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In crisis? Contact North Shore Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT). Call: 1 (888) 261-7228 or Text: (778) 839-1831

Two tiers of counselling professionals available

Our counselling professionals are comprised of Licensed Counsellors as well as Intern Counsellors.

$60/session

Our Licensed Counsellors have a Master’s degree in Clinical/Counselling Psychology and are overseen by a regulatory body that enforces ethical standards of practice and encourages clinicians to update their skills through ongoing professional development.

$35/session

Our Master’s level counselling interns are in the final year of professional training and have been studying the field of counselling psychology. They are supervised by our Counselling Coordinator.

Available by self-referral

To book an appointment or receive wait list information, please contact us at northshore@cmha.bc.ca or call (604) 987-6959.

Counselling for adults living on the North Shore

We offer short-term, low-cost, confidential, one-to-one support. Our professional team of counsellors can help you explore key concerns, identify opportunities for growth and develop strategies for meaningful change.

Up to 8 sessions of individual counselling

We offer in-person and virtual counselling (zoom or phone) for adults who don’t have an open claim with ICBC, WCB or any other insurance carrier and who have a realistic potential to benefit from short-term counselling.

Meet our Licensed Counsellors

Maria Watson

Counselling Manager, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Maria Watson

Counselling Manager, Registered Clinical Counsellor

(She/Her/Hers)

Maria is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with 20+ years of counselling experience, who specializes in treating anxiety and depression. She uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-informed treatment approaches (including DBT and walking therapy), providing clients with tools to change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. Maria also supervises the Steps youth program, teaches CBT to other mental health workers, and supervises practicum students who are learning to become counsellors. She is registered as a mental health provider with the First Nations Health Authority and with Victim Services BC. She immigrated to Vancouver as a child and lives on the North Shore with her family and fantastic dog.

Blair Hackman

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Blair Hackman

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Blair completed her Master of Counselling at City University in Vancouver and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). Having volunteered on the North Shore in a variety of capacities over the past decade she has worked with many folks experiencing issues such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, and life changes and transitions. Blair believes that people are the experts of their own life and works from a client-centered and collaborative approach to help support clients to facilitate change and process trauma or loss. She offers a kind, non-judgemental, and empathetic space in which to connect and explore your concerns. Blair uses an integrative approach incorporating various evidence-based practices depending on what brings you to counselling and your preference. She has an interest in Nature-Based Therapy and enjoys offered Walking Therapy to interested clients. Blair grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan and has lived and worked on the North Shore for over twenty years with her family and dog Ally.

Dina Lanzi

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Dina Lanzi

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Dina has completed her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. During her career, Dina has always enjoyed working with, and helping a wide variety of people, and she supports clients experiencing life transitions, low mood, loss, and stress. She uses a client-centred, empathic, and collaborative approach and integrates elements from therapies such as Solution-Focused, Narrative, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and mindfulness. Originally from the UK, Dina now calls the North Shore home and loves being part of this community.

Marwan Noueihed

Canadian Certified Counsellor

Marwan Noueihed

Canadian Certified Counsellor

Marwan is a Canadian Certified Counsellor. He has experience helping people manage trauma and dysregulated emotions, anxiety, depression and stress from major life decisions. Whatever the challenges, strengths are explored and helpful skills are identified together. For trauma survivors and those comfortable working with the body, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can be a gentle way of regulating the nervous system and shifting trauma patterns. For intense and rapidly shifting emotions, Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills can be used to manage distress and urges, as well as navigate relationship conflicts. For challenges making major life decisions, anxiety and depression, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a logical approach to evaluating situations and exploring more helpful ways of thinking and behaving. Having lived in many cities across Canada and around the world, Marwan is comfortable and happy working with people of diverse backgrounds. While he’s jealous of his colleagues who have dogs, he finds other ways to entertain himself and can often be found in international restaurants around Vancouver.

Shahin Ghouchani

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Shahin Ghouchani

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Shahin is a compassionate counsellor with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. As an RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor), Shahin uses an integrative approach incorporating Schema Therapy, CBT, and ACT. Shahin is dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges and discover their best selves.

Shahin creates a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. By drawing from evidence-based techniques and a deep interest in human behavior, Shahin empowers clients to develop effective coping strategies, make meaningful changes, and break free from limiting patterns and life traps. Currently, Shahin sees our Farsi-speaking clients.

Meet our Intern Counsellors

Amal Rashid

Counselling Intern

Amal Rashid

Counselling Intern

Amal is currently completing her Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University. She has experience supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, challenging life transitions, stress and trauma. She uses an integrated approach to counselling, incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy. Amal offers a kind, non-judgmental and empathetic approach to supporting clients in coping with challenges. She believes that everyone has inherent strengths that can be applied to foster growth, healing, resilience and self-discovery. She hopes to create a space that allows you to develop effective ways of coping, learn more about yourself and explore different parts of your life. Originally from Toronto, Amal is now very grateful to call the beautiful North Shore home.

Natalie Cringle

Counselling Intern

Natalie Cringle

Counselling Intern

Natalie is currently completing her Master of Counselling Psychology at the University of Northern BC. With a background of research in decision making, substance use, and risky behaviours, she is passionate about supporting client’s mental health. She currently has three publications from her work at the UBC Centre for Gambling Research and continues to work in this field. Over the last two years, she worked for the BC Centre on Substance Use on a harm reduction project that encompassed communities throughout the province, health authorities, and other Canadian stakeholders. She has worked with a wide array of diverse folks from all over the globe, supporting clients with mood dysregulation, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Natalie uses an integrative counselling approach that supports evidence-based practices, which combines a person-centered, trauma-informed lens, with techniques from narrative and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Kai Tubinshlak

Counselling Intern

Kai Tubinshlak

Counselling Intern

Kai is currently completing his Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Adler University. He has experience working with individuals suffering from substance abuse, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, homelessness, and other challenges. He incorporates a flexible approach to counselling, combining techniques from narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, and existential therapy. He takes an honest and direct, yet compassionate and empathetic approach. Kai believes that everyone has the capacity to utilize their strengths to better cope with life’s challenges. He hopes to help guide you in your journey of self-exploration, in embracing change, and creating a meaningful path towards healing and personal growth.

Carmen D’Souza

Counselling Intern

Carmen D’Souza

Counselling Intern

Carmen is currently a Masters level MA in Counselling Psychology practicum student qualified to practice onsite under the clinical supervision of an approved Supervisor. With diverse mental health experience, Carmen supports individuals facing substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. Her approach offers a non-judgmental space, integrating Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Narrative Therapy, empowering clients to discover solutions and deepen self-awareness. Certified in yoga therapy, Carmen values the mind-body connection. Her trauma-informed yoga instruction complements holistic therapy. Carmen embodies inclusivity and intersectionality, fostering cultural humility. Her commitment to understanding diverse perspectives creates a safe space where everyone is valued. Through her journey, Carmen strives to guide individuals in their healing process, respecting their unique identities and experiences.

Walking Therapy

Evidence suggests that walking outdoors contributes to better mental health. We offer clients the choice of doing their counselling sessions while walking through the neighbourhood around our office.

Walking therapy may be helpful if:

  • You have a hard time sitting still for 50 min
  • You prefer to be outside for health reasons
  • You feel trapped or uncomfortable in an office
  • You want to walk but don’t have the motivation to do it
  • You don’t have anyone to go with, and don’t feel comfortable walking alone

Your Walking Therapy journey

Your counsellor can help you personalize the walking route to suit your needs, and recognize and reduce barriers. Some people prefer walking on trails, some prefer streets, and some like to walk and find a bench or picnic table to sit and talk. If you would like to try this, ask your counsellor for more details.

Practicum placement for clinical counselling

Are you a student currently in the counseling or social work program who is working towards completing your masters and/or applying for professional registration?

We are an equity employer and seek to have a diverse staff to support our clients. We strive to offer a client-centered practice and a practicum at CMHA will suit students who are empathetic, adaptable, enthusiastic, and interested in developing evidence informed therapeutic skills.

Please note that we only accept students who are currently in the counseling or social work program who are working towards completing their masters and/or applying for professional registration. Priority placement is given to students who can commit to an 8-10 month practicum.

Currently accepting student applications for May 2025

If you would like to apply please submit a resume and cover letter to Maria Watson, Manager of Clinical Counselling at: maria.watson@cmhanorthshore.ca outlining why you would like to complete your practicum with us.