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Our Crew

Leadership Team

leader dewar

Amanda Dewar
MEd, RCC

Executive Director

Amanda Dewar, MEd, RCC

Executive Director

Amanda graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2013 with her Masters in Counselling Psychology.  Over the course of her career Amanda has worked with adults providing individual, family, couples and group therapy.  Amanda has experience working in the crisis field, inpatient addictions treatment, outpatient continuing care and outpatient general mental health.  

Amanda founded Strength Counselling Services in 2010 with a desire to help individuals achieve their true potential as they overcome life’s obstacles.  Since its origin, Strength Counselling Services has pioneered online counselling in Canada and has become a leading corporation in the field of private mental health services.  

Amanda demonstrates both clinical skills and business talents as she has owned and operated three private enterprises since 2005.  Amanda has a talent for innovation, business relations and customer service. 

At Strength Counselling Services, Amanda is responsible for front-line clinical supervision, human resource functions, overseeing the student training program and quality assurance functions. 

leader dewar

Dr. Bekayla Dewar
MA, PsyD, RCC

Director of Operations

Dr. Bekayla Dewar, MA, PsyD, RCC

Director of Operations

Bekayla graduated from Midwestern University in 2013 with her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology after which she completed a two year post-doctoral program at one of the largest behavioural health agencies in Phoenix, Arizona.  Over the course of her training and work experience, Bekayla has worked with children, adults and geriatrics providing individual, family and group therapy, equine therapy, crisis stabilization and rehabilitative services.  Throughout her 10 year career, Bekayla has worked as the Director of an inpatient psychiatric unit, has held counselling positions at two of Canada’s premiere addiction/residential treatment centres and has served as a supervisor/ethics officer.  

Bekayla is a staunch advocate for a strengths-based therapy approach and has expertise in integrated health care to help meet the unique and individual needs of each person served.  

Over the course of her career, Bekayla has not only demonstrated strong clinical skill but also notable talent on the business side of the behavioural health field.  Bekayla has experience in quality and utilization management, quality assurance and outcomes data management/functions, peer review functions, policy and procedure functions, human resource functions, ethics review/management, program development and contract development.

At Strength Counselling Services, Bekayla is responsible for front-line clinical supervision, monitoring team decisions from a strong ethics-informed lens, reporting outcomes data, performing quality assurance functions, program and contract development, human resource functions and clinical training. 

Vanessa

Meena Bolla Singh,
MSW, RSW

Clinical Supervisor and Counsellor

Meena Bolla Singh, MSW, BSW, RSW

Clinical Supervisor and 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.

 

Clinical Team

clinical leader sombrutzki

Ewan Kirkaldy,
BSW, RSW, CCAC

Counsellor

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. 

clinical leader sombrutzki

Jake Sombrutzki,
MACP, RCC

Counsellor

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.

clinical leader toste

Rosa Toste,
CCAC

Counsellor

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.

clincal leader nielsen

Janet Nielsen,
MEd, CCC, CHyp

Counsellor

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. 

Charene

Laura Bates,
MC, RCC

Counsellor

Laura Bates, MC, RCC

Counsellor

 
Laura obtained her Child and Youth Care degree from the University of Victoria in 2012, and later completed her Master's of Counselling at City University in Canada. With a strong foundation in working with children in the Greater Victoria School District and supporting youth transitioning out of care at the YMCA, Laura feels privileged to reside and engage in her professional endeavors on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples.
 
In her practice, Laura has worked extensively with individuals and couples, placing great importance on inclusivity and embracing people of all identities, backgrounds, and life experiences. She values her clients' strengths and their remarkable resilience as human beings. To facilitate effective collaboration, Laura incorporates various modalities such as Narrative Therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), a Solution-Focused approach, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
 
Laura firmly believes that counseling should yield tangible results and eagerly anticipates embarking on an empowering journey with each of her clients. Throughout this journey, she upholds their dignity, sense of self, and actively explores genuine solutions that align with their unique perspectives and worldviews. By fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment, Laura seeks to empower her clients and help them discover their inner strengths and resilience. Her goal is to facilitate positive change and support her clients in achieving their desired outcomes, while honoring their individuality and personal growth.
Charene

Sona Vashist,
MPhil, MA, RP(Q)

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.

Charene

Kayla Koster,
MA, Mpsy, RP(Q), Psy D (Cand.)

Counsellor

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. 

Charene

Dr. Danelle Kabush,
PhD, RCC, MPC

Counsellor

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.

Charene

Yasmin Kawar,
MA, MTA, RCT-C

Counsellor

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.

Charene

Jessica Card,
MC

Counsellor

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. 

Charene

Robyn Bryson,
MC, RCC

Counsellor

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.  

Charene

Jasmine Rosentreter,
MSW, RSW

Counsellor

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.

Students

Charene

Tammy Healey Drover,
MEd., MACP (Cand.)

Student Counsellor

Tammy Healey Drover, MEd, MACP (Cand.)

Student Counsellor

Tammy holds a Master's in Education and will graduate in the autumn of 2023 from the Yorkville University Master of Arts Counselling Psychology program. Tammy's experience comes from an extensive youth and adult education career and academic guidance and facilitation work.  

Her passion for being part of people's counselling journey comes from recognizing the need for support at any time. A life-changing accident brought amazing counsellors and helpers into her path, and now she wants to pay that forward. Learning how to be your best self is a lifelong quest that sometimes requires support from an outside party. Tammy takes a holistic approach which supports clients in finding or restoring balance, developing skills, and a better understanding of self.  She has a  sense of humour and a sincere desire to provide a safe space for clients to explore thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours. Building on the Rogerian foundation, REBT, Gestalt and various interventions are adapted to each client's unique needs and goals to find a calm balance with body, mind and spirit. No problem, too big or too small, we can tackle them all. 

Charene

Gloria Mhlanga
MC (Cand.)

Student Counsellor

Gloria Mhlanga, MC (Cand.)

Student Counsellor

Gloria is a student in the Masters of Counselling program at the City University of Seattle. Gloria is passionate about social justice and practices from a Multicultural Framework that accounts for different intersectionalities. “In-session, I aim to provide a culturally infused approach and guide each client to retell their story.”

Gloria is person-centred, willing to meet the client where the client is while working collaboratively with the client through the therapeutic alliance. Gloria is building upon a foundation of Narrative Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy.

Charene

Brittany Ennis
MC (Cand.)

Student Counsellor

Brittany Ennis, MC (Cand.)

Student Counsellor

Brittany will complete her Masters of Counselling Psychology from City University of Seattle in the spring of 2024. She brings over a decade of social services experience with her, working directly with families and parents to develop healthy habits, improve connection, and build supports. She works from a trauma-informed, person-centred, approach that emphasizes creating a caring, non judgemental, space for all clients to tell their story and feel understood and supported with whatever they bring.

Brittany recognizes the mind-body connection and believes in utilizing a holistic approach to understand a persons situation and develop a plan that honours clients unique values, beliefs, and worldviews. She has a passion for connecting with people and working together to find tools that create balance and hope for the future.

Marketing Team

Micky Capra

Social Media Assistant

Micky joins the team with a Diploma in Marketing and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Event Planning. After working in the automotive industry for many years, Micky had the desire to branch out and explore other industries. She is excited to be a part of a team that is dedicated to assisting individuals in their mental health and recovery journey.

Micky Capra

Social Media Assistant

Gloria Mhlanga, MC (Cand.)

Student Counsellor

Gloria is a student in the Masters of Counselling program at the City University of Seattle. Gloria is passionate about social justice and practices from a Multicultural Framework that accounts for different intersectionalities. “In-session, I aim to provide a culturally infused approach and guide each client to retell their story.”

Gloria is person-centred, willing to meet the client where the client is while working collaboratively with the client through the therapeutic alliance. Gloria is building upon a foundation of Narrative Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy.