Hi, I’m Jen, and I’m excited to be part of the team at IBSI. I have many years of experience in the human services and social services fields, and am honoured to be part of someone’s experience through counselling. I know that asking for help can be complicated and sometimes scary, and having support to navigate stressful life circumstances can make a big difference.

I am a person-centred, inclusive practitioner, and use a variety of modalities including narrative therapy, solution focused brief therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and existential therapy. My approaches will be tailored to meet your needs, focusing on your goals, values, and beliefs.

I look forward to making connections and being part of your growth and healing.

Hi, I’m Jen, and I’m excited to be part of the team at IBSI. I have many years of experience in t... Read More

I am a Registered Social Worker with many years of life experience and 4 years of working in the mental health field. What I love about therapeutic relationships is the learning that takes place in the room. We are all travelers on the road of life, and sometimes we find ourselves at an unexpected detour. These detours can disrupt our sense of self and wellbeing. Having the courage to ask for someone to walk alongside you on these detours takes great strength. I would be honoured to meet you where you are and support you as you build skills to help you find renewed wellbeing.

I am a Registered Social Worker with many years of life experience and 4 years of working in the ... Read More

Francine Douglas, Master Level Intern

I am Stó:lō from Sts’ailes Nation and Tsimshian from Metlakatla Nation. My counselling is rooted in the teachings of land, story, and relationship.

I support clients carrying trauma, stress, emotional pain, or coping patterns that no longer serve them, helping them return to safety and resilience. My work integrates somatic and polyvagal-informed practices, along with narrative and relational-cultural approaches, within a trauma-informed, client-centered relationship.

I am also involved with Sacred Circle Wellness, supporting healthcare grounded in Indigenous knowledge. I hold a BA from UBC and am completing a MA in Counselling Psychology from City University.

Francine Douglas, Master Level Intern I am Stó:lō from Sts’ailes Nation and Tsimshian from Metla... Read More

Hello, I’m Ashton, a dedicated and compassionate Registered Social Worker with a passion for making a positive impact. With two years of hands-on experience, I have worked across diverse areas within the field, including supporting seniors, navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system, assisting youth, and addressing challenges related to substance misuse.

I believe in the power of human connection and the importance of creating a safe space for individuals on their unique journeys. I am excited about the opportunity to meet you, understand your needs, and provide the support you require. Let’s embark on this journey together, as I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.

Hello, I’m Ashton, a dedicated and compassionate Registered Social Worker with a passion for maki... Read More

Come as you are. I’ll meet you there.

After 20 years in healthcare—including several as a paramedic—I found my way to counselling. My own lived experience of ADHD and autism, along with parenting neurodivergent children, shapes the way I work and helps me show up with authenticity, compassion, curiosity, and humour.

I especially enjoy working with tweens, teens, and young adults who are navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, burnout, grief, identity, relationships, and the pressure of trying to fit themselves into spaces that don’t always fit them. I also welcome LGBTQ2S+ clients and neurodivergent adults.

My approach is neuroaffirming, trauma-informed, collaborative, and practical. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, somatic, mindfulness-based, narrative, attachment, and relational approaches depending on what feels most useful for you.

Therapy doesn’t require sitting perfectly still, making eye contact, or knowing exactly what to say. Laugh, swear, stim, fidget, make art, bring a comfort item, or take your time finding the words.

You don’t have to perform or mask here.

Come as you are. I’ll meet you there. After 20 years in healthcare—including several as a parame... Read More

Life can feel heavy. At times, we may feel stuck in patterns or experiences that feel overwhelming to carry alone. Let me offer you a space to breathe, explore, play, laugh, cry, and continue healing.

I support children (3+), youth, and adults in areas such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety, grief, chronic pain, and life transitions. I also have experience supporting Indigenous peoples and neurodivergent individuals.

A meaningful aspect of my practice is supporting adoptees. Adoption is a traumatic experience, and as an international adoptee, I help clients explore their origins, (multicultural) identity, and (birth/adoptive) family relationships.

I take a person-centred, integrative approach, using evidence-based modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Synergetic Play Therapy, CBT/ACT, and Narrative Therapy. For trauma processing, I offer EMDR and Observational Experiential Integration (OEI).

You are welcome here, just as you are!

Life can feel heavy. At times, we may feel stuck in patterns or experiences that feel overwhelmin... Read More

Hi, I’m Jess!

I’m so glad you’re here. Reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step, and it takes courage just to land on this page. My hope is to make that step feel lighter by offering a space where you don’t have to carry things on your own.

My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative, with space for both meaningful reflection and moments of lightness. I believe counselling doesn’t have to feel heavy all the time — sometimes laughter or sparks of joy can be part of the healing too.

Together, we’ll explore what’s been weighing you down, untangle the difficult parts, uncover your strengths, and find practical tools you can use in daily life.

I often support clients who are navigating stress, anxiety, self-worth struggles, or major life transitions. At the same time, I welcome people from all walks of life, with a wide range of experiences and goals. Whatever brings you here, this is your space.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my calm, approachable presence and the uplifting energy I bring to our sessions. I don’t believe in quick fixes; real change takes time and compassion. Wherever you are starting from, know that you don’t have to walk this path alone — I’d be honoured to walk it with you.

Hi, I’m Jess! I’m so glad you’re here. Reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step, an... Read More

Hello and welcome. My name is Terresa McKenzie, and in addition to being a pretty fabulous person (my special people tell me this anyway) I am also a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW), and the clinical director of Inner Balance Solutions (IBSI).

With over a decade of experience and education in my field, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life in various ways. I work with people of all ages, and I’m happy to work with individuals, couples, and families.

As an RCSW, I’m comfortable and qualified to diagnose many mental health conditions and often do this in collaboration with a client’s existing health team.

I am currently not accepting new clients but we have an awesome team to chose from.

Hello and welcome. My name is Terresa McKenzie, and in addition to being a pretty fabulous person... Read More

Hi! My name is Jessica. What’s your story? I’m a registered social worker, psychotherapist trained in Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness. I hold a BA, BSW, and MSW. My approach to therapy is Humanistic and Existential - I like to explore the big questions about what our lives mean! Working with me looks like exploring the influence of external systems upon our lives, giving space to both the spirit and the mind, and making friends with our more complex emotions. I believe you have the tools inside you to chart your own path, and that our relationship is the vehicle for healing - we are not meant to do this work alone! I look forward to embarking on this journey with you. I am available virtually for residents of British Columbia and Ontario.

Hi! My name is Jessica. What’s your story? I’m a registered social worker, psychotherapist traine... Read More

Katelyn Pesut, RSW Registered Social Worker | Counsellor BC Registration #14217

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Life is full of changes—some exciting, some heartbreaking, and some that just feel too big to carry on your own. Whether you’re adjusting to a diagnosis, living with one and realizing your needs have shifted, stepping into parenthood, navigating relationship changes, or simply trying to make sense of what’s next—I’m here to support you with care, clarity, and compassion.

I’m a Registered Social Worker and counsellor based in British Columbia, offering counselling and system navigation support to youth, adults, and families. My approach is grounded in kindness, collaboration, and real-world support. I believe that mental wellness starts with meeting basic needs—like food, housing, safety, and connection—and I’m here to help with both emotional and practical steps forward.

I support people from all walks of life and hold a strong commitment to trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive care. I am LGBTQ2S+ affirming and bring a deep understanding of the barriers people face when living with physical disabilities, chronic pain, neurodivergence, and a range of mental health challenges. You deserve to be supported in a way that makes sense for you—and I’ll meet you where you’re at.

I also work closely with parents who are navigating the systems surrounding a child’s diagnosis—or adapting to changing needs over time. Whether you’re looking for services, funding options, school support, or a stronger voice in advocacy, I’ll walk beside you through each step.

Whether it’s filling out forms, making hard calls, or simply having someone by your side—I’ll be there. You don’t have to do it all alone. Let’s jump the “hoops”, together.

Katelyn Pesut, RSW Registered Social Worker | Counsellor BC Registration #14217 You don’t need t... Read More

“I like to use a collaborative approach to counselling, where you are in control of where counselling takes you.

Being solution focused means that we will look to find the path towards the goals you set.”

“I like to use a collaborative approach to counselling, where you are in control of where counsel... Read More

Hello and Welcome! Navigating the decision to start therapy can feel daunting. So, finding the right therapist who resonates with your needs is pivotal in your therapeutic journey. Life presents us with a multitude of challenges, stemming from both internal struggles and external circumstances. Within each challenge lies an opportunity for profound growth and understanding. As your therapist, my goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment to empower you to face these challenges, promote mental and emotional wellness, and build healthier relationships. My approach is trauma-informed and person-centred, integrating elements of different therapeutic modalities such as CBT, narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and ACT, empowering you to develop healthier coping strategies and enhance self-awareness. I offer services in English, & am also proficient in conversational Farsi. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating a major life transition, or seeking greater fulfillment and meaning, I am here to support you every step of the way. I look forward to working together.

Hello and Welcome! Navigating the decision to start therapy can feel daunting. So, finding the ri... Read More

I am a warm, culturally competent, trauma-informed helping professional with experience in domestic and family violence counselling, youth counselling, crisis counselling, grief counselling, and emergency mental health.

I support those who have experienced childhood abuse, sexual trauma, relational abuse, and those affected by serious and persistent mental health challenges and/or substance use.

I take a strength-based, person-centered approach and am well versed in various evidence based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, polyvagal-informed therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

I help clients discover and acknowledge their unique set of strengths and abilities, aiding them to develop more compassion and empowerment to embark on their healing journey and restore vitality and well-being.

I believe in the healing power of warmth, deep connection, care, and open-hearted presence, by creating therapeutic conditions that offer safety, refuge, and hope and encouragement.

I would be honored to support you in your mental health recovery.

Let’s connect, collaborate and recover.

I am a warm, culturally competent, trauma-informed helping professional with experience in domest... Read More

Shirley is a graduate student at Trinity Western University, pursuing a master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy. She brings extensive experience supporting children and their families as they navigate challenges and address attachment needs. Shirley is dedicated to working with parents, equipping and empowering them to foster strong connections with their children, and with each other.  Shirley adopts a systemic approach to understanding family dynamics and recognizes the importance of how these relationships influence present circumstances. She is passionate about empowering individuals to grow in confidence and strengthen their relationships and brings a genuine care and listening heart into the room with each client. Shirley respects that each person is the expert of their own life and considers it a privilege to be part of their journey. Fundamentally, I view counselling as the work of personal growth, accelerating our ability to find and sustain joy, connection, and meaning in our lives.

Shirley is a graduate student at Trinity Western University, pursuing a master’s degree in Couple... Read More

Justin is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, having obtained his master’s degree in counselling psychology in 2021. He uses a person centered approach and view counselling from a trauma informed lens. He specializes in assisting clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, anger and many other mental health challenges. Justin is well trained in multiple counselling modalities in order to use skills and interventions that will best support the client’s needs.

Justin is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, having obtained his master’s degree in counselling psy... Read More