Counselling Interns

Our student interns are completing master’s level courses in counselling programs and are on their journey to become registered clinical counsellors. Our interns are under supervision and engage in consultation.

Interns learn evidence-based treatment methods and industry standard interventions and counselling modalities. They work alongside our experienced clinicians. Interns charge at a discounted rate

**Currently, most interns are only conducting virtual appointments at this time**

BOOK HERE FOR COUNSELLING

Chelsea Peddle

Counselling Intern

Chelsea Peddle

Counselling Intern

Chelsea has a Masters of Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia with a specialization in youth identity development through civic engagement and is working toward registration with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

Chelsea has a focus on supporting grieving children and families through the illness and the death of someone close to them. She believes that caring and informed counselling support can help people process this difficult experience in ways that can lead to a healthy relationship with death and deepen family and community connections. Her goal is to enable children and their caregivers to understand their problems and co-create solutions through compassionate listening, education, and skill building. Chelsea draws on her experience as a death doula, guiding people through end-of-life, and as a youth worker designing and facilitating community and school-based programs like Roots of Empathy, to support children and youths’ social emotional well-being including anxiety, self-esteem, issues of identity and belonging, and life transitions.

Chelsea brings a heart-centred, collaborative, and strength-based approach to counselling, drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative, and person-centred approaches. She is committed to building her cultural humility through continuing education and reflection and strives to create counselling experiences that honor everyone’s diversity, including supporting folx who are Two Spirit LGBTQIA+.

Chelsea lives in Victoria with her husband and two children where she loves to watch baking shows with her family, though her own recipes don’t usually turn out as well as the ones on tv!

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

Group, Family, couple, or individuals: Individuals

Specializations: Grief and loss, life transitions, anxiety, self-esteem and belonging

Natalie Padron-Alarcon

Counselling Intern

Natalie Padron-Alarcon

Counselling Intern

Natalie Padron-Alarcon is a soon to be graduate of Yorkville University. She is completing a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology and has enjoyed the practicum experience very much. She is driven by connection with others, exploration, curiosity and healing. She takes an integrative appraoch, sewing together important concepts and principles from modalities such as SFT, CBT, DBT, IFS, relational therapy and somatic work.

Laura Lourdu

Counselling Intern

Laura Lourdu

Counselling Intern

Laura has a bachelors in social work and is working towards her masters in counselling psychology through Yorkville University. With several years of experience in employment counselling, education, mental health and addiction, Laura brings in an eclectic skill set. Using healing modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Laura helps people improve their relationship with themselves and with others.

Jeff Parker

Counselling Intern

Jeff Parker

Counselling Intern

Jeff takes pride in providing a compassionate and client centered approach that aims to build strong therapeutic relationships with our clients. He believes that it is important to create a safe and trusting environment for people to explore their mind, heart and tap into their own truth. He has experience in utilizing Resiliency Theory, Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic approaches. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria and has a diverse range of experience over the past 15 years within various clinical settings at Island Health. This has included clinical case management, crisis response, providing consultative recommendations and coordinating clinical care planning for high-risk adults with acute mental health and substance use concerns. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys playing tennis, hiking, running and especially hockey

Aimee Lampard

Counselling Intern

Aimee Lampard

Counselling Intern

Aimee is currently completing her M.Ed in Educational Counselling at City University. A settler of European descent, Aimee has had the opportunity to work as an educator on W̱SÁNEĆ territory for the last ten years and is passionate about mental health, family systems, and creating a culturally safe space that allows clients to explore their stories and experiences using a person-centered counselling approach.

Aimee is a graduate of Trinity Western University with a BA in History and English. After completing her undergraduate degree, Aimee volunteered internationally in Chicago and Bolivia. Aimee is also a certified teacher, completing her B.Ed at the University of Victoria in 2011.

In her free time, Aimee enjoys being outdoors, exploring new trails and getting either out on the water on her paddleboard or in the ocean for a cold-water dip. Aimee is an avid reader and enjoys getting lost in a good story. She loves adventures, and is looking forward to being able to travel again with family and friends.

Cristina Martin

Counselling Intern

Cristina Martin

Counselling Intern

Cristina is currently completing the final part of her Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. Cristina has always been drawn to work and volunteering opportunities helping others. She grew up in Switzerland where she later returned to work as a primary and special education teacher. Cristina is well travelled and has lived and work abroad in many countries. Cristina previously lived in Victoria for five years working with adults in mental health and addiction programs. She then left for five years to travel and further her studies, before returning to the beautiful West Coast. Cristina has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with persistent mental health challenges and she works within a biopsychosocial spiritual framework.

Cristina’s approach to counselling is gentle, informal, and is a mutual and collaborative alliance based on safety, trust, and unconditional positive regard. Cristina believes that everyone has a unique story and will help you work towards your preferred story. Cristina’s goals in counselling are to support client goals and help them become the best version of themselves. Cristina enjoys working with children, youth, families and adults from all walks of life including the LGBTQ+ community. She would be honoured to help you along on this journey.

On her time off, you can find Cristina adventuring on the island, swimming in lakes, hiking in nature, cycling or enjoying some good Netflix.

Fun Fact: Cristina attended after school Circus club and can juggle!

Alex Roberts

Counselling Intern, MEd

Alex Roberts

Counselling Intern, MEd

Alex is currently working toward a Master’s in Counselling Psychology through The University of Victoria. She enjoys a collaborative approach to counselling, in which clients can explore and develop new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating in a supportive and empowering therapeutic relationship. Specializing in clients who identify as LGBTQ+ or are exploring new gender and sexual identities, she is available for in-person sessions as well as telephone and video sessions.

When not working, she can usually be found enjoying leisurely nature walks, reading fantasy novels, or playing video games.

Types of therapy offered: A blend of solution-focused, experiential, narrative, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Ages or Specific groups of clients: Adolescent and adult clients, particularly those who are LGBTQ+ or are exploring gender and sexual orientation.

Group, Family, couple or individuals: Individuals

Specializations: Anxiety, depression, identity development, interpersonal challenges, grief and loss, and life transitions