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OUR MISSION
TULA Wellness Centre
dedicated to assisting you in better living.
 mental health, physical well-being and mindfulness.
trained and accredited professionals working with those who have been impacted by trauma and addictions. We do this through connectivity, community and innovative programming.​


Well Mind
Psychotherapy is about working toward seeing our true self clearly.  With a wide breadth of experience, we offer a range of services that can assist individuals, couples and families.  While we have cultivated a specialization in Trauma and Addictions Therapy, our community of therapists and wellness practitioners work with a variety of modalities to support balance in body, mind and spirit.  

What is the Tula difference

TULA provides you with a Wellness Advisor to navigate options and services that will best fit your specific needs.

TULA puts YOU at the centre of all treatment planning.  It is not how you fit our treatment, but we can best support and serve you.  By providing  choices in your treatment, you will find a sense of autonomy and self-determination, placing you in the position to make change. Feel the difference in a sense of control and wholeness.

Our TULA family focuses on a trauma and violence informed, anti-oppressive approaches.  We incorporate the foundations of Human Rights and Equity with the benefits of Mindful practise, Buddhist philosophy and whole body wellness to ensure your experience is one of being heard, seen and supported.

Well Body + Well Being

The body feeds the mind as the mind feeds the body.  We believe to address mental health challenges and find healing, this energy exchange is found through a holistic approach. To do this we consider all our parts; physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.   Supporting the whole person in making change.

Each person will have a different experience of mental health, trauma and addictions.  A path to recovery is influenced by age, culture, heritage, language, faith, sexual and gender identity, relationship status, life experience and beliefs.  A holistic approach focuses on intersections of a person’s story to guide whole wellness, we see beyond the symptom or illness.

​Our TULA Community includes;
  • Mental Health Therapists
  • Nutritionists,
  • Naturopaths,
  • Ayurvedic Practitioners,
  • Personal trainers and
  • Yoga and Meditation Teachers.
Tula = Balance
something we all seek in pursuit of peace and happiness

Meet Our Counselling Team
(alphabetical)

(Click name to learn more about Kofi)
​​Kofi is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

Kofi Ansu-gyeabour, RSW, MSW

(he/him/his)
Specialties: Substance Abuse,  Family Conflict, Parenting
You're here because you are ready for change. I sincerely believe that every person has the inner resources for change and growth. You don't have to struggle in isolation and silence. Together we can restore your sense of personal agency, self-determination and hope.
​
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
– Harriet Tubman
​
(Click name to learn more about Larisa)
​​Larisa is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

Larisa Fry, RP, RCC​​, MA (Counselling, Psychology)

(she/her/hers)
Focus: Individual counselling, workshop development, education planning, clinical Supervision
​Specialties: Trauma, Person-centred violence, intimate partner violence,  Family violence- EMDR Practitioner
I know that placing your trust and hope in the hands of another is among the most difficult decision one can make. I understand the importance of this choice, as well the feelings of vulnerability you may feel in taking this first step. Finding someone with whom you can trust to help support change while you improve the balance in your life and success in your future endeavours can be a challenge. I would be honoured to take on this challenge with you.

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." ~ Maria Robinson
​
(Click name to learn more about Tassia)
Tassia is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

Tassia gabbidon, rp-c
​(qualifying intern​)

(she/her/hers)
Specialties: BIPOC Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Teen / Woman's Issues
Hello and welcome! I step into therapy as a human first, therapist second. Through this I can share that I have been in the same boat as you, trying to figure out life, who I am, and how to handle the rough patches and inevitable challenges that stifle us and makes us feel lost or stuck. My approach is firmly based in compassion and empathy. I'll help you challenge everything you think you're "supposed to" be, do, act, or look like and figure out what you want instead. Therapy with me is a partnership, we are a team, working together to help you create the life that you want to live. I am free of judgment and pretense.

I help individuals with anxiety, depression, women’s issues, boundaries, addiction, and changing unhealthy behaviors. My work is also informed by self-compassion theory, shame resilience theory, social justice, intersectionality, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as other well-established interventions.

If you are ready to work through what you are hiding or hiding from, let’s talk. If you want to live your life on your own terms and start to love every facet of yourself, I am here to help you and I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.

Tassia is trained at the Masters Degree level and has completed her internship with Tula Wellness Centre to become fully registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
​Rates start at $150/hr with some availability for sliding scale.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you"- Rumi
​
(Click name to learn more about JD)

​John-David is available for service anywhere in Canada
​

JOHN-DAVID (JD) HUTCHISON,
ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR,
​MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION TEACHER

​(HE/HIM/HIS)
SPECIALTIES: ADDICTION, MINDFULNESS, MEDITATION TEACHER
​I am an addiction counsellor, I am a yoga and meditation teacher, and I am a person living a full life recovered from addiction to alcohol, drugs and codependency. I am sober today, after spending 18 years trapped by the cycle of addiction and recovery. My recovery is thanks to a 12-step program and the tools and techniques of yoga. I developed the Rediscovery program to teach others the skills and steps towards their own recovery. Start your own journey to your true self and finally break your cycle of addiction.

John-David also chairs weekly TULA ARC (Addiction Recovery Community) meetings, Tuesdays at 4:00 pm PST, 7:00 pm EST. Contact for more Info.
“The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can't be organized or regulated. It isn't true that everyone should follow one path. Listen to your own truth.” ― Ram Dass
(Click name to learn more about Kelly)

​Kelly is available for service in British Columbia
​

Kelly Lyons,
RCC, MA, REGISTERED Counsellor

​(SHE/HER/HERS)
SPECIALTIES: SPORTS PERFORMANCE, ANXIETY, LIFE TRANSITIONS
PLEASE NOTE: Kelly is on leave until October 2023.

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters degree in Sport Psychology and completing a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology, I am focused on establishing a trauma-informed practice, re-kindling the connection between body and mind, while rooting myself and our work in anti-oppressive principles. I work within an integrative approach, emphasizing the importance of emotions and how understanding our emotions can give us power to heal. 
“It was when I stopped searching for home within others and lifted the foundations of home within myself, I found there were no roots more intimate than those between a mind and body that have decided to be whole” - Rupi Kaur

MEET OUR low barrier TEAM

​A low‑barrier approach is a way to “meet people where they are”. We want to provide options to those who may find financial barriers to obtaining the support they want.
Stephen is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

STEPHEN ADEMOLUTI​, RP-C
​(QUALIFYING INTERN​)

(HE/HIM/HIS)
FOCUS: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY, SOLUTION FOCUSED BASED THERAPY, EMOTION FOCUSED THERAPY, AND NARRATIVE THERAPY

​Life, with its ups and downs, twists and turns, can be complex as you struggle to find your footing. My journey through life in the past years has exposed me to human vulnerability. Trust me, I have been there, and that is why I am ready to take a holistic approach first as a human without being biased, but full of empathy and trust as we walk together to discover the best version of you. 

I collaborate with individuals with anxiety, depression, and trauma using interventions such as Cognitive behavioral therapy, Solution Focused Based therapy, Emotion Focused therapy, and Narrative therapy to provide the space to safely unravel your story, to be seen and heard as you begin to take steps to your healing journey  

I am not oblivious to the peculiarities of your intersectionality; that is why as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) who holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and degrees both in Public and International Affairs, I value integration and the importance in understanding every individual experiences. Together as a team, we can create a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors freely without fear of criticism or shame. 
​‘True life is lived when tiny changes occur’ Leo Tolstoy 
Semra is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

Semra lamky, RP-C
​(QUALIFYING INTERN​)

(SHE/HER/HERS)
FOCUS: INDIVIDUAL, YOUTH AND COUPLES COUNSELLING; ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, VIOLENCE, ABUSE, RELATIONAL ISSUES, AND OTHER INTERPERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL ISSUES. ​
As a therapist, I believe that providing clients with a nonjudgmental, supportive, and safe environment encourages self-awareness, self-exploration, and self-compassion while working together as a team when exploring their life challenges. As a bicultural woman, mother, and wife, I find managing too many roles and responsibilities challenging, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. I can assist you in navigating these challenges while remaining focused and engaged, working towards and achieving your life goals and authentic self. I respect cultural diversity and offer a safe space to process your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. I believe in compassion and empathy through a strength-based and holistic approach when assisting you gain access to your interior wisdom, fostering a closer relationship with yourself and a greater sense of self-worth. I tailor therapeutic modalities and techniques for your unique needs to help you find self-acceptance, empowerment, and inner peace. I engage in therapeutic approaches, including solution-focused, strength-based, compassion-focused, person-centred, trauma-focused, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy when supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, violence, abuse, and other interpersonal and emotional issues.  
I value understanding the individual through their own perspective, and I look forward to walking alongside you through your journey while assisting you in engaging in self-exploration, self-esteem, and self-compassion and building secure attachments to achieve meaningful changes in your life.  
Semra is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is qualified to provide counselling and psychotherapy under supervision. Her education also includes Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science. Semra speaks English and Turkish.
CERTIFICATES:
PESI Certificate- Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS), 2022 
The Gottman Institute-Gottman Method Couples Therapy- Level 1, 2022 
  
“I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” 
                                                                                                   Carl Jung 
Jennifer is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

Jennifer Marie, RP-C
​(QUALIFYING INTERN​)

(SHE/HER/HERS)
FOCUS: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY, SOLUTION FOCUSED BASED THERAPY, EMOTION FOCUSED THERAPY, AND NARRATIVE THERAPY
Life conflicts, traumatic experiences and other stress can lead us astray from our true selves and prevent us from living our lives to the fullest. As a result, we may feel unable to adequately deal with life's challenges. Reaching out to talk to someone about these challenging parts of our lives can be difficult. While some people know what part of their story they want to focus on, others feel confused and overwhelmed. That's ok. Come as you are, wherever you're at, and we can begin from there. We will figure out what comes next together.  
  
Warmth, empathy, and curiosity are the foundations of my therapeutic approach. I provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and person-centred care in a safe space free of judgment. I believe a strong therapeutic relationship, rooted in trust, must be established for a successful outcome. I practice an integrative style that draws from Mindfulness-Based, Cognitive Behavioural, Somatic, Acceptance and Commitment, and Narrative Therapy. As a holistic practitioner, I will consider all components of your being, including your mind, body, and spirit. I would love to meet with you and help you rediscover your power and live a meaningful life by deepening your relationship with yourself.  ​
“Each morning we are born again. What we do today matters most.”  Buddha  
Linah is available for service in
​BC and Ontario 

linah kareem, RP-C
​(QUALIFYING INTERN​)

(SHE/HER/HERS)
FOCUS: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY, SOLUTION FOCUSED BASED THERAPY, EMOTION FOCUSED THERAPY, AND NARRATIVE THERAPY
In life, change is the only constant. I heard that a lot in my life, but the only time it resonated with me is when the change was so difficult to bear. As a counselor in training, I am mindful of how as humans, we encounter life experiences that could leave us in despair. I offer this safe space to support you as you go through your unique journey by highlighting and empowering you along the way and ensuring that your experiences are honored, your voice is heard, your emotions are validated and most of all, your decisions are supported. 
My approach to therapy is focused on your needs, personal strengths, and desired goals. I look forward to co-design a therapeutic plan with you. 

I am honored to have experience in working with children, youth, and adults from all walks of life. However, in my current role, I will be working with youth and adults. I welcome all clients from all gender, spirtual, and cultural backgrownds. 

I am certified as a CBT practitioner and trained in trauma-focused therapies, mindfulness, play and art therapy. 

As a mental health practitioner I believe that we all need a therapeutic space to feel respected, welcomed, non-judged, and supported as we heal in our unique ways. I hope that we can collaboratively create this space here. 
"Don't get lost in your pain, know that one day your pain will become your cure." Rumi

Meet Our Wellness Team

(Click name to learn
​more about Marissa)

Marissa Furry,B.A., CHN, RYT200

(she/her/hers)
Focus: Holistic Nutrition,  Diet and Lifestyle change, Weight Loss, Meal Planning, Overall fitness
Specialties: Yoga, Routine and Lifestyle Change,  Women's health

My love for nutrition and wellness stems from my days working at a health food store. I find supplements, herbs, and how food fuels our brains and bodies intensely fascinating. Through a consultation together and personalized nutrition report, I assess which body systems are most affected or out of balance, using a holistic approach to regain homeostasis. Nutrition counselling is an opportunity to find change and support through diet and lifestyle, and a way to check-in with, and stay on track through your wellness journey.

Exercising doesn’t have to have an ‘end goal’: we don’t all want (or need) to look like body builders or professional swimmers. Many of us engage in exercise to feel our best, keep mobile, and stay healthy at the most basic level.
“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” – Thomas Edison
We acknowledge the land on which our head office is located is the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples. Today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and acknowledging reminds me that our great standard of living is directly related to the resources and friendship of Indigenous people.