MEET MIKE
I am a Counsellor with 15 years of experience working in residential and outpatient treatment programs with both individuals and groups. I have a passion for helping individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders as well as for supporting first responders and other public safety personnel dealing with operational stress injuries. I have served as the clinical director of a residential addiction treatment program, co-facilitated forensic groups for men convicted of sexual offenses, facilitated depression and anxiety groups for men and have led PTSD treatment groups for veterans and first responders.
This journey has culminated in the creation of Resilient Living Recovery (RLR), my virtual mindfulness-based group therapy program for the treatment of mild to moderate problematic substance use. Another career focus of mine is the evolution of the psychedelic-assisted therapy (PaT) space. Along with being a certified PaT administrator, I am dedicated to my commitment as a psychedelic psychotherapist trainer in training. I am very passionate about the potential for enhancing the process of healing of inner pain through the integration of psychedelics.
My choice of therapy offers a blend of approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential therapy and mindfulness. I also integrate the Invitation to Change (ITC) model into my practice.
I received a/an:
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M.Sc. in the Philosophy of Mental Disorder from Kings College London (UK)
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M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the Adler University in Vancouver
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UBC Award of Achievement in Motivational Interviewing (2017)
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CMC - Invitation to Change Level I Training (2022)
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MAPS Canada: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training (2020)
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Fluence Training
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Occupationally Aware Clinician Training for first responders
My Story
I went through a big transition in my personal life a number of years ago and I remember thinking I was “fine” but I can see now that I really wasn’t. I needed to be sad and grieve a loss in order to move through it. As a therapist I knew this to be true, but there was a part of me that wanted to sidestep the grief so I could spare myself the pain.
I value this experience because it taught me how human it is to want to avoid emotional pain and how crucial it is for our healing and growth that we find a safe way to experience those feelings. Most importantly, after allowing myself to grieve and feel what I needed to and then coming out the other side, I trust that emotional pain can be transformed into a sense of purpose or personal meaning. Depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction often involve loss. I believe that people can most effectively recover from these challenges when they have the proper support to help make sense of that loss.
I am passionate about living a life of meaning and purpose. Outside of counselling, I enjoy meditation, anything that helps me stay physically active and, most of all, spending time with my wonderful partner and three kids.
MEET NAVIN
Navin Sahjpaul - Music Therapist, BMT, Certified Yoga Teacher, Artist (Musician, Writer), Mental Health Advocate - is a South Asian man of colour who identifies as an Indo-Canadian (he/him). Both of his parents were born in India and immigrated to Canada at a young age with their families. He resides and works in Vancouver, BC and his life journey thus far has led him to pursuing a career path in being of service in this world.
For the past two years, Navin has been actively working as a Music Therapist in the Healthcare system in Addictions & Mental Health, and through facilitating and co-facilitating Community Wellness Events with his primary offering being Sound Meditation/Healing experiences. Navin identifies as a Mental Health Advocate in his work, striving to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness by encouraging people to come together in a world that too often pushes us apart. He strives for authenticity within the counselling environment and believes that the connection formed in the therapeutic alliance is essential to the healing process.
Navin’s approach to therapy is rooted in the concept of "common humanity," which is a personal belief that human beings are deeply connected to each other because we are all here experiencing human existence together. His approach to counselling is also influenced by motivational interviewing, existential therapy, and mindfulness. His toolkit includes specializations in music therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and preparing for or integrating after psychedelic experiences. Navin will be completing his practicum at City University of Seattle in 2024 and offers services as a Student Intern Counsellor at a student-associate rate.
Navin received a/an:
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Bachelors in Music Therapy Degree from Capilano University
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Foundations of Music Therapy Diploma from Douglas College
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Certification from Gabor Mate’s 2-Day Training, Compassionate Inquiry, which is eligible for Professional Development Credits or Professional Continuing Education Credits
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300+ Yoga Teacher Training certification from Arkaya Yoga, a practiced developed by Yogacharini Maitreyi
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Certification of Completion from Therapsil’s Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy Training Program, completing 80 hours of didactic and experiential training including 50 hours of readings/videos, and 30 hours of a 5 day intensive in person Seminar led by Dave Philips
My Story
My own personal journey of navigating the nature of pain and suffering, and experiencing the healing that can occur when we dedicate time and energy unto healing our wounds, has been a core motivator for why I have chosen this career path of being of service in this world
I am deeply passionate about well-being, mental health, community building, and healing, a believer in the idea that one can overcome life adversity and does not have to live an existence that consists mostly of pain and suffering. I believe that creating space in our lives to examine our pain and suffering in an effort to increase our quality of life is a courageous act, and it is something I am honoured to be a part of as a counsellor in training
Outside of counselling, I enjoy all things outdoors including time in nature, hiking, camping, and road trips! I also find great happiness in making music, video games, quality time with loved ones, and playing hockey which is one of my favourite activities to engage in.
MEET JONEY
Introducing Joney Poon, a compassionate therapist at Wellness Evolved Counselling who brings a personal touch to the healing journey. As a proud cisgender queer woman of colour, Joney creates a welcoming space for everyone to explore their deepest selves.
Joney's toolkit is diverse, with skills in music and somatic therapy, hypnotherapy, and even specialized guidance for before and after psychedelic experiences. She’s especially passionate about helping your body tell its story, unlocking the freedom to move beyond old habits and patterns.
For couples feeling stuck or those who’ve hit a wall with traditional therapy, Joney’s approach can be a breath of fresh air. She’s ready to roll up her sleeves and help you dive deep, nurturing growth and healing in your relationship.
Joney’s unique perspective is informed by the wisdom of quantum physics, connecting personal growth to the wider cosmos. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, feeling lost, or just can't seem to connect the dots in life, she's here to support and empower you.
With a background that spans across cultures and languages, including Mandarin and Cantonese, Joney offers a therapy experience that’s both rich in diversity and deeply personal. Her practice is more than just a job; it’s a reflection of her dedication to love, insight, and an ever-burning desire to learn and create. Come meet Joney and start a new chapter in your journey toward wellness.
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My Story
My passion is to continue to grow my skills and deepen my understanding in family systems, cultural and social contexts that shape us, existential therapy, and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. This is why I pursued my RCC - Masters in Counselling with a focus on psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. This is part of my journey - to understand the human condition, spirituality, and the nature of souls. I live my life as an ever unfolding journey and as such to model to others what I'd like to see more of in the world, and that is love, discernment, and child-like curiosity.
I believe that: “The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.” ―Lao Tzu
Together we will peel back the barriers you have consciously and unconsciously created to break you free from the stories and patterns that no longer serve you in your path to liberation and expansion.
MEET MARK-DANIEL
As a candidate-counsellor currently offering therapy services virtually, I take great honour in being invited into your safe space and sharing your vulnerabilities. My style of counselling is centered in empowerment therapy- an approach that encourages values-based living through motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, strength-based therapy and mindfulness.
I encourage you to put energy into uncovering what truly matters the most to you. This helps identify the disconnect between current actions and the emotional place that you are hoping to be, which makes it much easier to craft a game plan that will lead to positive outcomes. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in exploring to help you reach your goals, I invite you to reach out.
My Story
I’m a believer in the consistent pursuit of self improvement. Sometimes, however, life can make you feel like you’re taking one step forward only to have uncontrollable circumstances force you two steps back.
The road to where you'd like to be is never a straight line. For the times that we are adversely impacted by the unexpected, having consistent support in the shape of a guide and teammate can make a world of difference. This is why I am a believer in the team approach to therapy and why my ethos is centered around the power of collaboration. We are stronger together than we are apart.
Beyond my role as a counsellor, I am a fan of live music, all things outdoors involving hiking or camping, and anything related to animals (have you ever met a sloth?!). I’m also interested in staying fit by enjoying activities like pickleball, frolf, softball and hockey. One of my most memorable life experiences was completing a 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreat.
I look forward to becoming teammates on your journey to greater wellness. I embrace this role with acknowledgement of my dedicated intention to witness, encourage, educate and empower you.
I acknowledge that my services are offered on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
which practitioner are you looking to book with:
Mike, Joney, Mark-Daniel or Navin?