Have more good days with supportive, individual counselling with a counsellor who cares
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Heal from your past. Prioritize your well-being. Experience positive growth.
You’ve got plans for the life you want to live and dreams and goals you want to pursue…
but something inside just doesn’t feel right.
You want to feel more engaged in your life, but old patterns of behaviour and insecurities keep you from trying something new.
Pushing yourself to adopt new habits or step outside your comfort zone leaves you feeling anxious and exhausted.
Experiences from your past leave you feeling fearful, isolated, and suspicious of the good in your life.
You don’t understand why you feel this way or how to move forward.
We’d love to show you our approach and get you back on track to living a life full of confidence.
You want to make a change.
You want to experience real relief, not the pressure and overwhelm that comes from the self-help books or well-intentioned but subjective advice from friends and family.
Individual Counselling Services for Residents of Burnaby and Vancouver, BC*
*Private and secure virtual sessions also available for out-of-area clients
Our registered clinical counsellors are trained to offer individual therapy for adults and adolescents concerns including:
meet our counsellors
Let’s make the good days outnumber the bad ones.
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Career performance
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Identity exploration
- Life transitions
- Phobias
- Relationships
- Self-esteem and self-worth
- Stress management
- Trauma
Our counsellors are happy to collaborate with your doctor, dietitian, or other medical professionals to help you receive the most comprehensive, well-rounded care.
We believe in treating the whole person and prioritizing human-to-human connection.
Maybe you’re experiencing a little more than anxiety and depression…
We recognize trauma can manifest differently in each of us.
Even if you’re experiencing more severe symptoms like intense fear, isolation, mistrust, nightmares, or panic attacks…
We have counsellors who can support you.
Our clients have reported leaving individual counselling sessions feeling more clarity around their emotions, confidence in themselves and freedom from the overwhelm holding them back from living the life they truly desire.
Meredith founded Parallel Wellness in 2012 as a solo counsellor and now runs a thriving practice dedicated to helping her neighbours live fulfilling and peaceful lives. She has a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and is currently a PhD candidate in Counselling Psychology.
Meredith specializes in eating disorder therapy and is the founder of the One Body to Love program for women who struggle with binge eating. She also serves clients in the following areas:
Meredith MacKenzie, MA
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Founder of Parallel Wellness
book with meredith
Anxiety
Couples Counselling
Disordered Eating
High achievement and perfectionism
Infertility
Relationships
Trauma
Women’s Mental Health
Meredith strongly believes in the healing power of the human-to-human connection and strives to help others explore themselves and live authentic lives. She brings radical acceptance to her practice to ensure her clients feel safe, seen and understood.
Renu is an experienced counsellor with 10 years of experience.
She is most passionate about guiding clients through relationship issues, whether it be relationships with others, the world, or life purpose. She can help with the following:
book with renu
Renu Parmar, MC
Psychotherapist/Registered Clinical Counsellor/ somatic therapist
Having repetitive issues come up with your partner, family, friends, or any other relationships
Somatic therapy:
Includes working with the brain and body to heal unconscious wounds that keep us locked in negative patterns, bringing us straight to the root of the problem.
Our traumas and wounds directly affect how we interact with the issues that come up, as we cope with daily life. It can leave us feeling alone with a personal story that keeps us trapped and powerless. Renu can support you in safely engaging with these wounds so that they can be expressed and released to give way to a new story. The result is to feel more resilient, whole, and embodied.
Therapy is deeply compassion-focused and cultivating safety is important, so that we can go into the sensitive parts of self that are hidden in a non-judgemental space. Renu has a very direct approach so that clients can experience results quickly. She is also a meditation teacher, Reiki Master, and published writer with a background in the creative arts.
Infidelity
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Attachment Issues
Low Self-Esteem / Insecurity
Eating Disorders / Body Image
Searching for Purpose or Meaning
Feeling Stuck, Unmotivated or Helpless
Feeling Alone or Abandoned by Others
Having Difficulty Being Close to Others
Alexandra has been with Parallel Wellness since 2023. She works with a diverse range of clients, from teens and university students to families, adults, and individuals going through big life transitions.
Alexandra has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Simon Fraser University. She received her master’s degree in Counselling from City University of Seattle.
Alexandra can support clients in the following areas:
book with alexandra
Alexandra Pesa
registered clinical counsellor
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Grief and Loss
Identify Exploration
Life Transitions
People Pleasing
Alexandra’s goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their inner worlds, discover the connections between the mind, body, and soul, and find their unique path toward growth and fulfillment.
As a young therapist, she brings a fresh outlook and an inherent understanding of the contemporary challenges younger generations encounter in today’s fast-paced world.
When Alexandra is not serving clients, you might find her jamming to Taylor Swift, trying a new local restaurant, or at the gym.
A quote that inspires Alexandra:
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.
Self-esteem and body issues
Stress Management
Relationship issues including breakups, infidelity, and family dynamics
Alyssa has been with Parallel Wellness since 2022. She has a master’s degree in Counselling from the City University of Seattle.
Alyssa enjoys working with teens 13+ years of age and adults.
She supports clients in the following areas:
book with alyssa
Alyssa Gonzalez, MC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety and Mood Management
Childhood Healing
Family Relationships
Loss and Transition
Peer Relationship
Alyssa encourages her clients to come as they are. She enjoys helping others get to know their inner systems so they can have more self-compassion and self-awareness. After working with Alyssa, clients can expect to walk away with clarity, healing, and increased self-confidence.
When she’s not serving clients, you might find Alyssa curled up with a good book and a cup of peppermint tea.
A quote that inspires Alyssa:
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
– Lewis Carroll
Alleah has been with Parallel Wellness since 2023 and is currently completing her master’s of Counselling Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy.
Alleah works with adults and can support clients in the following areas:
book with alleah
Alleah Bowring
intern
Emotional Regulation
Grounding
Mindfulness
Relaxation
Self - Expression
Stress Management
Her goal is to help others be more present and practice healthy self-expression.
When she’s not serving clients, you might find Alleah at a local pottery class, rock climbing, or camping in the great outdoors.
Ashley has been with Parallel Wellness since 2018 and works mainly with millennials, helping them undo inter-generational trauma.
She supports clients in the following areas:
book with ashley
Ashley Greensmyth, MCP
Registered Clinical Counsellor, EMDR Therapist
Anxiety and Mood Management
Couples Therapy
Relationship Issues
Self-Worth
Stress management and burnout prevention
Ashley’s goal is to help you feel a sense of belonging and worthiness, clarify your priorities, and experience stable and fulfilling relationships. She helps her clients develop more self-awareness, emotional intelligence and maturity, relationship skills, and relaxation.
Ashley received her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is certified in EMDR Basic Training, Lifespan Integration 1, Gottman Level 1, Gottman Seven Principles for Couples Leader (AA & BA with Major in Psychology).
When she’s not serving clients, you can find Ashley cuddling her cats, reading her Kindle, and spending time with her loved ones.
A quote that inspires Ashley:
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, and embracing who we are.” - Brené Brown
Laura has been with Parallel Wellness since 2020. In her practice, she works with children, adults, couples, families, groups, and agencies.
Laura received her bachelor’s in Psychology from SFU and her master’s of Counselling Psychology from Adler University.
Laura can support clients with:
book with laura
Laura Palermo, MCP, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety
Career development
Child therapy
Couples and relationship counselling
Depression
Early childhood mental health
Emotional dysregulation
Parenting education
Laura prides herself on creating a safe space that is genuine, kind, and non-judgmental. She works with her clients to experience movement towards their personal goals and general wellness.
When Laura is not working with clients, you might find her reading her favourite book, doing a puzzle or painting, or taking a long walk outside.
A quote that inspires Laura:
“Worthy now. Not if. Not when. We are worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.” -Brené Brown
Personal development
Selective mutism
Self-esteem
Sexual abuse or assault
Stress management
Trauma
Alejandra has been with Parallel Wellness since 2018 and has over a decade of experience in the mental health field.
Alejandra has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC. She is currently a PhD candidate in Counselling Psychology.
Alejandra works with young adults, adults and people who have recently moved to Canada. She can support clients in the following areas:
Alejandra Botia, MA
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety
Body Image
Depression
Disordered Eating
Family Dynamics
Immigration
Life Transition
Transitioning to Adulthood
Alejandra believes in the power of being seen, heard and validated in a safe place. She aims to provide an environment that inspires her clients to get curious, find new ways of showing up in their lives and move towards hope, meaning and fulfillment.
When she is not serving clients, you might find Alejandra walking along the water, reading in a cozy coffee shop, or travelling.
A quote that inspires Alejandra:
"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears" - Nelson Mandela
Trauma
Stress Management
book with alejandra
- Understand and feel in control of your emotions
- Clearly express your wants and needs to the important people in your life
- Create healthy relationships with others
- Have more good days than bad ones
- Feel hopeful about the future
- Pursue your goals with less fear
If you’re ready to
speak with a counsellor
schedule your session
And we’ll be with you every step of the way. (Yes, especially through the hard stuff.)
We’re here to lend a neutral ear to listen and equip you with real and effective strategies to move forward with your life.
Can't make it to the office?
No problem. We’d still love to support you.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRIVATE VIRTUAL SESSIONS
We’re so thrilled you’re considering counselling as an option! You can expect your counsellor to be warm, inviting and supportive. If you’re still feeling nervous, check out this free resource to learn how you can prepare for your first counselling session.
I’ve never been to counselling before. What can I expect?
Our counsellors will work with you to determine the best counselling plan for your concerns. In some cases, client concerns can be worked through within 3-6 sessions. However, many clients prefer to continue working with their counsellor for 12 or more sessions. You can expect to start seeing results and experience improvements within your first few sessions.
How long can I expect to be in individual counselling?
Most extended health benefit plans cover a portion of the session fee with a registered clinical counsellor. However, each plan is unique to your company. The best way to know if your session fees will be partially covered is to call or log in to your benefits account and check the details of your coverage.
You will be charged for the full session cost at the time of your appointment and receive a payment receipt. You must then submit this receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Parallel Wellness does not direct-bill to insurance companies.
Is my session covered by insurance?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Many of our counsellors offer evening and weekend sessions for your convenience
Do you have availability after work or school?
Typically, we do not recommend you work with the same counsellor for individual work and couples sessions. We have several counsellors trained in couples counselling and individual counselling. If you contact us at info@parallelwellness.ca, we can help match you to the counsellors best suited to support you and your goals.
