Sandra McLaren RMT
Hello!
After graduating from the Registered Massage Therapist program from the West Coast College of Massage in December 2005, I moved to Pemberton and began working at The Four Seasons Hotel and Spa. after four years, I then moved over to the Scandinave Spa for another six years. During these years I took several courses that I found passion in. In 2007, The adoption of my oldest daughter set the writing of my RMT board exams off for 10 years as I was suddenly thrown into parenthood without much preperation. Family became my focus. With the deep desire to aquire my registration and the strong support of friends and family, I finally, officially, became and RMT in 2016. Accomplishing that registration was truly an accomplishment of a lifetime that I do not take for granted.
My practice has evolved from having a strong focus in Cranial Sacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation and Fascial Release, to working with all stages of breast cancer and beyond.
My Certificates and Training include
- Cranial Sacral Therapy Level I/II (Heather Gittens RMT)
- Visceral Manipulation Level I/II (Heather Gittens RMT & Natale Rao RMT)
- Female Pelvis/Female Pelvis Issues (Heather Gittens RMT)
- Lumbopelvic Course (Natale Rao RMT)
- Completion and Certification of One Year Program of Cranial Sacral Therapy at Langary College (Langara College on Broadway)
- Cranial Sacral Therapy Level I/II (Upledger Institute International)
- Somatic Emotional Release Level I (Upledger Institute International)
- Cranial Sacral Applications for Conception, Pregnancy and Birthing Level I (Upledger Institute International)
- Neural Manipulation: Neauromeningeal Manipulation-An integrative Appraoch to Trauma (Barral Institute)
- Neural Manipulation: Peripheral Nerves, Upper Body (Barral Institute)
- Visceral Manipulation Abdomen (Barral Institute)
- Cranial Sacral Therapy and working with Chronic Depletion (Barral Intitute)
- Manual Lypmphatic Drainage Level I (Vodder)
- Mastectomy Guide for Healthcare Professionals Level I/II (Mastectomy Guide with Eryn Price RMT)
- The Science of Scar Tissue, a continuing education of the Mastectomy Program (Mastectomy Guide with Eryn Price RMT)
- Healing Early Trauma Imprints for Babies & Small Children (Jamie Lee Mock CST)
- Yoga Therapy for RMTs (Lindsay Campus RMT)
- Certificate of Participation of Annual Childrens Mental Health Conference (Institute of Child Psychology)
- 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training (Rebekka Walker)
I have also attended various energy workshops and completed the following certificates in training
- Masters in Reiki including Teaching Level
- Emotional Freedom Technique Level I
- Psychic Intuitive Consultant Program-Metaphysical Intuitive Series (West Coast School of Mystic Arts)
I love living in Pemberton, being part of, and supporting an amazing community. I also enjoy spending time with my incrediably supportive husband and three beautiful girls and many fur babies!
Contact Sandra directly at 604 698 5377, or book online below
Laura MACMURCHY RMT
Laura is a Registered Massage Therapist and a Certified Athletic Therapist. She graduated from Sheridan College with a Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Athletic Therapy) Degree in 2012. After successfully completing the required certification exams, she then began her career as an Athletic Therapist. Throughout the following years she realized her passion for clinical work, which drove her decision to go back to school for additional education in massage therapy. Laura graduated from the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy in April 2018, and became a Registered Massage Therapist in November 2018.
Laura’s preferred style of work includes an orthopaedic approach where she takes into consideration any biomechanical issues and muscular imbalances. Her approach seeks to find the root of the issue, rather than chasing pain. She loves working with athletes and weekend warriors of all ages and capabilities, but she also appreciates the power of a relaxation massage in reducing stress in our everyday lives.
Laura is thrilled to have this opportunity to work in her hometown of Pemberton, and is excited to work alongside other highly regarded health professionals while helping locals achieve their health goals!
Contact Laura directly at 604-902-5080, or book online below
Julie Sickel RMT
A love for health and activity led me to massage for my own body maintenance and repair growing up. I graduated from Ontario’s Centennial College in 2003 and have been practicing ever since. I have always been intrigued by how the body moves, builds and breaks down patterns and how it can heal and hinder itself. These curiosities lead me to take further education in myofascial, visceral and joint kinesthetic therapy.
Since moving to British Columbia I spend my free time in the outdoors. I love Mountain biking, hiking, LOVE the snow and getting up the hill whenever I can. I found these activities help me relate to and create treatments plans for/based on my client’s lifestyles.
Also due to a love of women’s health and wellness, I attended Douglas College in 2015 to become a Certified childbirth educator (prenatal education teacher) and I have been a birth doula for 15 years.
Contact Julie directly at 604-966-4952 or book online below
Chloe Portia RMT
Hi, I’m Chloe!
As a Registered Massage Therapist, I am dedicated to helping you move with ease and feel your best. Whether it’s relieving pain, accelerating recovery from injuries, restoring mobility, or relaxing the nervous system, my goal is to support your body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally.
I first became immersed in health and wellness in 2016 while rehabilitating from a concussion. The profound shift I experienced after Craniosacral Therapy sessions inspired me to dive deep into the study of the human body, leading me to complete the 3000-hour RMT program at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy.
Since graduating, I have been committed to expanding my knowledge and evolving my practice. To help people suffering from post-concussion syndrome, headaches & chronic neck and back pain, I’ve taken courses in Craniosacral Therapy. My toolkit also includes Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Biodynamic Myofascial Release and Joint Mobilizations which allow me to precisely target scar tissue and efficiently release movement restrictions.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of working with a diverse range of clients, from Olympic athletes dealing with sports injuries, to expecting mothers navigating the physical changes of pregnancy, to individuals managing postural imbalances, repetitive strain injuries and stress from a demanding work life.
During my treatments, you can expect a thorough assessment followed by a personalized treatment plan that integrates a dynamic blend of hands-on techniques with practical strategies for you to implement at home to help achieve lasting results.
When I’m not at the clinic, you’ll likely find me carving down a mountain, exploring the local bike trails, paddle boarding or practicing yoga and meditation. Living in the Sea to Sky for over a decade has taught me the delicate balance between embracing every adventure and listening to our body’s need for recovery. I believe active recovery and intentional rest are essential to preventing burnout and living our best lives!
Contact Chloe Directly at 604-967-1529 or click on the link below
Andrea zimmering RCC
My name is Andrea Zimmering, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I worked as a holistic nutritionist with a special focus on intuitive eating. I am also a 200-Hour Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher.
As a clinical counsellor I believe continually engaging in ongoing education and training is an imperative part of my role. In addition to receiving clinical and group supervision I have completed the following trainings:
- Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy Two-Year Training, Bringing the Body into Practice
- EMDRIA Approved EMDR Training, Elevate EMDR
- AEDP Level 1 Certification
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) training, Crisis Centre BC
I have experience working with a diverse range of individuals with varying challenges. My clients, who include individuals (14+) and couples, come to me wanting support in areas such as:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Life transitions / adjustments
- Relationship concerns
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- Career exploration and workplace challenges
- Body image and disordered eating
Counselling provides a safe space to work through aspects of your life that feel challenging. Working together, my goal is for you to feel supported in your journey while gaining insights into your present problems. In a session I will work collaboratively with you to better understand the root of your concerns and build a path forward. Common areas of exploration in session will include values, internal and external resources, self-talk, goal setting and the impact of the many systems in your life.
I strive to show up with integrity in my work and ensure that my clients feel seen, heard, and safe to show up authentically as they are throughout the counselling process. Our sessions may include processing the past, creating goals for the future, and discovering the present. A central focus of my work is helping to enhance mind-body connection, mindful awareness, and nervous system regulation.
If you would like to learn more about me and my practice as well as book in for a session, please visit: www.andreanaomicounselling.ca
Please note: Counselling offered by Registered Clinical Counsellors is often covered through extended medical plans. Please check with your benefits provider to see if you are covered.
Kerrie Palmer RCC
Hello! I am excited to be offering a limited private practice at Leaning Cedar on Saturdays working with children, youth and adults beyond my existing counselling work at Lil’wat Health and Healing.
It is my belief that we are experts in our own life; as children, youth and adults. Trust is sacred and it is an honour to share the journey with others who are choosing to do the work in counselling to learn, grow and feel better. Regardless of age, I believe that everyone is an expert in their life. My counselling process is collaborative and I use expressive play therapy, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR (when indicated by my clinical assessments) to support my clients in their therapeutic journey.
As a registered counsellor with both BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, I have the following credentials: RCC and CCC. Many insurance plans have RCC’s or CCC’s as acceptable providers for insurance coverage. Please consult with your insurance provider before booking an appointment if you plan to use your benefits when accessing counselling.
My counselling career includes offering child and youth therapy at Xet’olacw Community School (September 2007- June 2021), casual Concurrent Disorders therapy with Vancouver Coastal Health (July 2012-September 2015). I earned my Bachelor of Education at the University of Toronto in 1995, and worked as a Special Education and Family Studies teacher in both Ontario and British Columbia. In 2009, I earned my Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle in Vancouver, British Columbia. I have additional certification in expressive play therapy (Part 1 2009 & Healing Complex Trauma 2019) from The Center for Expressive Therapy in Parksville BC. Most recently, I completed EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) comprehensive basic training, (June 2020), as well as additional training focused on somatic (body focused) interventions for enhancing EMDR Effectiveness,
(May 2022).
What is Expressive Play Therapy? Expressive play therapy describes the use of a variety of art and play tools (drawing, painting, puppets and sand-tray) to assist children in processing what is happening for them. Play is the language of children and this counselling modality honours that pathway for expression.
What is EMDR therapy? “EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.” (www.emdira.org). EMDR therapy requires pre-assessments for suitability as well as a commitment to approximately 12-20 sessions. In addition to the standard EMDR protocols, there are many therapeutic EMDR tools such as the flash technique that assist in reprocessing traumatic memories and experience.
Ton contact Kerrie directly, please call 604 966 6196, or click on the link below
Jennifer Palmer R.ac
Jennifer has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture for over 20 years. Jennifer’s practice has focused on, but is not limited to, fertility and women’s health, insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression, pain managment and injury recovery.
Jennifer completed her Bachelor of Science (Biological Science) degree at the University of Lethbridge and went on to study Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in Victoria, BC. Jennifer is a registered Acupuncturist with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA) and the College & Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAAA).
When not practicing, she loves to spend time with her husband and two active sons -either cheering on the sidelines at an Enduro bike race or at the soccer pitch, walks in nature with her two labs, and doing her best to stay Healthy, Strong and Balanced.
Jennifer is grateful to be able to share her knowledge with others, to share in the wonderment of tapping into the body’s innate wisdome to heal and to be in balance.
To contact Jennifer directly please call 604 698 7904 or click on the link below
Tanya kutschera Rcc
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in couples and individual counselling. I am known for my compassionate, caring, and wise (due to my age) nature. In my spare time I enjoy building, spending time with my family, and hiking the local trails and mountains with my dog.
I am passionate about supporting and empowering your growth, development, and positive change to become the best you can be. I have over 25-years of experience as a teacher, coach, and facilitator in Canada, US, India, and Costa Rica.
How I do counselling.
My integrated therapy approach is person-centered, holistic and goal oriented, focusing on client strengths. My commitment is to support the empowerment of each client to work towards their desired goals. Working together we can draw from the following interventions as tools to increase self- awareness, understanding, insight and growth:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Attachment theory
- Compassion Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Developmental Model
My Certificates and Trainings include:
- Certificate of Couples Training Program (Ellyn Bader Couples Institute)
- Intigrated Sex and Relationship Therapy (Dr Tammy Nelson)
- Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy with Martha Kauppi (AASECT)
- Counselling in Relationships (Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute)
- CBT Essentials
- DBT Essentials Therapy Training (Association for Phychological Therapies)
- Foundations of Trauma, Neuroscience and the Treatment of Trauma (Dr Bessel van der Kolk)
- Art as a Theraputic Tool
- Holistic Lifestyle Training/Meditation Teacher Training (Chopra Institute)
To contact Tanya directly, please call 867 335 6611 or click on the link below
alain Franchi RCC
Meet Alain Franchi: Your Partner in Navigating Life’s Challenges
Life can be overwhelming. I’m Alain Franchi, an MC, RCC, and EMDR Therapist offering compassionate support and expert guidance. My core values—integrity, genuineness, authenticity, compassion, and empathy—guide me in creating a safe, confidential, and judgment-free space for your healing and personal growth journey.
My French accent hints at my roots; after emigrating, I feel privileged to called BC home for over 30 years, connected to this land, the unceded territories of the Líl̓wat and N’quatqua nations in the Pemberton area since 2006. My background and passion for diverse cultures have enriched my understanding of the human experience. As a father and grandfather, youth inspires me. Outside my practice, activities like time outdoors, swimming, yoga, mindfulness, cooking, and playing guitar help me stay grounded, bringing my full attention and compassion to each session.
My Journey in Counselling & Philosophy
After a career as a software engineer and years volunteering at a Crisis Centre, I found my calling in mental health support. I earned my Master’s in Counselling Psychology, gaining experience in rural BC, helping youth, adults, couples, and families with diverse challenges like stress, anxiety, anger, depression, trauma (PTSD, attachment), ADHD, OCD, addictions, schooling and career concerns and relationship issues.
I believe effective therapy is a collaborative process. We’ll define your goals and track progress together; you’re the expert in your life, and my role is to support the changes you want to make. I’ve learned that healing involves both body and mind, so I integrate EMDR, IFS, and ACT. These modalities delve into memories, emotions, and sensations, fostering presence and harnessing your inner wisdom to heal and grow. Extending these individual approaches with EFT and gaining non-violent communication skills are proven ways of addressing relational issues. Drawing from various modalities allows me to tailor our work to your needs, empowering you to create lasting change, especially when processing past events.
Ready to take the first step?
If you are ready to explore how therapy can help, I invite you to take the first step towards healing and growth. Contact me today for a complimentary 15-minute consultation. I’d happily answer your questions and discuss how I can support your needs.
I offer services to Youth (13+), Adults, Couples, and Families in English and French, in-person at Leaning Cedar Therapy in Pemberton, BC on Sundays and online on weekdays.
Please contact Alain directly to book an appointment via the phone number above, or website