Pamela Ana M.A., CCC
Pam is pleased to offer counselling services for children, youth and adults. People say Pamela is a friendly, down-to-earth, and practical person. Bringing a wealth of experience to her counselling practice, people benefit from her years of experience in human services, which includes work in crisis centres, mental health clinics, public schools, colleges and FN communities. Pamela’s experience in adult counselling work has been with people with a variety of physical, learning, and mental health diagnoses, as well as those with challenging stressors and crisis. Her way of working is client-centered in a safe respectful environment where there is a mutual interest in building a supportive experience that benefits the client. Through compassion, professional training, humour and a genuine interest in the interest of the client, she engages in a dynamic process to resolve issues that are currently distressing the client.
Pamela also has specialized experience working with children and youth and provides effective approaches tailored to their age. Whether for the child or the family, she creates a space that is safe for children and teens to explore their hopes and fears with their families as they develop independence and identity. Pamela has had specialized training to support for friends/family members bereaved by suicide, those facing Adult Children Of Alcoholics issues and coping with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder.
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.