Counselling services in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and surrounding areas
Our team
Margaret Guillen, RCC, CCC, MACP, RM(Ret.), BSc.
I believe strongly that every person has the innate ability to enact the changes they wish to see in their lives, and I strive to be a support and guide during that growth. Often when we are feeling depressed, anxious, or out of sync with our loved ones we feel like there is something wrong with us; we struggle to connect our current feelings with our previous experiences. Or perhaps we make the connection on a thinking level but are unable to gain a felt sense of wellness. I will help you make sense of your history and your current experiences, allowing for a deep connection to the self and, in turn, deep connection to others.
I use a variety of modalities tailored to fit individuals and couples, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (parts work), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Attachment Repair. Above all, I am a compassionate and empathetic counsellor who will be a partner in your therapeutic journey.
Reaching out for help can be difficult. Know that I am here to provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed care in a supportive environment. I will meet you wherever you are at with understanding and warmth.
A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Nicole Dudek, MACP, C.C.C.
* Nicole is not currently accepting new clients *
Nicole believes in the power of connection. Life can be complicated and difficult at times. We are not meant to navigate it alone. She believes each person already has the inner-strength and wisdom needed to lead a hopeful and meaningful life. Her goal is to help her clients access their inner resources in a safe, non-judgemental, and compassionate therapeutic space.
Nicole practices from a person-centered perspective characterized by warmth, empathy, and acceptance. Drawing on different therapeutic modalities to fit specific needs and goals, including Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Somatic approaches.
Nicole’s areas of focus include working with teens and adults experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and life transitions, with a specialty in working with clients experiencing disordered eating, body image, self-esteem, shame, or body dysmorphia.
Nicole is here to join and support you on your journey of self exploration, healing, and growth.
Being an animal-loving farmgirl at heart, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and horses on the farm.
Emma Winkelmann, RMT
Little Mountain Massage Therapy
Emma completed her RMT schooling in 2018. She prioritizes patient centered care, loves helping people listen to their body and is always trying to broaden her education. Emma became an RMT because she has personally experienced debilitating chronic pain as a patient. She wants to be an active part in improving patients health care experiences, whether it be for pain, injuries, tension or stress relief and relaxation. Empathy, active listening, patient validation and education are important to her as a health care provider. She has experience working with patients with a variety of conditions including but not limited to fibromyalgia, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve compressions, joint replacements, headaches and muscular dystrophy.
Emma is trained in both Hot Stone Therapy and Graston Technique. Outside of work, Emma enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, yoga and taking naps with her dog and cat.
Deanna Scammell, RCC, MAC
Deanna believes we heal when we have a strong connection to ourselves, the people we care about, and our environment. As a neurodivergent practitioner, Deanna aims to be accepting and kind to every person, especially those who have felt excluded or othered.
Deanna enjoys supporting a wide range of individuals but is particularly passionate about supporting adults and teens 13 years and up with neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, trauma, etc), addictions or substance use concerns, relationship struggles, low self-esteem, and individuals who want to deepen their spiritual connection. Deanna uses a mix of humour, structure, education, cognitive therapies, mindfulness, emotional depth, and body-based therapies to create a holistic approach.
Deanna welcomes neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA2S+, and BIPOC clients.
Brittany Boyer, M.Ed., PATGC., C.C.C.
My counselling education journey began back in 2011 at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. Since then, I have worked in a variety of health & wellness support roles. Post-graduate, I had the pleasure of providing counselling services to Coast Salish communities for several years, and more recently I have been providing 1:1 counselling services in private settings.
My primary area of interest is supporting people in navigating self-abandonment. Self-abandonment occurs when we are stuck in a pattern of rejecting, suppressing, or neglecting our needs and desires. It can look like losing oneself in relationships, people-pleasing at the expense of oneself, putting oneself last, lack of boundaries, lack of self-trust, chronic self-doubt, low self-worth, difficulty using one’s voice, minimizing or ignoring one’s emotions and/or intuition, and beyond. I also offer a compassionate, supportive space to land for those who resonate with the trait of Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), as well as those seeking psychedelic integration counselling support.
I pull inspiration from various therapeutic approaches while also drawing on the wisdom of my own journey as a fellow human navigating this experience we call life!
I strive to approach my practice in a way that is rooted in:
• Integrative Approach (Recognizes the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual domains of wellbeing)
• Non-Pathologizing Approach (Lesser focus on pathology and symptom management, and a greater focus on the person and their life context as a whole)
• Trauma-Informed Approach (An intention to offer support grounded in awareness of trauma and its impacts)
• Strengths-Focused Approach (Shines a light on one’s inherent strengths, gifts, and positive attributes)
• Cultural Safety & Humility (Awareness of power and privilege, respect for cultural differences, an ability to lean into not knowing, commitment to lifelong learning and unlearning)
I draw inspiration from:
• Humanistic Psychology (A holistic approach which values the whole person)
• Transpersonal Psychology (Where psychology and spirit meet)
• Internal Family Systems (Inner “parts” work)
• Polyvagal Theory (How the nervous system affects our sense of safety and connection)
• Somatic/Body-centered approaches (Connecting with the wisdom of the body)
In the words of Ram Dass, “We’re all just walking each other home.” I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey home to your truest self. If you think we might be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you.