Alexandra is currently completing her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive space where clients feel truly seen and heard as they explore their emotions, relationships, and personal histories.
As a Hispanic cis-gendered woman, Alexandra deeply values the richness of diverse experiences and understands the complexities of navigating cultural identity, life transitions, and trauma. She takes a holistic and collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring sessions to each client’s unique needs while fostering self-compassion and personal growth.
Alexandra has experience supporting women and families in community mental health settings, including pre- and post-natal clients. Clients describe her as warm, open-minded, and deeply present—offering care and insights that nurture self-awareness and meaningful change.
Her therapeutic style integrates Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic and Somatic therapies, and Interpersonal perspectives. She also incorporates alternative healing modalities, encouraging clients to approach their thoughts, emotions, and body sensations with curiosity and kindness. Alexandra believes that healing happens within connection—both with ourselves and others—and invites clients to embark on their journey with openness and self-acceptance.
Alexandra is currently completing her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University...
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, 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
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.
As a woman of colour, I’ve witnessed firsthand how diverse struggles and complex relationship dynamics can impact life choices. My own journey with mental health has deepened my understanding of self-compassion and the importance of seeking support.
In our sessions, I draw on approaches such as Attachment Theory, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, and those who are new to therapy. I know therapy can feel daunting, so I focus on building trust, understanding your unique needs, and creating a space where you feel empowered. My goal is to help you develop a personalized toolbox for managing emotions and navigating life’s challenges.
Whether you’re new to therapy or experienced, you can expect kindness, acceptance, and support every step of the way.
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
Loretta is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience working with children, youth and families in schools and the community. 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.
We all face challenges in life where we might need extra support to move forward. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I can provide a safe space to help you find the steps, opportunities, or solutions to overcome the obstacles in your way.
I have over 20 years of experience working with children and youth in schools and the community. As a School Counsellor, I support students to ensure they have a positive and inclusive educational experience. Previously, as an Integration Support Teacher, I worked closely with students, families, school teams, and community partners to support children with neurodiverse needs like autism, FASD, and ADHD.
In counselling sessions, I focus on building trust and creating a safe, supportive environment. Together, we can explore the challenges you’re facing. I use a trauma-informed approach and tailor treatment plans to meet each client’s needs. These plans may include therapies like EMDR, neurofeedback, CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and person-centred approaches. For children, I often incorporate play therapy to help them process emotions they may not yet have words for.
I support children, youth, and adults dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship struggles, self-esteem challenges, grief and loss, and life or cultural transitions.
It would be an honour to walk alongside you on your journey to healing and recovery.
Loretta is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience working with childre...
Read More
Hannah Kornelsen
Registered Nurse, Board Certified in Neurofeedback
Hannah completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of the Fraser Valley. She is certified as a Linear Neurofeedback Clinician through BCIA.
Hannah has diverse clinical experience but her personal journey with mental health has fueled a deep passion for holistic wellness and non-invasive approaches to healing.
Experiencing the benefits of neurofeedback firsthand, inspired her dedication to helping others explore how their brains work and encourage self-discovery and growth through evidence-based techniques.
Whether it is learning to navigate difficult emotions, improve concentration, or cope with stress, Hannah wants to discuss your goals and create a plan where she can support you in practicing self-regulation.
I believe that every person’s journey is unique and that growth and healing happen through connection with others.
“My priority is to create a safe and supportive space for individuals to process and learn.
Open-mindedness, empathy, respect for differences, and a value of creativity are integral to my practice, ensuring that clients feel listened to, advocated for, and empowered.
I appreciate the collaborative nature of neurofeedback, which emphasizes the importance of the individual actively participating in their healing journey.
I want to equip you with the tools to be able to take responsibility for your own health.
I am committed to making neurofeedback more accessible and am excited to be a part of each individual’s path towards mental wellness.”
~ Hannah Kornelsen
Hannah Kornelsen
Registered Nurse, Board Certified in Neurofeedback
Hannah completed her Bachel...
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