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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.

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.  

Adrienne Horbas
​RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

Focus:
 Anxiety and stress, Life transitions and struggles, Couples and relationships, Grief and loss, Work, athletic, and academic pressures, Inner child work
BCACC- # 27896
​CCPS #11265363
Clientele
Individual and Couples
Specialties: ​
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused-Based Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic Awareness and Narrative Therapy, Trauma informed Care

In-person on Salt Spring Island or Virtual
About Adrienne
​I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. My path into counselling has grown from years of supporting people in different roles as a personal trainer, volunteer counsellor, partner, and parent. These experiences have given me a greater understanding of stress, identity, relationships, and the many pressures people carry throughout their lives.

Supporting my teenage son, who is a high‑level athlete, has shown me how important it is to meet young people with love, steadiness, and understanding as they grow. I am also deeply proud of my twenty‑year marriage, which continues to teach me about communication, connection, and relationships. My love of sport, commitment to self-care and life struggles continue to highlight the importance of balance, resilience, and the mind‑body connection. These parts of my life influence how I show up with clients and the values I bring into the therapeutic space.

My approach is person‑centred, emotion‑focused, trauma‑informed, and somatic. I offer a warm, grounded, and non‑judgmental space where clients from all identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences feel welcomed and supported. I value attunement and deep listening, and I work collaboratively to help clients reconnect with their inner strengths, needs and resources. I also integrate mind‑body awareness, drawing on my years in fitness and coaching to help clients understand how emotions and experiences can affect us physically.

I am especially drawn to supporting clients who are navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, emotional regulation, and performance‑related pressures in academic, athletic, or work settings. I believe healing happens through connection, and I feel honoured to walk alongside clients as they build insight, compassion, and a more grounded relationship with themselves.

​“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right-hand corner.’ I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.” — Carl Rogers

Akasha Liska
​RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

Focus
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma 

​BCACC # 00799
CLientele
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

Available for virtual Therapy
About Akasha​

Jennifer Chan
RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

Focus
Individual Counselling, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Emotional Overwhelm, Self-Esteem, Identity, Relationships, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Neurodiversity, Family Dynamics
clientele
Individual, Couples and Family
specialties
​Person-centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-informed care
about Jennifer
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.
​

Alexis Morrison
RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

Focus
  • Trauma and the impact of difficult life experiences
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Life transitions and adjustment
  • Relationships and attachment
  • Self-worth, identity, and personal growth
  • Emotional regulation and coping
  • Navigating patterns that may no longer feel helpful
clientele
Individual and Couples
specialties
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Mindfulness-based approaches
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as my training develops
About alexis
​Hi there! I’m Alexis, I’m currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I believe therapy is about having a space where you can be honest about what’s going on without feeling judged, rushed, or like you need to have all the answers. My approach is person-centred, empathetic, and trauma-informed, and I believe that therapy starts with having a space where you can feel genuinely heard and understood. I want my clients to feel comfortable showing up as they are, without judgment or the pressure to have everything figured out.
I’m particularly interested in supporting people navigating anxiety, trauma, relationships, life transitions, self-worth, and personal growth. I’m curious about the experiences that shape us and how they can influence the way we understand ourselves, connect with others, and move through the world.
I believe therapy should be collaborative and individualized. My goal is to meet you where you are, work at a pace that feels right for you, and create space to better understand what you’re experiencing while recognizing the strengths you already bring with you.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start. We can figure it out together.
A short quote:
“Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.” — Akshay Dubey
Barry Hay
RP (Qualifying) CRPO
focus
​Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Addiction & Recovery, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, Personal Growth, and Men’s Mental Health
clientele
Individual, Youth
specialties
​Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Trauma-Informed Care  
About Barry
​Reaching out for support isn't always easy, and I recognize the courage it can take to begin therapy. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult life transition, struggling with anxiety or depression, or working toward recovery, I want you to feel heard, respected, and accepted. I aim to offer a space where you can be yourself, speak openly, and explore what you're going through without judgment.
I believe that people are capable of growth and change, even when it may not feel that way. Therapy can provide an opportunity to slow down, better understand yourself and your experiences, and begin moving toward the life you want to build. My hope is to create a safe, welcoming environment where you feel comfortable exploring both the challenges you're facing and the strengths you already have.
My approach is collaborative and person-centred. I recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and I believe our work should reflect your experiences, needs, and goals. I draw from evidence-based approaches while bringing compassion, curiosity, and openness to the therapeutic relationship.
I have a particular interest in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction and recovery, life transitions, and challenges related to self-esteem and personal growth. I am especially drawn to supporting men's mental health and creating a space where individuals feel comfortable exploring challenges related to identity, purpose, vulnerability, relationships, and personal growth.
As a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology practicum student, I am committed to continuing to learn and grow as a therapist while providing thoughtful, ethical care under the guidance of experienced clinical supervision. I believe therapy is a process we can navigate together, and I look forward to learning and growing alongside you as you work toward the changes you want to make.
Quote:
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."
— Carl Rogers

Nourin Abdulla
RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

Focus
Anxiety, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem,  Gender and sexual identity, Life transitions, Stress
clientele
Individual, couples and family
specialties
Person-centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths Based, Trauma-informed and holistic.
about Nourin
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.

Alyssa Igarta
RCC (Qualifying)  BCACC

Focus
Anxiety, stress, and burnout
Self-esteem and confidence
Life transitions and emerging adulthood
Relationship concerns (individual counselling)
Mood and emotional difficulties
Processing the impact of past experiences
clientele
Individual and Couples
​Young adult
specialties
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Trauma informed 
  • Mindfulness-based approaches
About Alyssa
I’m in the final practicum of my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, with a BA in Psychology from UBC underneath it.


My style leans person-centred. You’re the one who knows your life, I’m there to help you see the parts that are harder to notice from the inside. Sometimes that means talking through what’s going on right now. Sometimes it means figuring out where a pattern actually started.


Right now I’m most interested in working with adolescents and young adults sorting through identity, relationships, and the general mess of growing up. I also work well with adults dealing with anxiety, burnout, low self-esteem, or a life transition that’s throwing everything else off balance.


What inspired me to pursue counselling is seeing what a good therapeutic relationship can actually do, in my own life and in people close to me.


Outside of sessions, I read more than I probably should and try to get outside as often as I can.

Emmanuella Park
RP (Qualifying) CRPO

Focus
  • Anxiety and Stress Management

  • Life Transitions and Personal Growth

  • Self-Esteem and Confidence Building
clientele
  • Individual Adult Therapy

  • Couples and Relationship Counselling

specialties
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Addiction and Recovery Support
  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
  • Children and Youth Mental Health
About Emmanualla
​I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology candidate at Yorkville University. I am passionate about supporting individuals and couples as they navigate life’s challenges, improve their relationships, and develop a stronger understanding of themselves.
I believe therapy is a place where people should feel safe, heard, and accepted. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. I work with clients by meeting them where they are, helping them explore their experiences, recognize their strengths, and develop practical tools to create meaningful change in their lives.
I have a particular interest in working with adults, young adults, and couples who may be experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, emotional challenges, or feelings of being overwhelmed. I also have a passion for supporting individuals with neurodiversity, addiction recovery, and those navigating personal growth and change.
My previous experience supporting children and youth with developmental and emotional needs, along with my crisis-support training, has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, patience, and creating a non-judgmental space. I believe every client has their own story, and my role is to walk alongside them as they work toward healing, growth, and greater well-being.

Kelsey Borgfjord
RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

Focus
My focus is 2SLGBTQIA+ clients and women, as well as neurodivergent folks and people who have experienced violence directly or indirectly.
clientele
2SLGBTQIA+ clients and women, as well as neurodivergent folks and people who have experienced violence directly or indirectly.
 
Speciality
​My specialties are person-centred therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and attachment theory.
About Kelsey
​My name is Kelsey Borgfjord, and I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English at Vancouver Island University and casually took social work and mental health courses before starting my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
 
I like to think I took the long way around in my journey, but it gave me unique life experiences that inform my work. I have done work as a women's counsellor through stopping the violence programming as well as work in a wellness centre for people who have experienced trauma and were coping through substance abuse. I have worked with people from many different backgrounds and honour our similarities as well as our differences.
 
I believe in the interconnectedness of all things and the inherent value of people. I also value relationships and so hope to help you feel safe, heard, and supported as I help you through this stage of life.

Thera Chandler
​RCC (Qualifying) BCACC
​

Focus
Chronic Pain & Persistent Health Conditions (special interest), Grief, Loss & Bereavement, Life Transitions. 
Clientele
young adults, adults, and couples
Specialities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused-Based Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy.
About Thera
​Finding someone you trust and connect with while navigating life’s challenges can feel overwhelming in itself. Taking that first step toward support can be difficult, and I believe counselling should offer a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported.
I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and am providing counselling as a practicum student under clinical supervision. My approach is warm, compassionate, and grounded.
I am particularly drawn to supporting people navigating grief and loss, significant life changes, chronic pain, and the emotional challenges that can arise when life looks different than you expected.
I believe our emotional and physical experiences are deeply connected. Stress, loss, pain, relationships, and difficult life experiences can affect not only how we think and feel, but also how we experience ourselves and the world around us. I am interested in helping clients better understand the connection between the mind, body, and nervous system while developing practical ways to cope, adapt, and build resilience.
I approach counselling collaboratively, recognizing that each person brings their own experiences, strengths, relationships, and values into the room. My goal is not to tell you how to live your life, but to walk alongside you as you make sense of what you are experiencing, recognize your strengths, and find a way forward that feels meaningful and manageable.
Whether you are experiencing a loss, adjusting to a major life change, living with ongoing pain, or simply feeling that something in your life needs to shift, you do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
 

Zachary Pencarinha
RP (Qualifying) CRPO

Focus
Stress management, family/relationship conflict, anxiety, narcissism
clientele
Individual and couples
specialities
Person-Centred, trauma informed, CBT, narrative
about Zachary
​I believe that meaningful change begins with feeling safe enough to be yourself. As a practicum student in Counselling Psychology, I strive to offer a space that is both compassionate and non-judgemental, where my clients can explore their experiences, recognize their strengths, and move toward the life that they want to build for themselves. My goal is to meet each person with curiosity and empathy, while always remaining my authentic self.
 

“Relationship is the most powerful therapy” – Bruce D. Perry

Robert Harting
RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

focus
Youth and Families
clientele
children, youth, adult and and families 
speciality
Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and strengths-based approaches
About Robert
Practicum Student, Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Hello, and welcome. My name is Robert, and I am a practicum student completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. I hold a Bachelor of Education and have spent the past several years working as an educator, where I have had the privilege of helping children, youth, and families learn, grow, and overcome challenges. Throughout my career, I have been continually inspired by people's resilience and capacity for growth, which ultimately led me to pursue counselling.
My interest in counselling has also been shaped by my experiences as a foster parent and adoptive parent. These roles have deepened my appreciation for the importance of connection, empathy, and creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves. They have reinforced my belief that everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported, and that meaningful change is possible when we have the opportunity to explore our experiences in a caring and collaborative relationship.
My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and person-centred. I strive to create a warm, respectful, and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe exploring their experiences at a pace that feels right for them. While I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and strengths-based approaches, I believe that no single approach fits every person. Together, we will build on your strengths, develop practical tools, and work toward the goals that are most meaningful to you.
I consider it a privilege to walk alongside people during difficult seasons of life, and I believe that with safety, connection, and hope, meaningful change is possible.
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." — Carl Rogers

Victor Rodriguez
RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

Focus
​Adult individual counselling, grieving and bereavement, anxiety, Stress, depression, trauma.
clientele
Adult, Families, Couples
Specialities
Spanish speaking
Vocational counselling with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Mindfulness and narrative therapy, existential therapy.
About Victor
​Victor brings more than nine years of experience in vocational counselling, delivering trauma-informed, strengths-based support to clients facing complex barriers, including individuals with disabilities, newcomers, and LGBTQ2S+ communities. His work has strengthened his skills in active listening, crisis intervention, and collaboration, all directly applicable to clinical counselling. Victor has mentored peers, led workshops, and cultivated a compassionate, client-centred team environment that reflects a commitment to inclusion and empowerment. He has also worked in palliative care and with people living with dementia. His counselling philosophy emphasizes empathy, curiosity, and respect for each person’s lived experience, grounded in the belief that healing occurs through meaningful connection that acknowledges mind, body, and spirit. Skilled in case management, client engagement, and goal setting, Victor is bilingual in English and Spanish and has training in counselling, adult education, and trauma-informed practices. He focuses on empowering clients through empathy, cultural humility, and evidence-based approaches. His particular interests include Cognitive behaviour, existential and analytical theories. 

Heidi Wassersleben 
RCC (Qualifying) BCACC

Focus
​Individual and Family
Clientele
Works with individuals across the lifespan navigating anxiety, life transitions, perimenopause, grief and loss, identity exploration, family dynamics, and existential concerns such as eco-anxiety.

Interests in supporting clients through infertility, assisted reproduction, and perinatal loss 
Specialties
Collaborative, client-centred, trauma-informed, and strength-based approach, integrating CBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness,
about Heidi
There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen

Heidi is known for her warm, compassionate, and occasionally humorous style, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard, supported, and accepted for exactly who they are as they work through life's challenges.
She believes healing begins when we feel safe enough to be ourselves. Life doesn't always unfold as expected, sometimes we simply need space to slow down, untangle the chaos, and hear ourselves again.
Heidi takes a collaborative, client-centred, trauma-informed, and strength-based approach, integrating CBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness, tailored to each client's needs and goals.
She has experience supporting youth and families with complex emotional and behavioural challenges, including her work as a counsellor in an adolescent assessment and treatment centre. She also works with individuals across the lifespan navigating anxiety, life transitions, perimenopause, grief and loss, identity exploration, family dynamics, and existential concerns such as eco-anxiety.
She has a particular interest in supporting clients through infertility, assisted reproduction, and perinatal loss - helping them process grief, manage anxiety, navigate identity disruption and loss of control, and find steadiness during an often-overwhelming time.
Born and raised on the North Shore, Heidi brings a deep appreciation for nature, connection, and community into her work. Outside the therapy room, she enjoys the outdoors with her family, her two young boys, and her dogs.
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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.