Port Alberni Counsellors
Sandra Karlsen MSW
Sandra is an Indigenous Therapist with 28 years of experience. Born on Vancouver Island she has made Port Alberni home and traveled throughout Canada in the pursuit of adventure and education. Her strengths are drawn from a Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Social Work specializing in Indigenous Trauma Resilience from Toronto University combined with her practice of trauma informed lens. Sandra is able to integrate experiences from her personal and professional life and has helped many. It takes courage to seek out services and her approach is compassionate and respectful as she acknowledges you are the expert of your life and your experiences. Sandra can help you be at ease with her safe and supportive environment while helping you to make changes that you seek and deserve.
Tessa Brohart M.Beh.Sc, BScN, SEP, CCC
Tessa is a graduate of Laurentian University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a graduate of Bastyr University with a Master’s of Behavioral Science Degree in counselling. Post graduate training includes certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She is also interested in Family of Origin issues and attachment. Tessa has been counselling others since 1998 and is a client centered mind/body practitioner that uses a multitude of counselling theories and tools. Coming from a strength based, body oriented and holistic, spiritual perspective, she creates safety and support to assist people to navigate and overcome obstacles and life’s challenges. Tessa’s experience in adult, couples and youth counselling work includes helping those with a variety of physical and mental health diagnoses, trauma, addictions, stress management, relationship issues and grief and loss.
Amber Severinson RSW, MSW
I am a (BIPOC) Registered Social Worker, providing clinical counselling in the Alberni Valley. I have 15+ years in the helping field. My background is in Child & Youth Care (BA-CYC), and have specialized in Indigenous Trauma & Resiliency-Social Work (MSW).
Helping people make sense of their life is my passion. Too often shame and powerlessness take over our us. When this happens, life becomes less and less enjoyable. Taking the first step to seek counselling can be both a relief and stressful. Counselling provides a safe space to sort through ones thoughts and feelings. I look forward to being a humble witness on your journey of healing.
Deborah Weis MA, RCC
Deborah Weis works from a humanistic perspective which takes a positive view of human nature and emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual. The humanistic approach supports individuals to realize their potential through self-directed growth and by exploring meaning, values, and personal responsibility. She will help you to find within yourself, the choices, behaviors, and directions that have integrity for you and the steps and tools to help you reach your goals. Deborah has specialized training in Grief and Loss (including pet loss), Maternal Mental Health, Outdoor Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, and Trauma. She works with Children, youth and couples.
Stephanie Robertson - MCP, RCC, CCC
A positive connection between the client and counsellor is imperative to the therapeutic process. My professional values and clinical approach provide a strong foundation built on collaboration, warmth, and empathy. My authenticity and compassion combine to create a trusting and safe counselling environment to support you as you discover coping, clarity, and healing. My approach to therapy is individualized to your unique circumstances and together we will collaborate to find a direction that suits your needs. As an integrative therapist, I draw from a variety of research-based modalities including humanistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based therapies to guide you through the process of growth and self-exploration. My knowledge and training extend to working with trauma, disordered eating, controlling behaviours, stress, depression and anxiety.
For You
Professional counselling is available for you. It is confidential, compassionate, accessible, and it can be an important part of improving and maintaining your health and wellness.
For Your Family
Professional counselling is available to your eligible family members through our EFAP.
For Your Work
Whatever the size of your employee group, we are committed to anticipating your ever changing needs and delivering relevant, cost effective service.