africa and was affiliated with various EAP providers. She was also affiliated with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, providing counselling services to problem gamblers and their loved ones. As an affiliate of Trauma Call, a national trauma network, she provided trauma counselling to individuals who had experienced traumatic events, as well as to their significant others who were experiencing secondary trauma as a result. Her goal as a registered social worker and counsellor is to create a clinical space of tangible acceptance, mutual trust, and unwavering support. She believes that all people possess the ability for personal growth and self-actualization, which can be accomplished if the clinical setting is conducive to self-acceptance, empathy, compassion, and collaboration. Frani also believes that autonomy is crucial so that you can be the driver of your own healing journey and not merely a passenger. She incorporates a variety of approaches in her work, including Short Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Meaning Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Strength-based Therapy. All of this is done through a trauma-informed lens, with a deep understanding of how current and past traumas can impact our everyday lives. Her overall approach to her work is grounded in the firm belief that we can all enhance our lives and ultimately live a more meaningful existence if we flourish and build on our personal strength and resilience.

Funding Available from: - Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP - Tla’amin Firefighters

Frani graduated with an honours degree in social work from the University of Johannesburg in Sout... Read More

Deirdre was raised in Powell River and moved back ten years ago to continue to grow her family close to family and friends in the community. She graduated from Vicars School of Massage Therapy in Edmonton last fall and has been slowly working on getting her career as an RMT started over the past months. Deirdre has a warm and compassionate approach and enjoys collaborating with her clients to come up with the best personalized treatment plan. She uses a variety of therapeutic techniques to address specific muscles or areas of the body combined with Swedish massage to help assist in relaxation of the nervous system. You can expect some light stretching or strengthening exercises to take home to assist with the recovery process. Deirdre believes that massage therapy is a great way to promote relaxation, reduce stress, ease pain and is passionate about helping people to reach their wellness goals. When Deirdre is not working she enjoys hiking and walking with her family and dog or spending the day at the lake or beach swimming with her kids.

Deirdre was raised in Powell River and moved back ten years ago to continue to grow her family cl... Read More

I first experienced yoga in Whistler 14 years ago through Jivamukti Yoga and this style really set up the tone for my practice since then. In constant search for love, balance and liberation in my life, I find it most in ancient teachings and studies such as yoga and qigong where body mind and spirit align themselves with movement, breath and meditation. I have completed my 200hrs RYT through SomaSpirit at Elements Studio in Powell River and have been seeking to share these gifts with our community here on the Sunshine Coast. My goal is to make yoga accessible, to teach the many different layers of the practice and to help people come back to their body, to breath and to support their health journey wherever they are in their life. I strive to continue studying to deepened my knowledge for this Art. I have been a Chef most of my carreer, being at service to others is central to my being. In my spare time, I like helping blueberry farms in town, swimming, and time at home with family! Originally from Montreal, I am happily calling this town my home after 12 years here and looking for many more and invest myself in supporting our community.

I am offering individual yoga supports for anyone interested in exploring how yoga can help you along your wellness or healing journey.

I first experienced yoga in Whistler 14 years ago through Jivamukti Yoga and this style really se... Read More

Angela has many years of education and work experience in the field of conflict resolution. After completing an undergraduate degree (BA) at the University of Victoria in Sociology and Social Work, she certified as a family mediator with Family Mediation Canada and as a Family Justice Counsellor and Family Mediator with the Justice Institute of BC. She trained and provided volunteer services as a mentor with the Restorative Justice Victoria Chapter, and has a certificate in Coaching & Mentoring with the Justice Institute of BC. She has worked extensively in the areas of workplace disputes, as well as providing dispute resolution services via oversight bodies such as the OPCC and the Patient Care & Quality Review Board. An avid life-long learner, Angela is currently working on completing her MA in Dispute Resolution (UVic). She is also completing an Indigenous Learning certificate through the University of Alberta. Most recently Angela provided mediation & counselling services to parents going through separation/divorce, In addition to VK Wellness, Angela now works in the field of child welfare providing facilitation & dispute resolution services to families on the Sunshine Coast.

Angela has many years of education and work experience in the field of conflict resolution. After... Read More

Since graduating in 2006, Kye has worked in a wide range of rehabilitative-focused health care environments as a Kinesiologist in the Greater Seattle Area, Victoria, and Powell River. Those have included private outpatient physiotherapy clinics, acute hospital care, residential extended care, an arthritis center, and elite level soccer coaching. He has spent the past 14 years working at a local residential mental health and substance use treatment facility maintaining a focus on helping to build and grow the health and fitness program and assisting clients over a wide variety of obstacles in pursuit of their physical health and wellness goals. He is very excited to now begin contributing the same energy and dedication towards serving the individuals of this community!

Since graduating in 2006, Kye has worked in a wide range of rehabilitative-focused health care en... Read More

I support parents/caregivers of an ADHD or a behaviour-challenged child who: - is having difficulty at home and/or in school - are looking for natural options to deal with the disruptive, impulsive, unfocused behaviour - may be on ADHD medication, but are looking for additional support to what they are doing - are exhausted, burnt out, and needing support

Or ADHD adults who: - are having difficulty navigating daily life- home, work, and social life - are raising an ADHD/neurodiverse child (this can feel doubly overwhelming)

I support parents/caregivers of an ADHD or a behaviour-challenged child who: - is having difficul... Read More

Julie holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and is a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). My journey as a psychotherapist began in 2018 when I joined the Ukrainian Umbrella of Psychotherapists, focusing on child and family counselling. I trained at a private psychoanalytic school, where I learned to develop therapeutic strategies based on early life experiences. Now in Canada, I continue to deepen my expertise in psychodynamic approaches that incorporate somatic experiences and imagination. Currently, I am awaiting registration with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Until then, my services are available on a private-pay basis. In my practice, I empower clients to break free from self-sabotaging behaviours, fostering greater confidence, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

Julie holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and is a member of the Canadian Counselli... Read More

Chelsea Keays was born and raised in Powell River and moved home in 2022 with her family. Chelsea graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2009. She worked in a multidisciplinary clinic in Vancouver for many years and most recently in her own home-based practice in Prince Rupert, BC. Chelsea treats a wide range of clients, from people suffering from acute injury to people looking for relaxation treatments. Since graduating from the college of massage therapy she has focused her continuing education on fascial, craniosacral and visceral treatment, and incorporates these elements into her work. Chelsea works part time at massage and part time at raising children and caring for the garden that her grandma, aunts and uncles, parents and brother have all worked in over many decades.

Chelsea Keays was born and raised in Powell River and moved home in 2022 with her family. Chelse... Read More

Kara is registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, the First Nations Health Authority, and the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP).

Funding Available from: Autism Funding, ICBC, Crime Victim Assistance Program, FNHA, Metis Nation B.C., PIE, Christian School, Tla’amin Firefighters, qathet Regional District Firefighters, Powell RIver Public Library, Variety, WorkBC - Lift, WorkSafe BC, SCD Inclusion

Kara is registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, the British Columbia Asso... Read More