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, MC, 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 is a passionate humorous being who has a knack for intuitively supporting those with eating disorder and body images issues throughout their recovery journey. 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 five years. Rosa’s person centered approach can assist clients to increase their knowledge, and alter their attitudes, and behaviors associated with disordered eating, body image issues, and any relatable dependency issues. Rosa is tenacious, kind and driven, and is committed to walking beside her clients through their process in the timeline that is necessary for optimal healing. “Together, we will collaborate on meeting achievable and realistic goals to a better you”.

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. 

Vanessa Rae, MC (cand.)

Counsellor

Vanessa completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary, attaining her honours in Psychology while doing neuroscience research for her thesis. She is currently getting her Masters degree and completing her practicum hours. Her passion is finding ways to heal and guide those who are struggling with mental illness, emotional distress, and trauma. Primarily, Vanessa’s interest is in eating disorders. Recovered from one herself she wishes to dedicate her life to helping others become anchored in pure self love, recovery, and health. At Strength Counselling, Vanessa has worked as our main administrative assistant and, has since, transitioned into the role of a clinician. Vanessa’s current role is creating and delivering individualized programming for clients on her caseload.

Meena Bolla Singh, MSW, BSW, RSW

Counsellor

Meena (she/her) completed her Master of Social Work Degree at University of British Columbia with a clinical focus. Meena is also a Registered Social Worker with the British Columbia College of Social Workers. Meena has a background experience of working in non-profit and health care sectors, providing services to a myriad of populations, including those struggling with addictions, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Meena is passionate about providing client-centred services with the goal to support clients on their journey towards self-actualization and inner healing. Meena draws on multiple frameworks that inform her practice, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Family Systems Theory. As a lifelong learner, Meena is keen to build on her knowledge and grow her skillset with continued trainings.

Meena is committed to providing respectful, strengths-based, culturally safe and gender-affirming care in her practice. Meena has experience working with racialized populations and has a passion to serve diverse, marginalized and disadvantaged groups. As a first-generation Canadian and woman of colour, Meena relates her own diasporic experiences and intersectionalities in her practice. Additionally, Meena is bilingual and offers services to clients in both English and Punjabi.

Laura Bates, MC, RCC

Counsellor

Laura graduated from the University of Victoria with a degree in Child and Youth Care in 2012, and completed her Master’s of Counselling degree at City University in Canada. Laura has a background working with children within the Greater Victoria School District, as well as with youth aging out of care with the YMCA; and is honoured to work, live, and play on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. 

Laura has experience working with a wide range of individuals and couples, and values an inclusive practice that is open and accepting of people from all identities, backgrounds, and walks of life. 

Laura aims to see her client’s strengths and their resilient human spirit by utilizing Narrative Therapy, DBT, and a Solution-Focused lens; in an effort to collaborate empathically and effectively with her clients. Laura truly believes counselling should be effective, and looks forward to creating an empowering journey with all her clients by upholding their dignity, sense of self, and exploring genuine solutions that fit their unique worldviews.

Kristin Munro, MC, CCC

Counsellor

Kristin graduated from Ambrose University in Calgary with a degree in Behavioural Science, and obtained her Master of Counselling degree from City University in Canada. Kristin's work in the field of personal counselling is supported by an extensive career in human resources management, adult education, project/change management, leadership development and high-performance coaching.

Kristin's own view on therapy and healing is informed by her personal healing journey after a struggle with OCD and disordered eating and having been in recovery now for many years. Her goal is to support you on your journey as you access more Self energy, by getting in touch with who you are at your core to create calm, comfort, balance, clarity, confidence, connection, compassion and a sense of playfulness in the internal system. As an EMDR (Somatic Attachment Focus) and Internal Family Systems therapist, Kristin is committed to helping clients explore the mind-body connection to as they move toward healing attachment wounds and trauma symptoms.

Meghan McCabe, MSW, RSW

Counsellor

Meghan holds a Master of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University and has 7 years of combined educational and professional experience as a social worker in various settings working with children, youth, and adults. Meghan takes an integrative and client-centred approach to counselling, drawing from various modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to best meet the unique needs of each clients.

Her aim in any counselling session is to create a safe environment where her clients feel comfortable simply being themselves. Meghan hopes clients will leave counselling feeling more clarity and increased confidence in tackling life’s many challenges – as well as more fully experiencing all of life’s joys. From both personal and professional experience, Meghan understands the courage it takes for people to come to counselling and welcomes the opportunity to support them in this process of healing and growth. Meghan is grateful to live on Vancouver Island on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish people.

Outside of Strength Counselling Services Meghan enjoys baking and spending time outdoors hiking, rock climbing, and camping.

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)

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 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, Compassion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Talk Therapy. 

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

Anna Pillipow, MA, MC

Counsellor

Anna is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program from Yorkville University, which was inspired by her own recovery from substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She has gained professional experience working with marginalized populations in the field of mental health and addictions, having sought out employment in homeless shelters, detoxification facilities, on outreach teams, and in acute care facilities like the hospital and the psychiatric centre. Anna is passionate about creating a safe space for people to find unconditional support, the strength to be vulnerable, heal, and grow. Genuine connection with others is fundamental to creating a healthy, fulfilled life, and something every human being needs.

She has also obtained a Bachelor of Arts International Studies (Development) with a minor in Political Studies from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Global Change) from Athabasca University. This interdisciplinary education and has provided her with a broad practice lens supported by areas of study including: the global effects of colonialism, anthropology, human rights, history, poverty, immigration, public policy, structural inequalities, and multiculturalism. Anna believes that it is our differences in cultures, ethnicities, and individual beliefs that make the fabric of life rich and fascinating. She affirms the courage it takes to begin, or continue, your counselling journey, inviting clients to come into session as their authentic selves.

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.