Counselling Interns

Jennifer Bracke

Counselling Intern, BA, MACP (In Progress)

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. With a background encompassing seven years of experience in complex and long-term care, Jennifer has assisted individuals and their families through many significant life transitions. Having a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities involved in navigating such changes, she firmly believes that these transitions present valuable opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.

Jennifer places great emphasis on fostering self-compassion as a means to well-being. Through non-judgmental and inclusive care, she aims to help her clients challenge self-limiting beliefs, cultivate self-acceptance, and foster more compassionate relationships with themselves. Drawing from her extensive experience, Jennifer brings an empathetic and understanding approach to her practice, ensuring that her clients feel safe and supported as they explore their emotions, thoughts, and concerns.

In her therapeutic approach, Jennifer draws upon a range of evidence-based modalities tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. Incorporating techniques from mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and strengths-based approaches, Jennifer creates a holistic and personalized therapeutic environment for each individual she works with.

Kieran Lowe

Counselling Intern, BSc (Hons), MACP (In Progress)

Allie Szwender

Counselling Intern, MACP (In Progress)

Shae-Lynn Mellors

Counselling Intern, BACYC, MACP (in progress)

Shaelynn is an empathetic, warm, and hard-working individual passionate about child development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, specializing in Child Life. She is completing her Master of Arts in Counselling of Psychology through Yorkville University.

Her goal is to instill confidence within children and their caregivers in comprehending their problems while creating solutions through compassionate listening, education and skill building. Shaelynn utilizes her experience as a support worker, summer camp leader, education assistant, preschool teacher, and Student Engagement Facilitator. She also spends time at Victoria General Hospital in either the Pediatric unit or Emergency department, managing the worries and fears children undergo as a patient in the hospital. Her approach combines mindfulness, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Creating a warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental safe space in therapy, Shaelynn meets her clients within their present state to empower them with positive growth. You can find her playing with her four-year-old son in her spare time, taking hikes with her dog, completing a puzzle, or camping in a trailer near the water.

Ages or Specific groups of clients: children, youth, and adults

Group, Family, couple, or individuals: Individuals, Family or group

Specializations: Life transitions, anxiety, emotion regulation, relationships, self-esteem and belonging

Mayuko Helwer

Counselling Intern, MACP (in progress)

Mayu is currently completing her Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her background includes 12 years of a psychiatric nursing/case management career, and has worked with individuals with moderate and severe mental health challenges in the hospital and community setting.

Becoming a parent inspired her special interest in supporting children, youths, and families with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and ADHD. She provides her clients opportunities to explore solutions to their presenting issues and live a meaningful life.

Her therapeutic approach is integrative and ultimately tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. She incorporates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Creating a warm, collaborative, and non-judgemental safe space in therapy, Mayu empowers her clients to build insight, skills and positive growth.

Alexis Petrunia

Counselling Intern, MACP (in progress)

Alexis is a passionate and dedicated counselling intern committed to helping her clients address mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges. With a profound appreciation for the importance of access to quality support, Alexis is pursuing a career in counselling and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.

Having previously worked as a CBT Practitioner, Alexis has supported individuals in addressing mental health and ADHD-related issues by applying evidence-based techniques like cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, and mindfulness in a goal-oriented and collaborative manner.

Offering a calm, empathetic, and personalized approach to mental health care, Alexis prioritizes the development of strong working relationships with her Mindkey Health clientele and aims to honour the lived experiences of all individuals and families through carefully tailored interventions. While considering each person’s unique needs, Alexis draws from frameworks such as Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Structural Family Therapy (SFT).

In her spare time, Alexis loves to venture out with her dog and explore the beaches and parks of southern Vancouver Island — the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Esquimalt and Songhees), Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Sou-ke and W̱SÁNEĆ (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) peoples.