Meet the Jolene Dawn Practicum Students
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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.
Email me at chelsey@jolenedawn.com to set up an appointment.
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Mckinley
Hi! I’m Mckinley. I am currently a practicum student at Jolene Dawn Counselling and Consulting while I complete my Master's of Counselling Psychology degree. I will be offering both in-person and virtual (for residents of British Columbia) counselling sessions at reduced rates from May 2026 to December 2026. My goal is to support adults and emerging adults who are facing relational and attachment difficulties, undergoing life transitions, feel stuck in unfulfilling patterns, and want to live an authentic life. Whether you are living with anxiety that feels out of your control, or you feel your history is catching up to you, you are worthy, and I am here for you.
From the moment I recognized my own consciousness, I have possessed an undeniable passion for helping people thrive and heal. Through my own healing journey and witnessing the lives of those around me, I have come to recognize how quickly the weight of our lives can become too heavy to carry alone. I will meet you where you are and walk alongside you in your journey to cultivating the life you have always wanted for yourself. Whether what you desire is help with a specific struggle or to develop a deep understanding of who you are, who you want to be, and lead an authentic, value-driven life, I will meet you with empathy and support.
Much of our lives are spent meeting the needs and expectations of our families, our culture and our partners. But our care for others becomes limited when we do not apply our compassion and care to ourselves. Before beginning my counselling training, I completed a BSc with a major in psychology and a minor in Biology at the University of British Columbia. Since then, I have been privileged to work as a community support worker, where I work with incredible individuals with various intellectual and developmental disabilities. This occupation has redefined happiness for me. It taught me that happiness and contentment are not as distant and unachievable as they may seem, but instead, it is our perspective of ourselves and the world that holds us back. By connecting to our authentic selves, we can foster a life that feels designed for us, and gratitude feeds a joy that is encompassed with pride.
My therapeutic lens operates from a position of empathy, openness, and individualized approaches. I provide an integrative, client-centred approach by drawing from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Theory, Narrative Therapy (NT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Gottman’s Therapy. My approach is determined by the unique individual sitting with me, where your experiences and my intuition foster a healing environment that is tailored to what you need.
Witnessing an individual find and connect with themselves with self-compassion and alignment with their values is the greatest privilege. I honour you, I accept you, I care for you, and I would be delighted to meet you. Email me at mckinley@jolenedawn.com to set up an appointment.
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Phoebe
Hi there, I'm Phoebe. I am currently offering virtual counselling sessions as part of my Master of Counselling Psychology degree, and I am so glad you're here!
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and reflective. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and heard as I believe therapy works best when it centres around your experiences, pace, and what feels most meaningful to you. I draw from approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Before entering the counselling field, I spent time working in fraud investigations and talent acquisition in tech. While these roles are quite different from what I do today, they deepened my understanding of the stress, pressures, and uncertainty that can come with navigating life changes while feeling pulled toward another path. My own experience as a therapy client also showed me how impactful it can be to have a space to slow down and explore values and personal narratives with someone who is present and nonjudgmental; this has greatly shaped how I want to show up for you.
I am particularly drawn to supporting individuals navigating life transitions, career changes, burnout and relational challenges. I also welcome those exploring the complexities of living between cultures or holding multicultural identities. Wherever you are in your journey, I am here to offer support and a space to explore with you.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading fantasy/thriller fiction while cuddling with my bearded dragon, Bubbles! I also love puzzles and often spend time with my husband playing board games or visiting escape rooms. A fun fact about me is that I am a digital illustrator and newbie tattoo artist. I love being able to create and scribble. Email me at phoebe@jolenedawn.com to set up an appointment.
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Rachel
Hi! I’m Rachel (or Rae). I am completing my Master of Counselling Psychology and currently offering sessions as a practicum student with Jolene Dawn Counselling and Consulting. Based in Vancouver, BC, I provide virtual counselling across the province at reduced rates from May 2026 through December 2026.
My path to counselling has been anything but linear and that’s a part of why I value flexibility, curiosity, and compassion in the therapy space. I first fell in love with psychology back in 2008, realizing only after graduation that I had majored in the field because I could not stop taking psychology electives. Soon after, I ended up going in a completely different direction and became a Chartered Professional Accountant, and have been working as a chief financial officer and financial consultant for the past decade. Many individuals find themselves stuck in cycles of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and burnout, especially when either financial or career pressures weigh heavily. I work collaboratively to unpack these patterns and have an approach that encourages both balance and growth. I also have personal experience with post-concussion syndrome, allowing for a unique perspective for individuals who are struggling with persistent frustrating symptoms, understanding them from a nuanced level of familiarity.
My focus is on creating a safe, non-judgemental space for exploration and meaningful change. I aim to provide holistic and complete care through techniques from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, while integrating mindfulness and meditative based approaches.
I am especially drawn to supporting individuals navigating family dynamics, parenting challenges, the invisible load, grief, anxiety, fertility struggles, and significant life changes and challenges. My goal is to help you reconnect with you own strengths, and rebuild confidence, and find clarity in all aspects of your business or life.
If you’re looking for a counsellor who values depth, authenticity, and personal growth, I would be honoured to support you on your journey towards healing and meaningful change.
Rae (she/her)
Email: rachel@jolenedawn.com
IG: @therapybyrae
Website: therapybyrae.com