Meet the team

For over 30 years, I have been helping people thrive.

Ever since I landed in New York City to assist with the response following the 9/11 tragedy, I have worked hard to help people dealing with complex trauma and crisis. My work focuses on processing difficult life moments and getting you back on your feet so you can succeed. I know that sometimes life just happens and it can unfold unpredictably. My couples counselling is informed by being trained as a Level 3 Gottman therapist. I have practiced in both public and private sectors, gaining a wealth of knowledge along the way. For many years, I worked in the Emergency department as the Quick Response Social Worker at the University Hospital of Northern BC. In order to maintain my clinical skills I have worked part time as an associate therapist with Walmsley & Associates and now I have my own private practice. In the past, I have also worked as a trauma therapist for assault survivors at SOS. I am currently an independent counsellor providing short term support through the WorkSafe Critical Incident Response Program.

I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and Master’s of Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia. I am also trained as a Level 3 Gottman therapist, which informs my approach to couples counselling. Additionally, I am certified in EMDR. In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking in my backyard and connecting with family and friends.

My path to counselling has been long and rewarding.

I was raised in a small town, became a computer engineer and worked overseas with electronic communications before becoming a school teacher. I spent summers driving dump truck, fighting fires or anything else that paid the way; I even drove taxi and made pizzas. I am geeky, play video games, watch all kinds of movies, enjoy the gym and good food. Between 2005 and 2009 I went to see several counsellors and finally I met the right one! We worked through some things I wanted to change in my life; then I began to thrive. This led me to pursue my own career in counselling.

I often imagine people to be a little like the most complex machines in the universe, so Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is my go-to for initial sessions. CBT is a core that we can build from to explore how to rewrite our stories, make sense of the world, and then become the person we want to be. Since January 2022, I joined Thrive and have been happily helping people since. I hold a Master’s in Education (Counselling) from the University of Northern BC and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Weekends and evenings are my times in the office, maybe that works for you!

Currently not accepting new clients.

Being a witness to my mother's wise, compassionate care of a steady stream of broken people deeply impacted me as a child.

Individuals in the community knew that when they went to see my mother that they would be heard, loved unconditionally, and part with words of encouragement and wisdom. I saw the value of her gifts to better the lived experience of others. My life has taken me in difficult directions but the foundation of a steadfast, open, wise, compassionate beginning has been instrumental in my personal growth.

I hold degrees in dietetics (UBC), psychology, and a Master's in Education (Counselling) from UNBC. My interests have led me to a variety of conferences, courses, workshops and books. I consider myself well-rounded and comfortable working with clients with a myriad of concerns including trauma, relationship conflicts, disordered eating, and most prominently, adult mental health. Over the years, I have worked for several Northern Health mental health teams. My current privilege at Northern Health is intense Dialectical Behavioural Therapy training to become a certified DBT therapist. The therapy resonates with many clients and is applicable for most concerns of function.

What I enjoy to regenerate myself is snowshoeing, kayaking, camping, hiking, spending time with my grandchildren, and fostering friendships. I am blessed to live in a multi-generational home.

I am looking forward to seeing adult clients (21-70 years old) on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Currently only accepting virtual/remote clients. 

I have always been inspired by the stories of resiliency by people around the world. 

Community and human connection has always been important to me. At the age of 17, I had the immense privilege of attending a unique school in the magical forest of Vancouver Island where I encountered people from different countries, cultures, stories, and beliefs. I learned that everyone has a valuable story worth hearing. 

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Agnes Scott College, USA and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa, and maintain professional registration as a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I am trained as a bilingual therapist and can provide counselling in both French and English. My therapy integrates narrative, humanist, feminist, and psychosomatic approaches to help clients thrive in the story of their life. My therapeutic approach is deeply influenced by two books, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl and Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Estés. I also draw from Dialectial Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT), and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I have experience working in addictions at a men's homeless shelter, harm-reduction initiatives, and most recently as a Child & Youth Mental Health Clinician with the Government of BC.  I am particularly passionate about helping young people (age 13+) and women through a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, complex trauma, grief, identity issues, and the self (esteem, image, empowerment). 

In my spare time, you can find me reading, travelling abroad, keeping in touch with friends, and teaching both scuba diving and yoga. My availability is throughout the day. 

If you come for your first visit you might find this cute little black fur ball sitting on a dog bed across from you. If you feel comfortable, please offer up a hand for a sniff. She is just three years old and studying to be formally trained as an emotional support dog or therapy dog so Brent is working at letting her experience (think a dog practicum) a variety of different people and their energy. In her spare time, Pumpkin loves long walks/runs at the dog park, meeting new people, and hoarding miscellaneous items under the couch at home (like bars of soap).

Please note that Pumpkin accompanies only Brent in sessions. If you have dog allergies or any other concerns please contact Brent prior to your first visit and arrangements can be made.