Our Crew

Ewan Kirkaldy, BSW, RSW, CCAC

Counsellor

Ewan holds a social work degree from the University of Victoria and he is a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers.  Ewan is also a certified addiction counsellor with the Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation.  He is trained in trauma counselling using CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and is currently in training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.  Ewan has experience working in a number of Canada’s premier inpatient and outpatient facilities treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use issues. Ewan works from a client centred strengths based approach, using a trauma informed lens.  

He believes in working holistically to improve vitality and quality of life in all areas. He is able to draw on not only his professional expertise, but his own personal experience recovering from severe substance use disorder, depression and trauma.  He has experience working with individuals and families to help identify goals, create, and execute an individualized plan for healing and wellness. 

Jake Sombrutzki, MACP, RCC

Counsellor

Jake brings a wealth of experience with 9 years of counselling in the field of addictions and codependency. He has completed his Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and has a Bachelor in Addiction’s Counselling from Lethbridge University. Jake’s personal development is rooted in Buddhist and eastern philosophy which meld well with DBT, IFS and Somatic therapy techniques. Jake is passionate about working with codependency, anxiety, depression, and clients experiencing self-worth issues. He has a natural ability in articulating insights about thinking patterns in a practical and nonjudgmental way. His approach is grounded in being present, accepting, and compassionate. He has recognized through his research and working with heavily traumatized populations that the basis of health begins with self-worth and self-compassion. Jake views the counselling process as a transformative process where the therapeutic relationship built in session leads to realization of your inner relationship and strength to create the changes you desire.

Rosa Toste, CCAC

Counsellor

Rosa writes from the traditional territory of Halalt First Nation, where they have the privilege of providing therapeutic services across this beautiful, culturally rich Nation. As a settler, they express their gratitude to all Nations surrounding them for the opportunity to deepen their understanding of reconciliation and reside on this beautiful Nation with their family.

2SLGBTQI+

Rosa (They/Them) is a passionate queer humorous being who has a knack for intuitively supporting many different folx. Issues such as self-esteem, identity, gender, sex and sexuality, body image and eating disorder issues throughout their journey. Rosa continues to deepen their knowledge, experience and empathy through working with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, survivors of trauma (sexualized violence, domestic or physical abuse, emotional abuse, experiences of racism and discrimination, religious trauma, childhood trauma and intergenerational trauma), various relationship issues, including communication and conflict resolution, ethical non-monogamy and other non-traditional relationship and family structures, navigating life transitions, chronic illness, disability, and neurodivergence.

Rosa has both personal and professional experience in the mental health and addictions field for almost 20 years and, specifically, with eating disorders for the past 10 years. Rosa’s person centred approach can assist clients to increase their knowledge, and alter their attitudes, and behaviours associated with disordered eating, body image issues, and any relatable dependency issues. Some areas of interest include sexual orientation and gender identity investigations, and coping strategies for dealing with mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, and coming out processes.

Rosa’s personal experiences allow them to connect with others from a place of empathy and profound respect for their strengths. Rosa’s experiences are also the base for an approach that recognizes the many layers that we all have, our privileges and oppressions, our traumas and experiences of healing, our attachments, and the behaviours that we foster. Rosa is committed to walking alongside their clients through their process in the timeline that is necessary for optimal healing.

Janet Nielsen, MEd, CCC, CHyp

Counsellor

Janet has a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology (Addictions and Mental Health) from the University of Lethbridge and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She is also a certified clinical hypnotherapist (C.Hyp). She graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2016 with a BA double major in Psychology and Religion, and an M.Ed. in 2019. Janet believes that we are a combination of body, mind, and spirit and that these elements need to be considered when trying to heal the whole person. She practices an integrative approach to counselling, which combines existential, cognitive-behavioural, trauma-informed and transpersonal therapy amongst others. Within this integrative framework, her central aim is to promote wholeness for her clients in all aspects of their lives. She counsels from a client-centred focus and believes in individual services and interventions that meet the unique needs and personalities of each client. She believes in facilitating the integration of body, mind, and soul by promoting growth and compassion for her clients that can lead to long-lasting, transformational change. Janet is passionate about exceptional human experiences (near-death experiences and mystical/transcendent experiences) and has researched these extensively. She has worked with many clients in relation to grief and loss, death and dying, and she completed her death doula certification in October 2019. She considers this work to be sacred and it allows her to support people and their families as their life comes to a close. 

Laura Bates, MC, RCC

Counsellor

Sona Vashist, MPhil, MA, RP(Q)

Counsellor

Sona is a Registered Psychotherapist(Q) and a professional member of CCPA, with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. She has more than 3 years of experience as a counsellor both in clinical and school settings.

Her approach to therapy is integrative and client-focused with a sensitivity to diversity. Her lived experience enables her to provide culturally sensitive counselling. She speaks English and Hindi fluently, and can provide counselling in either language. She employs a wide range of theories and techniques tailored to her clients’ individual needs. These include Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Art therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. She has experience working with clients through issues related to stress, anxiety, grief, depression, social anxiety, interpersonal relationships, general wellbeing and cultural integration.

She believes in collaborative relationships and active participation during the counselling process, so together she and her clients can move towards deeper exploration and self understanding, and learn skills to ensure mental wellness and growth.

Kayla Koster, MA, Mpsy, RP(Qualifying), PsyD (Cand.)

Counsellor

​Kayla (she/her) completed her Masters of Arts in Communication and Culture, Joint Program at York, and Ryerson University, focusing on mass media and crowd psychology. She also completed a Masters of Psychology in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School. Kayla is currently enrolled in the Doctorate Program at Adler Graduate Professional School in Clinical Psychology. Kayla is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Toronto, Ontario. She has experience in psychological assessment with MVA clients, providing services to clients who have experienced adjustment-related difficulties and mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.

Kayla is passionate about providing client-centred services to support clients on their journey toward understanding themselves and their interpersonal relationships. She draws on multiple frameworks that inform her practice, including Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Couples Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and Talk Therapy. 

Kayla is interested in growing her skill set in Exposure-Based Therapy, Sex Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Somatic Experiencing. 

Dr. Danelle Kabush, PhD, RCC, MPC

Counsellor

Danelle graduated in 2007 from the University of Ottawa, from where she holds a Doctorate in Psychology and a Masters in Sport Psychology. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and enjoys helping people who are facing challenges with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship concerns, communication, and those who are looking to create a more meaningful life. Danelle believes in helping clients cultivate self-awareness and working through challenges from a place of curiosity in a safe, warm, non-judgmental space. 

As a Mental Performance Consultant with the Canadian Sport Psychology Association and former professional athlete, Danelle also has over a decade of experience working with athletes, coaches, performers, national and Olympic teams. Her areas of expertise include strategies to reach one’s performance potential in sport and/or other aspects of life, regulating arousal, stress and/or emotions, improving confidence, motivation, and focus, mental preparation for training and competitions, coach/team communication, performance enhancement techniques (e.g. goal setting, imagery, mindfulness), mental recovery and regeneration, psychological rehabilitation from injuries and making a positive career transitions.

For all clients, Danelle believes in viewing presenting concerns or desired goals from a holistic approach, which means considering the various areas in your life that influence the issue. For example, many clients who know “cognitively” what they need to do and discover through working together that they have not integrated that knowledge on a “feeling” or “behavioural” level.  Danelle uses a person-centered approach with an integration of various counselling modalities to provide the best opportunities for clients to achieve their desired goals.

Yasmin Kawar, MA, MTA, RCT-C

Counsellor

Yasmin graduated in 2022 from Concordia University in Montreal with a Masters of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies with a designation in Music Therapy.  She is a Certified Music Therapist (MTA) and Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate (RCT-C) She serves as Vice President for the board of the Atlantic Association for Music Therapy, and Secretary for the Creative Arts in Counselling Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

She has experience providing group and individual therapy in addictions recovery, and with individuals impacted by addiction, trauma & abuse, depression/anxiety, ADHD, criminal justice system challenges, and overall mental health concerns. Yasmin works collaboratively with clients to support their personal goals while considering the holistic, intersecting aspects at play in their lives.

Sessions with Yasmin can include talk therapy alone, or a blend of talk therapy and music therapy techniques, depending on clients’ preferences and the therapy process. The use of music therapy in sessions can include music listening & discussion, lyric analysis, singing, improvising, music-assisted relaxation, and therapeutic songwriting. 

Yasmin’s approach is person-centred, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed. She highlights the importance of trust, safety, and choice in therapy when exploring feelings, experiences, and challenges that may be present. Yasmin offers a compassionate presence to help deepen understanding of yourself and world, integrate new insights, and connect with your unique strengths & resources for personal growth. She aims to meet clients where they are in their life journey, working together to creatively guide and mobilize chaos into positive empowered change.

Jessica Card, MC

Counsellor

Jessica graduated from the University of Victoria with a Philosophy and Psychological Educational Leadership degree, and more recently from City University with a Master's of Clinical Counselling. She has a passion for people and cares deeply about the capacity and potential for wellness and quality living each person can achieve. She believes that individuals can face changes and episodes in life that manifest in anxiety, depression, and other undesirable mental health challenges. She is interested in working with clients to explore their history, to see how the past is showing up in their present.

When experiences become challenging and energy depleting Jessica hopes to work with clients to reclaim, redirect, and re-story their desired outcomes, goals, and happiness. She hopes to discover strengths and resilience where clients may feel they have none. She looks forward to hearing from her clients "what" and "how" they can be best supported so that they can work together to carve a path towards stronger wellbeing. 

Jessica's curiosity and passion for the unique experiences of individuals draws her to narrative therapy, with a focus on strength based approaches, including solution focused, ACT, DBT, and self compassion. She is client centered and interested in exploring what is important to the client, what gives their lives meaning and how to tap into that. Jessica is educated in culturally infused, trauma informed response based therapy.

She comes to counselling work with an open and optimistic heart, ready to meet clients right where they are and collaborate together on counselling journey towards hope and change. 

Robyn Bryson, MC, RCC

Counsellor

Robyn graduated from the University of Victoria with a bachelor's degree in child and youth care, and also has completed her master's degree in clinical counselling through City University. Robyn also has experience working in addictions and mental health. 

Robyn has a natural interest in listening and holding space for others while walking alongside her clients chosen journey of change and transformation. With a person-centered focus, Robyn believes individuals are experts in their lives. Using this guiding principle, Robyn helps guide clients to move towards their goals in a way that respects the values and autonomy of each individual. 

Robyn brings a focus to the strengths that people inherently hold, and with a self-compassionate approach, brings a curiosity to help clients move forward in their chosen direction.  

Jasmine Rosentreter, MSW RSW

Counsellor

Jasmine completed her Master of Social Work Clinical Specialization through the University of Calgary and an Indigenous Child and Youth Mental Health Graduate Certificate from UNBC. Jasmine is also a Registered Social Worker (RSW) through the Alberta College of Social Workers. Jasmine’s experience includes working within government, self-government, and health care systems, with focus on prevention, addictions, mental health, and community development.

Jasmine uses a client-centered approach that integrates eclectic methods from several theories and techniques. She has specialized training in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Skills, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy Skills. Through her formal training and experience, Jasmine can provide an environment that is built on trust to explore life’s up and downs with curiosity and bravery. Jasmine’s helps clients move towards their goals through different modalities, insights, and strengthen a connection with self.

Jasmine will always bring a welcoming space where clients feel open to discuss their personal growth journey in a non-judgemental and compassionate way.