Hi, I’m Alyssa. I am a practicum student with Yorkville University, based out of Toronto, ON, completing my Masters in Counselling Psychology with Jolene Dawn Counselling and Consulting beginning in January 2026. I have an undergraduate minor degree in Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health from the University of Toronto, as well as a Sociology major, and minor in Christianity and Culture.

During my studies I was offered a job as a Pilates instructor and took the opportunity to soul search and decide which career I’d really like to pursue. From this, I acquired yoga, barre, and mindfulness certification and began teaching various fusion and non-fusion classes while returning to my studies, leading me to the MACP program I am currently completing. My plan is to incorporate these somatic practices into my clinical counselling approach in the future, creating a holistic approach to healing.

My therapeutic practice approach to is integrative and holistic, using various approaches to create personalized and unique treatment plans for the individuals I work with. I do not have a particular client demographic/population that I am seeking during my practicum, but rather hope to acquire a caseload that sees my skillset and expertise as something they would like to incorporate into their healing journey. My holistic and somatic integration into clinical counselling is truly a unique and highly desired offering in this field. If my work and approach speaks to you, please reach out to join my waitlist. I can’t wait to meet everyone virtually beginning in January. Email me at alyssa@jolenedawn.com to set up an appointment.

Hi! I am Chelsey, while completing my Master of Counselling Psychology degree as a practicum student, my therapeutic approach focuses on warmth, intuition, and genuine empathy. Utilizing techniques such as psychodynamic therapy, ACT, CBT, and mindfulness-based talk therapy, my goal is to help clients navigate life and their internal world, with better understanding and compassion for themselves. I believe deeply that we do not need to change who we are to heal; we just need support.

My own personal healing journey inspired a passion for supporting individuals living with trauma, PTSD, and mood-disorder-related challenges that impact daily functioning. Understanding feelings of past trauma, burdens of guilt or shame, or beliefs that we are “too much” or “not enough” are key to my practice. I strive to offer a space where those emotions can be understood, held with compassion, and no longer carried alone.

I chose counselling because I believe in the capacity of every person to heal and move toward their full potential. I am continually inspired by the courage clients bring into the room, and I truly look forward to working on your journey together. Contact me by email at chelsey@jolenedawn.com.

Heather is completing her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University and is currently training with Jolene Dawn Counselling and Consulting. Based in Nanaimo, BC, she will be offering virtual counselling sessions to residents across the province at reduced rates from September 2025 through April 2026.

Hi, I’m Heather (she/her). I’m so glad you’re here!

Both professional and personal experiences have shaped my path to becoming a counsellor. With a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and a background as a certified coach, I blend my business skills with clinical expertise to empower clients toward growth, resilience, and authentic self-connection.

My therapeutic lens is holistic, relational, and trauma-informed, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Polyvagal theory, and somatic and mindfulness-based approaches. You can expect sessions that are collaborative, compassionate, and paced to honour your story, balancing gentle presence with purposeful encouragement.  I am prided with my ability to create a compassionate and collaborative space, designed to help others nurture trust, foster self-exploration, and promote positive growth.

I feel especially drawn to supporting women, 2SLGBTQIA+, and Indigenous clients, as well as adults navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, relational challenges, sexuality, identity exploration, or significant life transitions. I have a substantial amount of both personal and professional experience in palliative care and Hospice settings, supporting family members and caregivers, as well as navigating the grief process. All of these have lead to my passion of pursuing a career in this helping profession. I believe that therapy is not a luxury, but an essential form of self-care—a space where hope, healing, and reclamation are possible, even in the most challenging seasons. Email me at heather@jolenedawn.com to set up an appointment.

Hello, I'm Jaqueline- a Registered Social Worker. My journey into counseling began with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. I am now in the last stages of completing my Masters in Counseling at Yorkville University. I am currently offering virtual services.

My personal journey as a wife, mother, and professional has also expanded the wisdom I bring into the therapy room. These transitions have taught me the importance of living authentically and honoring both struggle and growth as essential parts of healing. This perspective informs the workshops I create, the one-to-one counseling I provide, and the safe spaces I hold for individuals seeking meaningful change.

The expansion of my work is rooted in a desire to walk alongside others as they navigate their own stories, whether that means offering intuitive counseling, supporting identity exploration, or creating balance in the midst of overwhelming demands. My approach is authentic, client-centred, and always guided by the belief that growth unfolds much like the dragonfly’s transformation: a process of becoming more fully oneself.

The greatest privilege of this work is witnessing clients step into new chapters of courage, clarity, and self-acceptance. If you are ready to release old narratives and begin living authentically, I would be honoured to journey with you. Please email me at jaqueline@jolenedawn.com to set up an appointment.