Counselling
Kathlyn McHugh — RCC, RSW
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Kathlyn McHugh — RCC, RSW —
I provide counselling and coaching for individuals, couples and families. I also provide consultation and supervisory support for therapists in the field of psychotherapy and social work.
Some folks come to see me because they have a problem, have experienced something challenging in their lives, have a history of trauma, or want to reclaim or discover their life purpose. They may need support to blossom and become empowered creatively, relationally, or experientially. My goal is to disrupt and correct old patterns that no longer sustain and inspire one’s life. Instead, I seek to facilitate embodiment, enlivenment, and connection to self, others, nature and spirit.
I draw from an eclectic and varied background working with folks from all walks of life. My practice incorporates relationally oriented somatic attachment therapy, affect regulation, the creative connection to nature, the imaginal, and ancient cross-cultural wisdom. I lean into emergent neuroscience, interpersonal psychoanalytic psychotherapy, attachment theory, and embodied practises in order to help my clients live their lives more fully.
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A Holistic Approach to Personal and Relational Transformation
In my work, I combine evidence-based therapeutic methods with intuitive, energetic processes that help you connect with your inner wisdom, your authentic self, and the deeper layers of your soul’s journey. Through this multidimensional approach, we’ll explore the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of your life to unlock greater understanding and healing.
Drawing on a blend of relational somatic attachment therapy and advanced tools for spiritual guidance, I help you access insights from your higher consciousness, subtle energies, and soul-level knowledge—resources that can provide clarity and direction in every area of your life.
The integration of these practices allows for a more complete and dynamic healing experience. Here's how:
I facilitate a process where you can tap into your inner wisdom and align with your highest potential. This helps you make choices that are authentic, empowered, and aligned with your soul’s purpose.
By working with spiritual guides and intuitive wisdom, we can uncover limiting patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back. This process allows for deep insight, healing, and direction, fostering growth in all areas of life.
Using specific, safe methods, we can explore the Akashic Records—a metaphysical library of your soul’s history and potential. This helps you gain a clearer understanding of past experiences, ancestral influences, and the soul-level lessons that shape your current life. By reviewing this information, we can identify patterns, release energetic blockages, and empower you to step into your highest path.
This holistic approach supports personal and relational healing on all levels—mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical—bringing together the best of both traditional and intuitive methods. The ultimate goal is to help you feel more connected to your true self and others, so you can live a life that’s more aligned, joyful, and authentic.
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Welcome to a Journey of Deep Transformation and Connection
Are you ready to step into a new chapter of your life, where you can experience more authenticity, joy, and deeper connection with yourself and others? I specialize in working with individuals, families, and couples who are excited to create lasting transformation in their relationships and personal lives.
As a trained psychotherapist in relational somatic attachment therapy, I integrate powerful tools from the world of the mind, body, and spirit to help you understand and heal your past, align with your highest potential, and move forward with a sense of clarity and purpose.
Through a unique blend of traditional therapeutic methods and intuitive guidance from my higher self, spirit guides, and the Akashic Records, I provide a holistic approach that supports you in uncovering the deeper layers of your soul’s purpose. This work can help you build stronger relationships, foster emotional healing, and tap into a deeper sense of fulfillment and connection with your higher self.
Whether you're looking to heal past wounds, deepen your relationships, or align with a more authentic version of yourself, my goal is to guide you with love, compassion, and a deep sense of safety. I’m here to help you explore new possibilities and unlock the truth of who you are, all while bringing in a sense of fun, creativity, and ease to our work together.
If you’re ready to embrace a higher level of self-awareness, explore your spiritual connection, and transform your relationships, I would love to guide you on this incredible journey.
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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW). I have a Bachelor of Social Work from UVIC (1999) and am Registered with BCSSW. I have a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from UVIC (2004) and am Registered with BCACC. I have been trained in CBT, DBT, TDP, Systemic Narrative Family Therapy , Solution-Focused, EMDR, Satir, Play, Somatic Transformation (2.5 yrs) and Reiki (1+2). I have been part of the BBP (Bringing the Body into Practise) learning community since 2016 and am also a facilitator.
I have an extensive background working with children, youth and their families as well as couples and individuals from all walks of life. My areas of expertise are trauma resolution and helping folks develop a full life of embodiment, fulfilment, and content. I want you to be relieved of suffering so that you can enjoy your life and that it has to offer.
Karolien Vandersmissen — MA, RCC
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Karolien Vandersmissen — MA, RCC —
I look forward to connecting with individuals and couples who are navigating life’s challenges and want to create meaningful change. I offer a judgment-free environment in which clients feel welcome, safe and heard.
Issues rarely stand alone, but affect and are influenced by various other aspects of daily life, such as our physical wellbeing, relationships, work, environmental and societal factors. I favour a collaborative, holistic approach in which we jointly explore the challenges you are facing while incorporating and developing your inner strengths and resources and finding ways to increase your control. I am down-to-earth and cultivate emotional safety through authenticity, humour and directness.
My name – which is pronounced ‘Caroleen’ – refers to my Belgian heritage. In 2015, I moved from Belgium to Canada, to step away from the rat race and live with a closer connection to nature. I feel very lucky to call the West Shore my home. Feel free to call me Karo. I am looking forward to meeting you.
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My practice is informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Being able to connect with others and offer support is what draws me to this field.
I favour a strength-based approach that incorporates your inner resources as well as the ones surrounding you, such as nature, relationships and activities that fuel your mind, body and spirit.
I take an open, non-judgmental and empathetic stance and foster a collaborative environment in which we work together to explore your issues and work towards your goals.
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If you would like to get to know me a little before booking an appointment, I offer free 20-minute video or phone consultations, which give you the opportunity to see if I would be a good fit for you.
I provide counselling for youth (12+) and adults dealing with a variety of challenges and stressors, including life changes, symptoms of anxiety, depression, feelings of uncertainty, aimlessness and purposelessness. I also help couples navigate issues in their relationship by exploring more productive ways of communicating to help them strengthen their connection and commitment to each other.
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Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University)
Master in Communication Sciences (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Candidate in Social and Political Studies (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Completed Level 2 in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Volunteer at Esquimalt Neighbourhood House
Former youth group leader
Joel Kroeker — RCC-ACS, MMT
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Joel Kroeker — RCC-ACS, MMT —
I am a Jungian Psychoanalyst and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) specializing in depth-oriented psychotherapy with individuals, couples and families.
I am also an authorized meditation instructor, a clinical supervisor (RCC-ACS) and the founding international workshop facilitator of Archetypal Music Psychotherapy (AMP). My clinical training includes a Phd-equivalent post-graduate program in Analytical Psychology and a graduate degree in music-centred psychotherapy.
My main interest is helping people rediscover deep meaning and re-connect with core life energy when faced with the difficulties of anxiety, depression, life transitions or trauma wounds. Jungian psychoanalysis is the process of restoring a healthy balance between unconscious and conscious parts of our total personality. It’s not about becoming perfect, but it is about our quest toward wholeness.
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Living a human life can be tremendously difficult and with a bit of the right support, it can also be a deeply engaging adventure and even filled with vital transformation. Together we can navigate this journey of the psyche by paying close attention to your dreams, internal resources that have been left behind and the images that arise in your life, both internally and externally. The result can be increased consciousness, more enjoyable relationships, a more flexible attitude to suffering, creative insight, a deeper sense of meaning and a profoundly healthier and fulfilling life. As Carl Jung succinctly stated, “those who look outside dream, while those who look inside awaken.”
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As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) I offer a safe and supportive approach to help you explore the underlying meaning of your concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relational wounding, trauma, loss of meaning in life, issues around spirituality and addictions.
I also offer Jungian Psychoanalysis, which is a depth-oriented confrontation with the unconscious that focuses on the deeper questions of “Who Am I?” and “What is the Meaning of my Wounds and Suffering that will not seem to heal on their own?”
As a certified Music-Centred Psychotherapist (MTA) with somatic training, I specialize in therapeutic moments when the words run out and we must instead bear witness together to that which lies beyond mere words.
I work with adults, couples and families and part of my clinical practice also includes working with children and youth.
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Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Jungian Psychoanalyst (CGJI-Zürich)
Music-Centred Psychotherapist (MTA)
PhD-equivalent post-graduate training in Analytical Psychology
Masters in Music-centred psychotherapy (MMT)
Clinical Supervisor (RCC-ACS)
Certificate training from the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Aboriginal Health Program
Specialized training in Sexual Harm and Trauma-informed practice
Founding international workshop facilitator of Archetypal Music Psychotherapy (AMP)
Kristina Kirschner — RCC, MC
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Kristina Kirschner — RCC, MC —
I help women, queer folks, and teens transform symptoms of deep-rooted anxiety into feeling calm and at ease through mind-body healing practices.
Hi, I’m Kristina — a Registered Clinical Counsellor, a nature and animal lover, lifelong learner, and proud member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Originally from Germany, I moved to Canada because I felt more aligned with the culture and the sense of openness here.
I believe that everyone can heal and grow. We’re made to feel joy, connection, and aliveness. But healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it flourishes when we are witnessed with empathy, cared for, and never judged. My approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and rooted in the belief that you already have the capacity to heal — you just need the right support to access it.
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I ground my practice in a body-focused approach called Somatic Experiencing, as well as mindfulness practices and how our early childhood experiences shape the relationships with others and ourselves today.
Together, we slow down and tune into your body, noticing what it is holding and finding safe, gentle ways to release stress and emotions. This helps you learn to read your body’s signals, let go of tension, and finally feel peaceful, grounded, and alive again.
We explore patterns in your life and in your relationships that don’t seem to serve you anymore and slowly untangle emotions and sensations that are keeping you from living a fulfilled life.
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Counselling for Youth (12+), 2SLGBTQI+ folks, women, and people who feel called to work on:
anxiety
anger management
attachment wounds
depression
life transitions
mindfulness practices
nervous system regulation
relationships problems
self-esteem/self-worth issues
stress management
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Master of Counselling, City University of Seattle
Bachelor of Business Administration, FOM (Cologne, Germany)
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
Trainings include: Somatic Experiencing ™(Somatic Experiencing International); Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Certificate (International Centre for Excellence); Integrating Games in Play Therapy (Liana Lowenstein); Mindfulness Practices (UCLA); Working with Adults with ADHD (BCACC); etc
Lycia Rodrigues — MA, RCC
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Lycia Rodrigues — MA, RCC —
I am passionate about walking alongside women as they navigate moments of change, healing, and self-discovery. I believe that every stage of life brings its own challenges and that caring for your mental health is an act of courage and self-compassion.
My work supports women in recovering from trauma, anxiety, shame, and guilt, while increasing their capacity to process transformation on the journey toward a deeper, self-compassionate, and relational sense of self.
I believe that there is no single path to healing, only your path, built step by step with compassion and purpose.
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Throughout my career, I have supported mothers facing burnout, immigrants building new beginnings, caregivers who give tirelessly, and women carrying the invisible weight of grief, anxiety, and depression. My purpose is to offer a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can pause, reconnect with yourself, and find new meaning in your story with gentleness and authenticity.
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The foundation of my therapeutic approach rests on Internal Family Systems frameworks, working toward the integration of our various parts. I offer individual therapy, family therapy, therapeutic group therapy and workshops, incorporating elements of Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic frameworks. My practice is grounded in empathy, genuine listening, and the belief that every woman’s experience is unique.
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Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors with more than 15 years of experience in the combined fields of Counselling, Psychology, and Gerontology, as a clinician, workshop facilitator and therapeutic group mentor.
Psychology degree from the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (Brazil).
Masters from the University of Victoria (Canada) with a focus on healthy aging.
Extensive Post-Graduate Training in Psychotherapy and Perinatal Mental Health.
Marilyn Sundeen — RCC
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Marilyn Sundeen — RCC —
I chose counselling as a change of career at mid-life after a number of personal crises. I care deeply about people and about the human condition and especially how to support and aid people in their individual journeys. Life can bring many random and painful challenges. It is my honour to walk with you at difficult times.
In this work, it is important to prize your values and your voice. They form the bedrock of our work together. I offer to form a partnership with you – one grounded in understanding, compassion and trust. From that foundation we explore the distress you are feeling to find new options and work toward meaningful change. I have seen how each of us has a deep Wisdom that is ready for us to engage with it. Finding purpose and meaning in our lives can often move us through current challenges. This process isn’t about fixing you; it’s about gently uncovering the parts of you that have been hidden, hurt, or unheard. Together we can work toward change that is lasting and feels authentic.
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My approach is a collaborative one. It is flexible and tailored to your needs, your goals and your desires. I think that one’s deep hopes and desires are a guide to what is most authentic in themselves. Together we can explore the truth of each of those hopes and desires. I have seen there is deep inner Wisdom in each of us, waiting for us to engage with it.
Most recently, I have studied Depth Psychology, Dreamwork and the use of Myths and Archetypes to explore the issues underneath what you are experiencing. In tapping into that inner Wisdom in each of us, dreams can be immensely useful. Stories and myths from our own and from other cultures can also aid this journey. Universal truths about what it is to try to live a human life are often embedded in these stories.
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I work with Individuals and Couples, to heal past and current wounds and facilitate change. I have a Masters in Counselling Psychology and have been trained in and use a variety of approaches and techniques. Some of these include, CBT, Solution Focused, Attachment-Based Somatic techniques, Family Systems and Internal Family Systems, Healing Shame. I also offer working with our dreams, to explore what is underneath the symptoms we might be experiencing.
I have extensive experience in working with trauma and abuse from my work at a local trauma agency. I have worked with and supported both men and women who have lived through trauma and abuse and are trying to cope with incredible suffering to their person and their dignity. I believe our current, western culture does not support and foster what is essential for a healthy, human life. In some sense, living in this current western culture, traumatizes us every day. I am able to support and care for you in this most difficult process.
I have also specialized in Betrayal between Couples. Betrayal may or may not include intimacy or sexual affairs outside of the partnership. It does mean that some essential fact, behaviour or truth has been hidden. It is this secrecy that damages the foundational trust in the marriage. The partner almost always knows “something is going on” but cannot quite put their finger on what it is. This deception causes insecurity, doubt and quite frankly, havoc in the psyche of the one being gas-lighted. To heal this breach of trust, we need to gently and firmly get to the truth of what was kept secret. I offer to support and guide you in this process.
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I have been trained in and use a wide variety of evidence-based techniques. Some of these include, CBT, Solution Focused, Attachment-Based Somatic techniques, Family Systems and Internal Family Systems, Healing Shame. Most recently, I have studied Depth Psychology, Dreamwork and the use of Myths and Archetypes to explore the issues underneath what you are experiencing.
2026 – Certificate in Personal Myth & Archetype. Dr. Craig Chalquist, The Jung Platform.
2025 – Certificate in Repairing Betrayal: A Neurobiological & Attachment-Based Approach for Couples. Dr. Stan Tatkin.
2025 - Certificate in Affirming Care for Neurodiverse Clients, Dr. Amy Marschall
2025 - Introduction to Music Integration Therapy, Dr. Deborah Seabrook, PhD.
2024 - Advanced Certificate in Applied Mythology, Pacifica Graduate Institiute, Calif. USA.
2022 - Certificate in The Depth Psychology of Love, Dr. Ana Mozol PhD, Depth Psychology and Dreamwork Theatre
2020 – Certificate in Dreamwork, Dr. Ana Mozol PhD, Depth Psychology & Dreamwork Theatre
2019 – Certificate in 3 Pillars of Clinical Practice: Attachment, the Body, and Relational Repair. Lisa Mortimore, PhD
2016 – Certificate in Healing Shame, Bret Lyon & Sheila Rubin
2012 – Current Registered Member of BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors)
2012 – Certificate in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDRIA
2011 – Master of Counselling, City University of Seattle
2006 – Certificate in Counselling Skills, COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland),
1986 – Bachelor of Arts, with Distinction, Brock University
