discover your alliance

Life can be challenging and although we do our best to cope with the difficulties that come our way, sometimes we can become overwhelmed by our thoughts and emotions. An issue might arise that feels too difficult to manage on our own. I provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space for you.

I address a wide range of problems including:

• Relationship concerns
• Stress and anxiety
• Conflict
• Separation and divorce
• Coparenting
• Abuse/neglect
• Unresolved anger
• Low self-esteem
• Family conflict
• Crisis intervention
• Establishing and maintaining boundaries
• Parenting issues

I specialize in family conflict, parenting, and high-conflict separation and divorce. We will work together to minimize conflict for your family as you manage the difficulties of a family breakdown.

I am qualified to complete full Section 211 Reports under the Family Law Act, as well as Views of the Child and Hear the Child Reports. I am a roster member of the BC Hear the Child Society and a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. I have extensive training in child custody assessments, high-conflict coparenting, stepwise and non-evaluative child interviewing, and parental alienation.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I help people who have experienced difficulties at any stage in their life. I use my specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address trauma and unresolved issues.

My qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in child and youth care and a master’s degree in counselling psychology. I have worked in the helping profession, including child protective services and mental health for over twenty years. Working in social services often involved working with resistant clients who were involved in high-conflict and emotionally charged situations.

As we navigate through the challenges of our lives, it is perfectly normal to reach out for help. We will work together to meet your goals and find solutions that meet your needs.

discover your alliance

Colleen offers support to people who are struggling with psychological injuries, burnout, return to work, PTSD, unrealistic expectations, self defeating behaviors and relationship difficulties. These symptoms may be rooted in trauma, abuse or wounds from the past or you may be experiencing them for the first time; no matter your circumstance, I am here to listen. When you are struggling, you may feel overwhelmed and experience hopelessness, shame, guilt or exhaustion. This can feel incredibly lonely and destabilizing, it may feel like the joy has been lost in your life.

I know how hard this can be. I can offer you a safe and comfortable space to process your feelings and grow, I can teach you new skills to work toward a life that feels worth living and to get you where you want to be. I work specifically with individuals, couples and first responders. I have specialized training in EMDR, the Flash Technique, Mindfulness, Focusing, and working with first responders.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC in private practice. As a trauma therapist I support people who have experienced difficulties and challenges at any stage in their life. My goal is to get you back on track and experiencing joy in your life again. Please book a free consultation with me if it feels like I could help you.

discover your alliance

Cassandra offers a safe space where you will learn tools and gain resources to help you achieve your goals. She wants to help you spark a change in your life.

Cassandra specializes in cognitive behaviour therapy and internal family systems. Cassandra has trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Internal family systems (IFS), Sand Tray Therapy, Exposure Therapy, First Responder Training, and Informed Trauma Practice. She has training in neurofeedback through NeurOptimal. She is currently being trained in EMDR.

As well as bring in private practice, Cassandra is also a professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University focusing on interpersonal communication (self-care, conflict, perception, and adversity/diversity).

Cassandra’s counselling philosophy is rooted in her background as a teammate, student, professor, and counselling therapist. She believes all clients have the capacity for growth inside themselves. Her focus is to help guide you by providing you with tools, techniques, and a new way to look or think about your life. Her ultimate goal is to build you up, have you get to know yourself, and support you to reach your goals.