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LOW BARRIER TEAM

Pay what you can afford. No questions asked, no forms, no evaluations. You know your situation best. We are here to help

Low barrier counselling is an offering to our community, and a way for people to access quality counselling a a fraction of the prices.  Our therapists are completing the final requirements for their Master Degree in Counselling Psychology. They are actively supervised in their work, and are eager to assist you.

Out pay-as-you-can model. This means you pay what you can afford. No questions asked, no forms, no evaluations. You know your situation best.
We do however want to acknowledge and applaud our Low barrier team for their quality of work and skill. Our recommended rate for session is between $45- $110.   Your therapist will be happy to help set you up.  

Rachel Chan

Focus: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma
Works with: Individual and Couples

Specialties: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused-Based Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy, IFS
British Columbia and Ontario

Akasha Liska

Focus: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma
Works with: Individual and Couples

Specialties: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused-Based Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy, Mental Health First Aid and ASIST. 
 couples counselling, somatic therapy, polyvagal theory for C-PTSD. IFS, client-centered, somatic therapies
British Columbia and Ontario

NEW- LOW BARRIER EMDR Counselling

NEW- LOW BARRIER EMDR Counselling
We have a couple practitioners who are able to practice EMDR as they work toward being fully certified. These individuals are now accepting low barrier clients. Please slip us an email to learn more. 

Jennifer Chan

Approaches:
Person-centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-informed care
Focus:
Individual Counselling, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Emotional Overwhelm, Self-Esteem, Identity, Relationships, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Neurodiversity, Family Dynamics

I am a practicum student completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, and I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia. My path toward counselling has been shaped by the many moments when others have turned to me for support, whether through friendships, family, school, work, or everyday interactions. These experiences have taught me the importance of listening with care, meeting people where they are at, and creating a space where clients feel respected, understood, and supported.
 
My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, grounded in empathy, warmth, and respect. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and experiences at their own pace. I believe therapy is not about having all the answers right away, but about creating space to reflect, better understand yourself, and move toward meaningful change.
 
I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those navigating stress, anxiety, identity, relationships, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm. I value building trusting relationships and working collaboratively with clients as they build insight, confidence, and a deeper understanding of themselves.

Simone Thomas

Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused work, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and humanistic approaches, Trauma-informed care
Focus:
Individual Counselling, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Emotional Overwhelm, Self-Esteem, Identity, Relationships, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Family Dynamics

Simone is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She is currently finishing her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychotherapy at Yorkville University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Studies (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education. Simone’s approach to therapy is relational, grounded and empathetic. She believes that change occurs in a safe and authentic space, where clients feel valued, understood and supported without judgement. Through her belief that healing is not linear, nor does one size fit all, she honours each client’s lived experience in hopes to lighten their burden and give them hope. Drawing from her approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused work, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and humanistic approaches, she collaborates with clients to understand their strengths, resilience, beliefs and cultural or spiritual foundations that help uplift them. Simone is passionate about helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, personality disorders, life transitions and loss. At the heart of her work, Simone believes that individuals can grow even in the places they once felt broken. She considers it a privilege to work alongside clients to help them into self discovery, empowerment, and freedom.
 
My specializations and modalities have been attached to this email.
 
My strengths are that I am culturally informed, flexible with my approaches tailoring to the needs of my clients, I have a growth mindset, which involves reading and having a burning passion to grow as a professional. I can empathize easier with clients as I have also had mental health challenges but have overcome them. I want to work alongside clients who have experienced trauma, who have attachment wounds, and addictions. I am passionate about working with clients through IFS and integrating the parts of them that they fear the most and engage with self compassion. 
 
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." — C.S. Lewis

Nourin Abdulla

Approaches:
Person-centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths Based, Trauma-informed and holistic
Focus: 
Anxiety, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem,  Gender and sexual identity, Life transitions, Stress

Hi, I’m Nourin, and I’m honoured to be considered as you take this step for yourself.
I offer a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported as you are. I believe therapy can be a place to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with yourself in meaningful and sustainable ways.
I support individuals navigating a variety of challenges, including anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship or family dynamics, and questions of identity and belonging. I also understand that many experiences do not fit neatly into a category, and sometimes therapy begins with simply knowing that something feels heavy, unclear, or difficult to carry alone.
Having navigated culture and identity across different spaces myself, I understand how layered it can feel to balance outside expectations while staying connected to your own voice and values.
My approach is person-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and holistic. I value the connection between mind and body, and I often support clients in exploring how stress, emotions, and experiences may also be carried physically. Together, we can move at a pace that feels right for you while helping you feel more grounded and supported in your healing and growth.
I welcome clients from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
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. Financial challenges won't stop you from getting the support you need; speak to a counsellor and we will find a rate that work for you.