Amandeep is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with 10 years’ experience in the field of mental health and social services, including work in the public school setting.

Amandeep’s counselling approach is marked by warmth, genuineness, and empathy, aimed at creating a safe space where clients can freely explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Grounded in an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed and social justice framework, she acknowledges the broader societal and cultural contexts shaping individual experiences. With a genuine interest in understanding each client’s distinct story, Amandeep offers empathy and encouragement while her clients embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation.

I believe that with my background along with my identity as a woman of colour, I have learned first hand about diverse and unique peoples struggles. I have learned how challenging relationship dynamics can either support or disrupt life decisions. My own discovery of mental health has allowed me to understand self compassion and the importance of asking for help.

Within my sessions I draw on a variety of approaches, such as Attachment, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioural, and Mindfulness theories. I often work with those who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and clients that are new to therapy. Knowing therapy can appear intimidating and sometimes filled with uncertainty, I spend time understanding my clients unique experiences and goals to create a trusting environment. Whether you’re familiar with therapy or new to it, you can expect to be welcomed with kindness and acceptance. My hope as a counsellor is to give you choice in therapy, while co-creating a toolbox to help you identify, as well as manage your emotional experience.

I look forward to working with you.

Amandeep Brar (she/her)

Amandeep is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with 10 years’ experience in the field of mental hea... Read More

I have a Masters Degree in Public Health and am a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at Trinity Western University; I started my journey in the helping profession 15 years ago and have worked in a variety of organizations serving vulnerable children and families.

Trauma-responsive care and strength-based approaches are mainstream in my work with clients. I have experience working with multicultural families and provide culturally sensitive services.

I am proficient in both English and Amharic and specialize in working with multicultural families, ensuring that my therapeutic approach is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

As an immigrant woman myself, I relate to the existing systemic barriers marginalized communities experience and would like to work toward enhancing access to counselling services for vulnerable children and families.

I understand the importance of safety, choice, and collaboration in working with clients and my goal is to foster a therapeutic relationship that is welcoming and safe enough for you to be vulnerable and start your healing journey.

My approach honors the unique needs of individuals and families. Some therapeutic approaches I draw from include emotionally focused therapy, Bowen intergenerational therapy and Narrative therapy to help you make sense of your relationship with others, re-author your story, and re-establish your experiences in the here and now.

Some of the problem areas I help people address include (but are not limited to); premarital circumstances, anxiety, depression, couples issues, gender based violence, and parenting.

I have a Masters Degree in Public Health and am a Marriage and Family Therapy graduate student at... Read More

Adrianne, embracing her lifelong passion of psychology and mental health, is in her final year of a master’s degree in counselling psychology from the University of British Columbia. Adrianne is a neurodiverse, cis-gender female with life experience, an open mind, and non-judgmental nature. She understands the complexities of daily life including issues related to relationships, trauma, and religion.

Adrianne approaches her clients with an attachment-informed and holistic perspective; she adapts her approach to her client’s needs and primarily utilizes Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic, and Rogerian approaches. Adrianne authentically cares and for her clients and embraces collaborative engagement to empower and support her clients as they move toward mental well-being.

Adrianne, embracing her lifelong passion of psychology and mental health, is in her final year of... Read More

Loretta is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience in the education system and the community working with children, youth and families. She holds a Master of Education in Counselling, a Bachelor of Education with a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.

Loretta also has 11 years of experience supporting neurodiverse students and clients with Autism, ADHD, or have developmental disabilities.

From an attachment and trauma-informed lens, she supports individuals who are going through the stages of Cultural Adjustment.

She incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities such as CBT, Mindfulness, Play therapy techniques, and EMDR.

Loretta is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience in the education sys... Read More

Katherine has over 25 years’ experience working with children, youth and their families. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s of Education in Counselling and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care Counselling.

“I strive to provide a safe, caring place to share and be yourself. I believe people can uncover within themselves a way of coping and relating to their experiences in life, with strength and perseverance. I believe in the resiliency of the human spirit. My aim is to help alleviate pain where possible, encourage growth, and work alongside you as you navigate through troubled waters, in a way that helps you feel at home in your sense of self, and to live authentically.

I spent 25 years working for the Surrey School District as a youth care worker supporting students who have moderate to intensive behavioural, social, and emotional complexities. I am also giving back to the community in my new role as a Mental Health Clinician. I provide direct clinical services such as intake, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and crisis intervention for children, youth and their families. I feel my experience in schools and community counselling provide me a wide range of therapeutic approaches that support all individuals that need help in their lives. I am here for you, and I can adapt to your unique needs. We can work together to custom a therapeutic approach that best fits you. I am here with you to ensure you feel heard, seen and understood. While remaining calm and present, I would feel humbled to listen to your unique, individual experiences that make you who you are in this world.

I also have extensive experience working with youth and adults who have
 development disabilities, and who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I enjoyed watching these clients thrive and meet their life skill goals.

As a compassionate Counsellor, I operate from a relational, person-centred, strengths based and trauma-informed lens. At the same time, I draw from emotionally focused, solution focused, cognitive behavioural, mindfulness-based and humanistic approaches with clients. The counselling therapies I use are based on the personal preferences and tendencies through the therapeutic relationship we develop together. 
The perspectives I work from promote healing fundamentally from empathy and compassion. I have been enjoying my twenty-five years of experience working with children, youth and their families. The relationships developed are most important to me. In my private practice my focus is with youth and adults with a variety of concerns including:

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Grief & Loss 
• Trauma 
• Emotional Regulation 
• Personal Growth
 • Life Transitions 
• Self-esteem 
• Conflict in relationships 
• Communication skills
 I look forward to building a genuine connection with you, to help you thrive on your life journey. You are worth it.”


~Katherine Ouano

Katherine has over 25 years’ experience working with children, youth and their families. She is a... Read More

NOTE: Megumi is currently away on Maternity leave

Megumi Serizawa is a Registered Nurse and a highly-skilled NeurOptimal Neurofeedback practitioner committed to promoting holistic health and wellbeing. Megumi’s dual educational background in sociology and nursing gives her a unique and comprehensive approach to healthcare and wellness.

Incorporating her training and experience, Megumi specializes in NeurOptimal Neurofeedback, a cutting-edge technique used to optimize brain function. She firmly believes in the power of this non-invasive, natural method for reducing stress, improving mental performance, and enhancing overall health.

Megumi completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where she honed her clinical skills and knowledge. As a Registered Nurse, she provides expert care and understands the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to health and healing.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Simon Fraser University, which equipped her with a deep understanding of societal structures, human interactions, and their impact on individual and community health. This sociological perspective allows her to consider her clients in the context of their environment, culture, and community, fostering a compassionate and empathetic approach to care.

Megumi’s patient-centered approach ensures that her clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. She strives to tailor her services to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you are looking to enhance your mental wellbeing, manage stress, or improve your cognitive abilities, Megumi is dedicated to guiding you on your journey towards achieving your health and wellness goals.

Book your appointment with her today.

NOTE: Megumi is currently away on Maternity leave Megumi Serizawa is a Registered Nurse and a hi... Read More

Jonathan is the senior therapist at Sojourn with more than 15 years’ experience and having provided over 12,000 hours of therapy. He holds a Masters of Arts degree, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in counselling and neurofeedback for individuals, couples and families.

Welcome to Therapy

I believe that everyone has inherent value and deserves respect. In our sessions, I’m interested in getting to know you and your unique story. I want to understand what your life has been like, including your relationships with family and friends, and your experiences, both joyful and painful.

Understanding Your Past

We all go through events in life that we can’t control, such as where we were born, our family, the environment in which we were raised, teachers we’ve had, and situations we have witnessed or things that have happened to us. These experiences, especially those that were threatening or stressful, shape who we are and how we react. Together, we’ll explore these past events to understand how they have influenced your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This exploration is not about blaming yourself but rather about gaining insight and acceptance that many things were beyond your control.

Awareness and Change

As we work together, we’ll look at how your thoughts and emotions affect your actions and how these, in turn, influence your relationships. Becoming aware of these patterns can help you respond differently, rather than reacting automatically. For instance, if you notice you’re withdrawing or becoming aggressive due to painful emotions, recognizing this and processing these events can give you the chance to experience a different response.

Similarly, noticing and understanding your positive emotions can help you foster more of those experiences without becoming overly attached to them. This awareness helps you navigate your life more effectively, using an internal sense of direction toward growth and positive change.

Taking Responsibility and Building Relationships

While much of what happens to us is out of our control, it’s important to acknowledge how our actions affect others. If something you’ve done has impacted someone negatively, recognizing and addressing this can help repair and improve relationships.

Desensitizing Triggers

Sometimes, past negative experiences cause our nervous system to react strongly to certain triggers, leading to fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. Part of our work might involve helping your nervous system become less sensitive to these triggers, so you can handle situations more calmly and have healing, positive experiences.

Therapeutic Models

My approach to therapy is informed by several contemporary therapeutic models, including person-centered therapy, which emphasizes the importance of empathy and unconditional positive regard, and narrative therapy, which focuses on understanding and re-authoring your life story. I also draw from attachment theory, which looks at how early relationships shape our current interactions, and trauma-informed care, which recognizes the impact of trauma on the nervous system. Additionally, I incorporate elements from couples and family systems models to address relational dynamics and improve communication and connection within relationships.

Comprehensive Toolset

To support our work together, I use a comprehensive toolset that includes advanced techniques like neurofeedback and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Neurofeedback helps regulate brain activity, promoting better emotional balance and cognitive functioning. EMDR is particularly effective for processing and healing from trauma. Alongside these, I also integrate approaches such as mindfulness, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and emotionally focused therapy to provide a well-rounded and effective therapeutic experience.

Types of Problems This Approach Helps

This approach is particularly effective for a wide range of issues, including trauma and anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and stress-related problems. It can also be beneficial for those dealing with grief, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. By addressing both past experiences and current thought patterns, this method helps clients develop healthier ways of coping and fosters emotional resilience.

Client Experience

As a client, you can expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment where your experiences and feelings are valued. Sessions will involve deep, meaningful conversations about your life, emotions, and relationships. You will be encouraged to explore your thoughts and feelings, becoming more aware of how they influence your behavior. This process is collaborative, with no pressure to agree with me; your perspective is always respected. Together, we will explore possible new ways of interacting with the world, and you will have the opportunity to experience growth and positive change in a safe and supportive space.

A Collaborative Journey

Therapy with me is a collaborative and nonlinear process. I will ask questions guided by my intuition and training, aiming to explore your thoughts and emotions deeply. I won’t tell you what to do but may share insights and perspectives for you to consider. I value your viewpoint and encourage you to share it, even if it differs from mine.

Together, we’ll process emotions and explore new ways of interacting with the world, helping you harness your natural capacity for growth and positive change.

Learn more about Jonathan

Jonathan is the senior therapist at Sojourn with more than 15 years’ experience and having provid... Read More