Christina Atkinson Counsellor MA, RCC (she/her)

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who offers support to teens, parents, and adults who are facing a variety of challenging life circumstances. Sometimes we cannot always change the circumstances of our lives, but I believe everyone possesses the capacity to turn towards their pain with compassion and curiosity to help discover, reclaim, and cultivate their own personal strengths.

At the heart of my work is the belief that we are not meant to live, work, and experience our pain and struggles alone. We are relational beings and healing happens in connection. This is why I prioritize taking a person-centered approach to treatment which permits me to create a safe, non-judgemental space that offers empathy and compassion.

Given the nature of work that I do with individuals and families, I also draw on Emotion Focused Family Therapy, which helps encourage emotional exploration and expression to facilitate relational change. I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on accepting life experiences as they come without judgement and with more compassion. These approaches permit me to equip my clients with mindfulness strategies to manage uncomfortable feelings and circumstances, as well as somatic strategies that inform how their emotions are being expressed physically. Alongside these approaches, and with the understanding that social factors can significantly influence our well-being, my counselling approach is also connected to a social justice framework where I work with a trauma informed, feminist, and anti-oppressive lens.

My experience working with teens, parents, and adults has been through community-based mental health. I regularly support families and individuals who have been impacted by a variety of mental health and life stressors. These stressors include navigating through life transitions, coping with grief and loss, managing chronic stress, and dealing with anxiety and depression. My clinical work has also given me experience with reducing family conflict, strengthening parenting approaches, navigating co-parenting challenges, and supporting individuals who have experienced domestic abuse.

When I am not wearing my counselor hat, I am experiencing life as a mother of three (including two teenagers). I am intimately aware of the joys and challenges family life can bring and I believe this personal experience enriches my skill as a counsellor.

Christina Atkinson Counsellor MA, RCC (she/her) I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who offers... Read More

Hello!

I’m Ken and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, as well as being a Certified Coaching Professional.

I understand that the decision to seek counselling isn’t always an easy one. The issues you’re facing may have a long and complex history which could make them feel difficult to talk about. As a therapist, I aim to create a safe and supportive space in which you don’t feel pressured or rushed. Instead, you’re welcome to move at a manageable pace as we work together.

My relational therapeutic approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered. I will gently challenge your limiting beliefs while helping you create achievable goals that encourage your healing, personal growth, and authenticity. I believe my clients are often stronger than they realize, and capable of making meaningful change.

I help teens and adults to address depression, anxiety, loss, grief, life-changes, and mental health concerns. I work with groups, individuals, families, and those in relationships. My years of experience with teens and young adults makes me familiar with the specific needs and challenges of this complex phase of life. I also support first responders, so I understand the stress, trauma, fatigue, and burnout that can result from these demanding roles.

I am affirming of my LGBTQ2S+ community, and I am skilled at working with those who are healing from the impact of religious trauma. I welcome diversity and I strive to be humble and curious when exploring the cultures of my clients.

I love Bowen Island, but I do not live here! In my life outside counselling you can find me enjoying the sunset on the beach in Vancouver’s West End or catching up with my two inspiring young adult children.

I acknowledge that I am fortunate to live, work, and play on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples: The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.

Hello! I’m Ken and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of... Read More

Dr. Nancy Lanphear is a board-certified Pediatrician and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician through the American Board of Pediatrics. She is licensed to practice medicine by the College of Physicians and Surgeons, BC.

She is also a certified yoga teacher and completed a fellowship in Contemplative Medicine through the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.

Dr. Lanphear currently provides services at outreach clinics through Northern Health Assessment Network for complex developmental behavioral conditions. She specializes in addressing the following conditions: • Developmental delays or atypical development (motor, language, social, cognitive). • Attention, behavior, and learning difficulties (with or without developmental delays). • Genetic or neurological disorders with developmental and behavioral concerns. • Neurodevelopmental conditions (diagnosed or newly diagnosed), including follow-up care and support.

Dr. Lanphear also currently operates a private practice with locations in Vancouver and on Bowen Island. Referrals to meet with Dr. Lanphear are made by family doctors, nurse practitioners, or pediatricians in British Columbia. All patients must be eligible for MSP billing.

Once a referral has been made, appointments can be booked online through Dr. Lanphear’s booking system. Please click here.

Dr. Nancy Lanphear is a board-certified Pediatrician and Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician th... Read More

After 26 years working in education, I decided to pursue a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology to deepen my ability to support people in a more meaningful, one-on-one way. I’ve always believed in the importance of having a safe, compassionate space to feel heard, understood, and not alone in facing life’s challenges. That belief has guided both my teaching and now my work as a counsellor.

I’ve recently completed my Master’s degree and am now practicing at Anchorpointe Counselling Group, where I work with individuals navigating transitions, stress, or simply in need of extra support.

My approach is person-centered, grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which encourages mindfulness, self-compassion, and moving toward what matters most, even in the presence of difficulty. I aim to walk alongside clients as they navigate transitions, stress, and the uncertainties that can come with growth and change.

I’ve lived on Bowen Island for the past 11 years with my three kids, and feel deeply connected to this community. I’m especially interested in nurturing connection, resilience, and a sense of belonging, both in the counselling room and beyond.

If you’re unsure whether I’m the right fit, feel free to email me at cmckay@anchorpointecounselling.com with any specific questions you may have.

After 26 years working in education, I decided to pursue a Master of Arts in Counselling Psycholo... Read More

Dr. Karla Saruk is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. She completed her master’s degree in clinical psychology at Boston University (2001) before going on to complete her doctorate in psychology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois (2006).

Dr. Saruk has worked in a variety of settings over the course of her career. She has worked in an array of clinical settings, including hospital settings offering psychological services for children and youth with acute needs, MCFD Child and Youth Mental Health working with children and families, and in private practice settings offering a variety of treatment and assessment services.

Dr. Saruk offers counselling services for children and youth. Her treatment approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) . The ACT approach helps clients develop greater cognitive flexibility to manage emotional discomfort and life’s challenges. The aim of therapy is to support clients acknowledge and accept unwanted feelings, while empowering them to engage in life with a greater sense of agency.

Dr. Saruk deeply values supporting families managing developmental challenges by offering services geared towards early-intervention (i.e., social, emotional, and learning) and strengthening parenting strategies for navigating challenges associated with neurodivergence. Parenting support is also geared towards helping moms and dads gain more knowledge about neurodivergence and the remarkable strengths neuordivergent children/youth possess.

In addition to offering counseling services, Dr. Saruk also offers assessment services that include ADHD/psycho-educational assessments, psychological assessments, and autism assessments.

She is happy to offer consultation services to parents who may be uncertain of what services their child/youth may benefit from. The consultation focuses on obtaining information related to the presenting concerns so that next steps can be suggested and resources offered.

Dr. Saruk has been living on Bowen Island for the past 12 years with her husband, Dr. Graeme Saruk, and their four children (two dogs and two cats).

Dr. Karla Saruk is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of British Columbi... Read More

I became a teacher in the year 2000 and then really started to learn about learning! Since then I completed a master’s degree in special education and have worked with neurodiverse students in various settings ever since. I am dedicated to helping children and youth feel confident, supported, and seen.

I believe that everyone is motivated to do well and individualized strategies help students to learn, achieve their personal goals, and feel good about themselves. I have found that all students benefit from improved executive functioning skills, effective stress-management skills, and supported social skills development.

I offer both parent support and treatment sessions with your child that are tailored to address your child’s unique learning and behavioural needs. This process involves starting with an initial parent consultation session which helps me to prioritize your child’s needs and to develop a specialized treatment plan. After our initial meeting, we can than schedule your child’s first treatment session.

My services are described in greater detail below. I also offer a complimentary 15-minute phone call to answer any specific questions you may have about the support I offer. This can be scheduled through my booking page.

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I became a teacher in the year 2000 and then really started to learn about learning! Since then I... Read More