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)
- Vodder Level I Lymphatic Drainage
- 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
As a Registered Massage Therapist, I’m here to help you move with ease. The body is remarkably adaptive under stress. It compensates and protects long after strain begins to accumulate. I help unwind those patterns through a holistic approach to healing.
Navigating my own concussion recovery and experiencing how profoundly the nervous system responds to skilled, intentional touch sparked my interest in anatomy and physiology. That led me to complete the 3000-hour RMT program at the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy, along with advanced training in Craniosacral Therapy, Concussion Management, Biodynamic Myofascial Release, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, and Joint Mobilizations.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from Olympic athletes and busy professionals to expecting mothers, children, and individuals in addiction recovery and palliative care settings.
Each session begins with a thorough assessment and a treatment plan tailored to your goals. I work in tune with your nervous system, honouring its pace and creating conditions where release feels supported rather than forced.
Outside of the clinic, you’ll likely find me snowboarding, mountain biking, practicing yoga, or playing guitar. Living in the Sea to Sky Corridor for over a decade has shaped how I approach recovery. I’ve learned that resilience is built through both movement and intentional rest.
Contact Chloe Directly at 604-967-1529 or click on the link below
Lucy wyn-Griffiths rmt
Through massage therapy I work to blend strong clinical knowledge with a thoughtful, intuitive approach, tailoring each treatment to meet my clients’ individual needs. I work with clients to support injury recovery, restore nervous system regulation, manage chronic tension and improve function and everyday comfort. In treatments, I utilize a variety of techniques including myofascial release, trigger point therapy and joint mobilizations.
When I am not working, I spend time practicing yoga, hiking the local trails and paddle boarding with my pup, which helps bring balance and inspiration to my practice. I am so grateful to work in my home community of Pemberton and help individuals achieve their health goals.
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
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
alain@changementcounselling.com
Alanna Ray MSc RCC
I’m grateful to be a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing on the traditional, unceded territories of the Lil’wat Peoples. I’m excited to be joining the Leaning Cedar Therapy team, where I offer counselling appointments on Fridays.
Since 2017, I have been part of the interdisciplinary Mental Health and Substance Use team serving the Pemberton and Whistler communities with Vancouver Coastal Health. In my role as a clinician, I work primarily with youth and young adults, and have previous experience supporting adults as well.
As a parent of two young children and a therapist with over 10 years of experience working with people of all ages, I understand firsthand how challenging life transitions can be. I also know they can be deeply meaningful and rewarding. Having support during difficult times can make the journey feel lighter.
Spending time outdoors and moving my body in the mountains is an important part of my own self-care. You’ll often find me skiing, biking, walking our dog, canoeing, or enjoying the library, parks, trails, lakes, and other local spots with my family.
I offer counselling for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges, substance use, and life transitions—including adolescence, perinatal, and postpartum experiences. My work is grounded in a person-centred and trauma-informed approach, with a focus on building strong therapeutic relationships. I draw on tools and interventions from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, nature-based therapy, and mindfulness.
Many extended benefits plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors. I also partner with the Whistler Community Services Counselling Assistance Program to offer sliding-scale services and am an approved provider for the VAIL (Whistler Blackcomb) Employee Assistance Program through MINES. I believe everyone deserves access to mental health support.
Please feel free to email me at alannaraycounselling@gmail.com to schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation and see if we might be a good fit.
I look forward to connecting.
Julie petrynko RCC
My name is Julie Petrynko, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Approved Clinical Supervisor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and the founder of Peak Experience Counselling in Squamish and now in Pemberton and online.
For nearly 25 years, I have worked as an educator and counsellor, developing my ability to connect with and guide others. I am an experienced couples and relationship counsellor and have extensive experience working with individual adults, youth, and counselling professionals.
Our work together is a safe, confidential, and collaborative space grounded in compassion and curiosity. My approach is open and accepting, no matter what you’re facing, you will be met with respect, non-judgment, and genuine support. I strive to create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing and exploring.
Individual Counselling
Life transitions don’t always happen dramatically. They often unfold quietly, leaving us feeling uncertain or disconnected. I work with youth and adults navigating transition across the lifespan, from adolescence, to adulthood, midlife, retirement, and last chapters. I also often see individuals navigating other life transitions such as:
- Relationship change
- Career change
- Grief and Loss
- Moving
- Family growth or change
- Illness
Often, we explore the emotions around transitions, such as restlessness, overwhelm, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, or a desire for something more meaningful. Change is inevitable, but it can have significant impacts on our identity, relationships, beliefs, and purpose and so, moving through transition in a supported and healthy way, doesn’t just bring some movement in the process, but lays the foundation for a secure future.
My work is grounded in a person-centred approach, integrating Emotionally Focused Therapy, attachment theory, and a trauma-informed perspective to support deeper self-understanding and lasting change.
Couples Counselling
Do you find yourselves stuck in the same arguments, feeling unheard, or growing apart?
I work with couples who feel caught in cycles of conflict, distance, or disconnection despite their efforts to repair things. My work is grounded in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), which focuses on the deeper emotional needs and patterns underlying conflict.
Rather than staying at the surface, we explore the hurt, fear, and longing beneath recurring arguments. I help you slow these cycles down, understand what’s really happening between you, and learn to communicate in ways that foster safety, responsiveness, and connection. I also integrate practical communication tools and other relationship skills to support meaningful, lasting change.
Youth Counselling (12+)
Adolescence and early adulthood can be some of the most emotionally complex and demanding stages of life. I support young people experiencing anxiety, depression, identity questions, social challenges, family difficulties, or a general sense of not fitting in.
I offer a space that is truly theirs: confidential, non-judgmental, and unhurried. My approach is warm, flexible, and led by the young person, whether that involves talking, creative expression, or simply having a place to think out loud.
Grounded in person-centred, attachment-informed, and trauma-aware practice, I focus on building trust and helping young people make sense of their experiences at their own pace.
For parents and caregivers: I understand how difficult it can be to see your child struggle. I collaborate with families where appropriate and with the young person’s consent, while maintaining clear and transparent confidentiality.
Counsellor Supervision
I provide clinical supervision for those working in helping professions at all stages, integrating the Developmental Model and Seven-Eyed Model. My approach supports reflection on your clients, your work, and your professional growth, while fostering confidence and a strong therapeutic identity. I aim to create a supportive, collaborative space for both professional and personal development. Please reach out for more information.
I offer free consultation calls and welcome your questions to see if we are a good fit. Please feel free to reach out. I look forward to talking.
Please contact me at 778-240-0913 or book online at the link below
https://peakexperiencecounselling.janeapp.com/