Deanna (she/her/hers) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor located in British Columbia, specializing in supporting children and youth through a holistic approach. Her practice is rooted in the belief that a strong mind-body-heart connection is essential for achieving optimal health and wellness — even in children. When this connection is disrupted, it may lead to mental health struggles and challenges.

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Deanna recognizes that working with children and youth is often active and dynamic, with emotional regulation goals playing a key role. To help children nurture their mind-body-heart connection, Deanna incorporates art, play, yoga, movement, and relaxation skills into her counselling sessions. She also values the involvement of caregivers and other support people in a child’s life — understanding that attuned and supportive adults are vital to a child’s wellness and success.

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When to Seek Counselling for Your Child

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While most children experience ups and downs in their emotions and behaviours, it can be challenging to differentiate between typical development and more serious concerns. In a busy world filled with expectations, children, like adults, can feel disconnected and confused about what is important to them. Children often use behaviours as a way of communicating their feelings and needs, especially when they lack language skills or emotional awareness to express themselves verbally. Changes in behaviours, emotions, or sleep can often be the first sign that a child may be struggling.

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Other concerns a caregiver might seek counselling for include periods of significant family change, grief and loss, recovery from a traumatic experience, confusion around self and identity, learning or school concerns, or when an adult has a “gut feeling” that something is not going well. Reaching out to a counsellor early on can offer valuable guidance and assistance to caregivers while ensuring children and youth have a safe space to express themselves, strengthen coping mechanisms, enhance their emotional resilience, and have fun while learning about the importance of their mental health.

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Experience and Areas of Expertise

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With more than 25 years of experience, Deanna has worked in diverse settings alongside children, youth, and families. Her expertise includes support for childhood trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and depression. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities to support her clients, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), attachment-based models, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), yoga, and mindfulness-based approaches.

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Therapeutic Approach and Values

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Deanna’s approach to therapy is trauma-informed, client-focused, and collaborative. She prioritizes building trusting relationships and maintaining a safe, non-judgmental environment. Her goal is to support children, youth, and families as they strive for personal growth and improved mental health and wellness.

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Deanna accepts funding from FNHA, AFU, CVAP, homeschooling funding, SAJE, and others.

Deanna welcomes the opportunity to work with you and your family.