For Bree, the path to supporting others has always been clear. “I have always loved helping people!” she shares. From her earliest days leading kids at day camps to a long and fulfilling career in education, her passion for meaningful connection has only grown stronger with time.
“I realized that my true passion lies in working with individuals to help them understand themselves more and learn tools to help themselves.” This realization led her from nearly two decades of teaching to a deeply rewarding counselling practice focused on helping clients transform their lives.
Bree’s therapeutic specialties reflect both her deep compassion and her clinical expertise. She works primarily with clients dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), anxiety, depression, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs). She also brings a unique passion for supporting athletes’ mental health, helping them build resilience and clarity to enhance both performance and overall wellbeing.
Her approach is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a modality she describes as both practical and powerful. “CBT immediately drew me in—it focuses on the daily patterns people are engaging with while also making room to dig deeper into core beliefs that are so critical in driving these daily patterns.” She also weaves in elements of narrative therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring her method to each unique client.
What she loves most about CBT is its empowering nature: “It helps clients gain more control in their lives. I love the direct and active approach as I work with clients to unpack their thoughts, behaviours, and feelings and develop tools to help support them in shifting to more empowering and healthy patterns.”
After years of working with clients, Bree remains deeply inspired by the people who walk through her door. “I am always so impressed by the work that my clients do! It’s hard—and I see that. I’m in awe of the challenges they take on and so inspired by what they’re able to do! It’s an amazing thing to witness and an honour to be alongside for a piece of their journey.”
That sense of honour is something she brings to every session, creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
A proud British Columbian, she was born and raised on the West Coast and has lived abroad in England and France. “It seems like no matter where I go in the world, I’m always so happy and grateful when I’m on the ferry coming back to this beautiful Island,” she says.
When she’s not counselling, Bree is likely out exploring trails with her mini labradoodle, Rocket, enjoying a good book, or playing strategy board games with friends and family. Hiking and pickleball round out her routine, offering both fun and movement in her downtime.
Bree’s passion for being a helping professional can be seen through her wholehearted investment in the people she supports. “I love being able to commit focused time to each person I work with,” she says. “I feel so honoured to be part of their healing journey.”
If you’re interested in working with Bree, please check out her bio on the website or reach out to book a consultation. She offers a wide range of services including individual therapy for children, youth, and adults as well as family and couples sessions. Bree meets with clients virtually and in person. She currently works out of our downtown Nanaimo clinic on Thursdays and will be offering appointments multiple days a week at the new Parksville location starting on May 1.
Written by Cat Zydyk