Located in the beautiful Parkside Hotel, our downtown office overlooks the koi pond and lush atrium. Nestled amongst the calm backdrop our staff offers assessment and counselling options. Click on each staff member to learn more about them and their offerings.
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Dr Jillian Roberts
Registered Psychologist
Dr Jillian Roberts
Registered Psychologist
Considered a go-to child psychology expert for journalists, Dr. Roberts is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, Global News and the CBC. She is the author of two best-selling and award-winning series of children’s books. “Just Enough” explains topics like birth and diversity to children ages 3-6, while “The World Around Us” introduces kids ages 5-8 to issues like poverty and online safety. She is also the author of “Kids, Sex & Screens: Raising Strong, Resilient Children in the Sexualized Digital Age”, a book for parents seeking to help their preteens navigate our hypersexualized world.
In addition to being a highly sought after registered psychologist, tenured associate professor and author, Dr. Roberts is also a wife and a mom to three children.
Jenn Gauthier
Clinical Director MEd, RCC,
Jenn Gauthier
Clinical Director MEd, RCC,
Jenn is the clinical director and has been involved with Dr. Jillian since 2017. She oversees operations and clinical products. She has a teaching degree, a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, and is also a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She is currently completing her Doctorate in Psychology. When out of office she enjoys travelling and being in the outdoors. Jenn also shamelessly enjoys reality tv competition shows.
Jenn’s current/former counselling clients can book online here
Charlotte Cordy
Doctoral student
Charlotte Cordy
Doctoral student
Charlotte is completing her predoctoral internship at the practice. She will be seeing a combination of therapy and assessment clients. She has a B.A & B.Sc in psychology and is currently in the 5th and final year of her doctorate in clinical psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Vancouver Island and going on camping adventures with her dog, Dudley.
Keeley Sponton
Counselling Manager/Therapeutic Behavior Interventionist
Keeley Sponton
Counselling Manager/Therapeutic Behavior Interventionist
Treena Huxley
Registered Psychologist
Treena Huxley
Registered Psychologist
“Life is a journey and not a destination” ~Barry Marcus
Treena views the destinations in her life as stops she is making on her journey. In 1993 she began with the work of literacy spearheading a street literacy program and prison literacy program on Vancouver Island. In this capacity Treena worked on the frontlines with inmates and street youth facilitating learner-driven functional literacy skills. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria in 1995, she decided to take her degree and work in Japan teaching English as a second language for several years.
Upon arriving back in Canada, and prior to starting a Master’s degree in Counselling, Treena worked directly with children who were diagnosed with physical, emotional and behavioural disorders in the school, home, and community settings. She began to recognize the serious need to further support not only the child with the disability but the entire family. This experience motivated Treena in furthering her educational and professional development so that she had a greater expertise to offer the children and family members.
In 2008, Treena graduated from Campus Alberta with a Master’s of Counselling. Her final research project was titled “Self Regulation in Children with Autism”. This project examined the way that engagement with a child diagnosed with autism may have an impact on the child’s ability to regulate their physical and emotional states and the therapeutic implications of these interactions. Treena has expanded upon her studies and included more assessment to her repertoire of intervention and continues to work with families and individuals impacted by neurodiversity.
Treena was keenly interested in different ways to provide optimal support to families in their home and community settings while enriching the relationships between family members, in particular, child-parent relationships. Her learning was enriched by a more in-depth study of Attachment Theory and the applications of this theory on interpersonal relationships.
The opportunity to have lived in different cultures, travel, and work with a multitude of families in their home settings has allowed Treena to gain further insight into the unique needs of a family and it’s members and gaining the respect of each family environment as a unique culture within itself.
Please note, Treena is a private contractor through our office specifically for autism assessments. She sees counselling clients privately outside of our office.
Blair McLean
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Blair McLean
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Blair is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, is certified in Complex Trauma Treatment Professional, and holds a Masters in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia
Therapy offerings: Trauma repair therapy, inner child work, somatic (body-focused) therapy, attachment-based, self-compassion practices, mindfulness tools, person-centred therapy.
Client specializations: Blair works with individuals across the life span, including children, adolescents and adults. Blair specializes in working with post-secondary students.
Assisting with: Social and general anxiety, depression and shame, feeling frozen or stuck, emotional numbness, inner critic, procrastination, relationship difficulties, personal growth and development, grief and loss, career exploration, and big life transitions including new parenting, graduation, and many others.
Blair is always amazed by the ingenious strategies his clients have adopted to survive difficult times in their lives. He believe that difficulties come when our past strategies no longer serve to protect us in the ways they once did. In his work with clients, he has come to believe that the things that frustrate us the most about ourselves – our fears, our lack of motivation, and our seeming inability to move forward in life can be traced to ingenious survival strategies that once kept us safe.
Blair will help you explore, name and honour the parts of you that are still doing their best to protect you. In the process, you will learn how your patterns are standing in the way of the life you want to live. You will develop new strategies for coping, for attending to your needs and for caring for yourself, clearing the way for growth, healing, and thriving in your life.
Stephen Roberts
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Stephen Roberts
Counsellor, MA, RCC
**Please note that Stephen is only seeing current and former clients at this time and is not accepting new clients**
Types of therapy offered: A blend of person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioural and Christian therapeutic approaches.
Ages or specific groups of clients: Children, adolescents, adults and families.
Group, family, couple or individuals: Individuals and groups
Specializations: Working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bereavement, motivational challenges and building emotionally fulfilling relationships.
Treatment to alleviate what problems: Anxiety, Trauma, Grief, Depression, Addictions
Stephen Roberts, MA, RCC is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Stephen brings a diverse history of lived experience to his counselling practice. Stephen approaches each client with the belief that with the right support and encouragement we all have the ability to lead more productive and fulfilled lives. Starting from a place of empathy and compassion, Stephen guides his patients through a respectful examination of their life choices with the goal of providing them with the practical tools they need to meet their true potential.
Stephen received his Master of Arts from Liberty University, with a specialty in Marriage and Family Counselling. Prior to becoming a counsellor, Stephen earned a Doctorate and Master’s degree from the University of British Columbia, and a BA from Queen’s University.
Stephen has been married to Dr. Jillian Roberts since 1989 and is the father of three children. He is a proud and active citizen of the Métis Nation of British Columbia.
Andrea Bennington
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Andrea Bennington
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Andrea received her Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University in Fredricton, New Brunswick.
Andrea has always been drawn to work and volunteering opportunities helping others. She grew up in the Northwest Territories and spent many years volunteering with Victim Services in Yellowknife. Andrea moved to Victoria in 2013 and has been involved with several organizations including the Bipolar Disorder Society of BC (now Stigma- Free Society) as a Mental Health group facilitator and The British Columbia Schizophrenia Society- Victoria Branch (now Mental Health Recovery Partners, South Vancouver Island) as a peer support worker. Her extensive experience working with individuals struggling with persistent mental health challenges in a peer support framework, sparked her desire to become a clinical counsellor.
Andrea supports solution-focused, client-centred, and recovery-oriented philosophies rooted in strength, growth, and resiliency. She believes that with the right support individuals have a boundless ability to mobilize change and growth in their lives.
She builds therapeutic relationships based on trust, unconditional positive regard, and on-going rapport. She has worked with a diverse group of individuals with varying challenges including anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns while they overcome barriers, build self-autonomy and improve their quality of life on their own terms.
Susanna Longridge
Counsellor, MACP, RCC
Susanna Longridge
Counsellor, MACP, RCC
Types of therapy offered: A blend of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy (MCBT), strengths-based, person-centred, and schema-focused.
Ages or specific groups of clients: Adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Assisting with: Anxiety, depression, grief and loss, partnering and parenting.
Integrating: Bio-psycho-social-spiritual frameworks, mindful presence, deep rest, transmutative and Judea-Christian frames of reference.
Susanna has an MA in Counselling Psychology and a BA in Secondary Education. Her professional and personal experience motivate her in assisting others to successfully process and manage the transitions life holds. Susanna’s time working with teens and adults has informed her philosophy that Life is fascinating, challenging, funny, and precious—from it we learn to skillfully engage with new experiences and savor them as a valuable part of living on the earth.
Danielle van Schaik
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCC
Danielle van Schaik
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCC
*Danielle is not currently taking any new clients*
Hayley Rennalls
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Hayley Rennalls
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Former/current clients can book online here
** Please note that Hayley is not currently accepting new clients **
Types of therapy offered: Person-centered, solution-focused, growth-mindset, behavioural intervention, and Christian Therapeutic approaches.
Ages or specific groups of clients: Children and adolescents
Group, family, couple or individuals: Individuals and families
Specializations: Working with clients who have disabilities (physical, mental, or learning) and/or have family members with disabilities. Clients who are experiencing anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, depression, social difficulties, and behavioural challenges. Motivational challenges as well as challenges pertaining to healthy relationships.
Treatment to alleviate what problems: Anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal relationship challenges, attentional issues, and challenges pertaining to behaviour and executive functioning. As well as the problems that one encounters when living with a disability.
Hayley received a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling and Theology from William Jessup University, Rocklin, California and completed a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies (with a specialization in Special Education) from the University of Victoria.
Hayley has worked with children and teens since 2003 in various capacities including in schools and homes as a behavioural interventionist and a learning support teacher. She has worked with a range of students who have mental, physical or learning disabilities such as: Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Dyslexia, Cerebral Palsy.
Through her experiences, Hayley believes that a client can be best supported when a team of people (families, schools, counsellors, etc.) collaborate and act jointly to support the client. She encourages families to work together to support their family member through building strong interpersonal relationships. Hayley spent five years living and working in China and can speak Mandarin.
Michael Oakes
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Michael Oakes
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Michael received his Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University. He is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
Michael has worked with youth and adults in a number of roles within the field of mental health. In his role at Dr. Jillian Roberts Psychology Corporation, Michael provides clinical counselling to address a variety of issues from evidence-based, and insight-oriented approaches. He has worked in residential and outpatient mental health settings across British Columbia and continues to provide collaborative care, teamed with psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, health consultants, nurses, social workers, and counselor/clinicians at the health authority.
Michael views the therapeutic relationship as a mutual and collaborative alliance based on safety, trust, congruence, unconditional positive regard, and ongoing rapport. He is experienced in several therapeutic orientations including Solution-Focused, Client-Centred, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioural, Attachment-based, Humanistic and Psychodynamic based modalities. Michael believes that people, like all living things, are inherently driven to thrive and grow, and when given the right conditions, people are capable of making meaningful changes.
Jeff Parker
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Jeff Parker
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Jeff holds a Masters of Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University and a Bachelors of Social Work degree from the University of Victoria. He is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the BC Association of Social Workers.
Jeff takes pride in providing a compassionate and client centered approach that aims to build strong therapeutic relationships with clients. He believes that it is important to create a safe and trusting dynamic for people to explore their mind, heart, improve self-awareness and tap into their own authentic selves.
He has been trained to use Solution Focused (SFT), Cognitive Behavioural (CBT) and Person-Centred therapeuticapproaches, while also integrating aspects from Dialectical Behavioural (DBT), Narrative, along with Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) modalities. He can also integrate Self-Compassion practices and Mindfulness tools.
Jeff has a diverse range of professional experience over the past 15 years within various clinical settings at Island Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use services. This has included clinical case management, crisis response, intake, providing consultative recommendations and coordinating clinical care planning for high-risk adults with acute mental health and substance use concerns. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys going for hikes with his dog, playing guitar and hockey.
Ages or Specific groups of clients: Adolescents, Adults and Seniors.
Group, Family, couple, or individuals: Individuals.
Specializations/Area’s of professional experience: Anxiety, Depression, Substance Use, Grief & Loss, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem & Belonging, ADHD, Communication & Relationships, Career Counselling.
Keana Schmidt-Waselenchuk
Psychological Assistant
Keana Schmidt-Waselenchuk
Psychological Assistant
Keana has BA (Hons) of Psychology from UVic. With a passion for research, reading, writing, and helping others, Keana holds many roles in her community. She is a Research Assistant in two labs investigating relationships and brain health, and the Research Coordinator for a new project investigating the levels of social isolation in dementia patients and their caregivers. Keana has had the opportunity to co-author an upcoming publication regarding mental health stigma in the media and is looking forward to completing her current papers to be submitted for review. As a mentor, Keana supports students struggling with their mental health through her involvement with UVic’s Mental Health Leadership Program, and helps children of stroke survivors adapt to changes and challenges through the University of Victoria Stroke Awareness Association. She has worked with children, young adults, and older adults and recognizes everyone’s unique strengths and weaknesses.
Keana aims to help individuals improve their educational experience by offering strategies that allow students to further engage with course concepts. Her strengths lay in goal-setting and motivation, notetaking and organization, and reading and writing. Alongside her other specialities, Keana can provide help to individuals who worry for their upcoming exam by suggesting test preparation and anxiety reduction strategies.
In her free time Keana enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with loved ones.
Klara Huebsch
Social Media Manager
Klara Huebsch
Social Media Manager
Klara is a recent graduate with a degree in Global Resource Systems from UBC, Vancouver. In her program she specialized in sustainability and became passionate about the communications necessary for fostering a better world. After reading Dr. Jillian Roberts’ book On Our Nature Walk: Our First Talk About The Environment, Klara realized the immense similarities between taking care of the planet and people. She is compassion focused and hopes to share social media content that is both informative and soothing.