April brings a holistic and compassionate approach to counselling, drawing from a rich background in social work and outdoor leadership. Her journey into the counselling profession may have taken some winding turns, but she feels she has now landed in the right place. She focuses on a deep empathy for clients’ experiences and draws on a passion for healing and personal growth, stemming from her own interests and way of life.
April’s natural empathy and communication skills were noticed from an early age, with many people encouraging her to become a counsellor. “People have suggested I become a counsellor since my youth,” she says, “I moved back and forth between other professions before I committed to the counselling path, but it does feel quite right now.”
Drawing on extensive experience working with children, youth, women, and non-binary individuals, April focuses her practice on supporting those who have experienced trauma, especially within marginalized communities. “This work is very meaningful and important to me. It is near to my heart to support others in the LGBTQ2SI+ community and neurodivergent people and their families.”
April uses a highly individualized and integrative approach to ensure every client’s needs are met in therapy. Her go-to modalities include person centered and strength-based frameworks with techniques like mindfulness, somatic therapy, sensory-based strategies, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and nature-based therapy. She can also tailor sessions further by offering walk and talk sessions, horticultural therapy, Safe and Sound protocol listening therapy, or trauma-informed yoga.
Alongside these approaches, April draws on her own unique understanding of human behaviour to offer the best practices for each client. “One of the most important things I have learned is that all behaviour is a form of communication,” she says, “There are so many precipitating internal and external factors contributing to whatever is apparent from the outside.” This insight has deepened her understanding of each client, and allows her to take a non-judgemental, compassionate approach to supporting those she works with.
April feels her background has probably contributed to her worldview and professional methods. She grew up in Saskatchewan but has spent time living in the United States and on the coast of British Columbia. She feels the opportunity to experience different places and cultures has been invaluable in her life and work. When she isn’t in the office, April is an avid outdoor adventurer, instructor, and guide. “I love exploring the natural world, paddling, hiking, and camping as much as I can. I also love gardening and growing much of my own food, herbs, and flowers.”
April joined the team at Island Clinical Counselling in 2024 and plans on continuing to support clients by leaning on both her professional expertise and passion for healing. She is continuously inspired by the resilience and growth of the people she supports and values the personal growth that comes from this type of work. “There are endless opportunities to grow professionally, which is exciting, paired with the challenge to grow personally in alignment with my learning and experience.”
If you want to see if April is the right fit for you and your needs, book a free consultation today.
Written by Cat Zydyk