My practice is rooted in 25 years of leadership as a school administrator, creator of The Whyse Approach, and university instructor in trauma, intergenerational trauma, and resilience.

When you book, you will find a collaborative space where textbook theories are traded for genuine respect and real-world strategies. If you are ready for clear insight and sustainable relief, select a time below that works for you. We will move at your pace toward goals set by you.

My practice is rooted in 25 years of leadership as a school administrator, creator of The Whyse A... Read More

Susan is a compassionate and attentive counselling intern completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. After graduating with a BA in psychology from Simon Fraser University, Susan began working with at-risk women and youth in the pre-natal health sector, helping clients navigate pregnancy and the transition to motherhood by empowering them to make healthy nutritional and lifestyle choices, including coaching clients on how to build safe relationships with self and others. As a mother herself, Susan has honed her skills and dedication to child and family wellbeing by advocating for her own autistic and neurodiverse children.

Now as an intern counsellor, Susan’s person-centered approach aims to foster a collaborative, supportive environment between client and counsellor. Through the use of evidence-based practices, Susan creates a nurturing and non-judgemental space where clients can feel heard and valued: safe to express themselves, explore their traumas, and reflect on their experiences.

Susan believes in prioritizing authentic relationships with self and others and helps clients do the same to achieve balance and resiliency in their personal and professional lives. Susan’s personal experiences and areas of interest include autism, ADHD, giftedness, life transitions, and parenting.

Susan is a compassionate and attentive counselling intern completing her Master of Arts in Counse... Read More

A Warm, Collaborative Space for Healing, Growth, and Meaningful Change.

Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and I am honoured that you are taking the time to learn more about me and the support I offer.

With more than 26 years of experience, I have had the privilege of supporting children, adolescents, youth, adults, couples, families, and seniors through life’s challenges, transitions, and opportunities for growth. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, ADHD, stress, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, workplace stress, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and major life transitions.

Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from themselves, or uncertain about how to move forward. Others are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves, healthier relationships, stronger coping strategies, or a greater sense of purpose and balance. I have a particular passion for supporting individuals who have spent much of their lives caring for others, meeting expectations, or putting their own needs aside while navigating questions of identity, belonging, self-worth, and personal meaning.

My experience also includes supporting individuals and couples through relationship challenges, fertility concerns, pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, parenting transitions, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, and coercive control. I understand that personal experiences, family dynamics, culture, and life circumstances all influence how we see ourselves and navigate the world.

My Approach to Therapy I believe therapy is not about changing who you are. It is about helping you better understand yourself, heal from difficult experiences, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that feels more authentic, balanced, and connected to your values.

At the heart of my work is the belief that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and collaborative space where you feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are. Together, we can explore what is bringing you to therapy, build on your strengths, gain new insights, and create meaningful changes that support your well-being and the life you want to build.

My approach is holistic, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive, recognizing that emotional, mental, physical, relational, cultural, and spiritual well-being are deeply interconnected. Every person brings unique experiences, strengths, values, identities, and hopes for the future. For this reason, I tailor therapy to your individual needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

I draw from evidence-based approaches including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), mindfulness-based approaches, OCD-informed treatment strategies, the Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). These approaches are integrated thoughtfully and adapted to your unique goals, strengths, and circumstances.

A Place to Begin You do not need to have everything figured out before beginning therapy.  Whether you are navigating a difficult experience, working through relationship concerns, facing a major life transition, or simply feeling that something needs to change, we can begin where you are. My role is to listen, understand, support, and work alongside you as you move toward healing, growth, connection, and well-being.   I would be honoured to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and meaningful change.

A Warm, Collaborative Space for Healing, Growth, and Meaningful Change. Choosing a therapist is ... Read More

Elder Maria Reed brings more than 25 years of extensive field experience seamlessly blending certified Life Skills Coaching, Human Relations Counselling, and deep ancestral guidance. Grounded in a rich, multi-layered heritage encompassing Anishinaabe (Batchewana Band located on the Garden River First Nation), Métis, and Sámi lineages from Sweden, she specializes in merging traditional grounding frameworks with modern, trauma-informed wellness strategy. Her formal studies in traditional Medicine Wheel structures, healing circles, and specialized grief, loss, and bereavement facilitation allow her to approach 1-on-1 resilience consulting with immense empathy and problem-solving clarity.

Elder Maria has built an esteemed career serving as a trusted community Elder and strategic advisor for premier provincial organizations, including the Fraser Valley Aboriginal Health Council, Circle 5, and Fraser Valley Aboriginal Child and Family Services (Xyólheméylh). Beyond her institutional appointments, her extensive corporate consulting background includes designing inclusive, culturally safe workspaces and training models for large-scale administrative teams and grassroots community programs like Healing Circles in the Park. She remains passionately dedicated to providing clients with the structural emotional safety and practical toolkit necessary to successfully navigate life’s most intense personal transitions.

Elder Maria Reed brings more than 25 years of extensive field experience seamlessly blending cert... Read More