Our Practitioners

The Vitality Clinic is comprised of a comprehensive professional team of highly respected independent private practitioners with extensive expertise. We work with individuals of all ages, couples, families, and groups.

Want to be part of our holistic team?  We’re seeking relationships with RMT’s and RCC’s. 
LEARN MORE >

Kathlyn McHugh, RCC, RSW

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR & SOCIAL WORKER

Thank you to everyone who has supported my practice! At this time, I am not taking on any new clients. I am happy to refer you to my wonderful associate Blair McLean, MA, RCC. Please book with him below.

If you're an existing client, please book here.

If you'd like to have more access to me personally, keep updated with my creative writing and newer services such as coaching at my website, kathlynmchugh.ca.

Blair McLean,
MA, RCC

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR & CERTIFIED COMPLEX TRAUMA TREATMENT PROFESSIONAL

I am always amazed by the ingenious strategies people adopt to survive difficult times.

I believe that the things that frustrate us the most about ourselves – our fears, our substance misuse, or our seeming inability to move forward in life, can be traced to past survival strategies that once kept us safe.

I help my clients explore, name and honour the protective parts of themselves. In the process, people uncover old patterns that are standing in the way of the life they want to live. I strive to help my clients develop new strategies for coping, for attending to their needs and for caring for themselves, clearing the way for growth, healing, and thriving in their lives.

  • I take a non-judgmental, present-focused approach to working with my clients. By helping people learn somatic resourcing, mindful noticing, and self-compassion, I strive to offer a transformative experience in the here-and-now. I help clients become curious about the parts of themselves that are stuck and learn to meet themselves where they are at, stuckness and all. I believe that practicing self-acceptance pays dividends in future growth and can help people achieve a range of life-changing goals.

    • Convenient telephone and virtual counselling and consultations

    • Somatic (body) resources for nervous system regulation

    • Anger management

    • Addictions counselling

    • Mindfulness skills

    • Procrastination

    • Grief and loss

    • Career exploration

    • Couples counselling and relationship difficulties

    • Trauma repair

    • Life Transitions

  • I am a registered clinical counsellor with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC. Prior to working at the Vitality Clinic I was a post-secondary counsellor, working with students at Vancouver Community College for six years.

    • M.A. in Counselling Psychology (UBC)

    • Certified Complex Trauma Treatment Professional

    • Trained in internal family systems and emotionally focused therapy for couples

Chloe Nursey, RMT

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

Chloe is a recent graduate from West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Her passion for helping people was one of the many reasons she pursued a career in massage therapy.

Chloe enjoys working with all individuals to allow them to reach their goals using a bio-psychosocial mindset. She has an interest in treating chronic pain, headaches, trauma, mental health, pain modulation, and working with athletes. She is passionate about creating an inclusive space for her clients to feel safe, heard, and cared for.

During Chloe’s spare time she enjoys hot yoga, hiking with her friends, and reading.

  • Massage therapy can be utilized in many ways such as injuries, relaxation, stress release, treating specific conditions, etc. I like to use a variety of relaxation and deep tissue techniques, focusing on breathing and staying in tune with what your body needs. I recognize that each person is unique and presents with different symptoms, so I will adapt each treatment to tailor your needs. I use a biopsychosocial mindset to achieve your goals, while encouraging self-care such as meditation, breathing, stretching, and movement. My overall goal as a massage therapist is to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone, allowing you to feel cared for and comfortable during treatments.

    • Relaxation techniques

    • Deep tissue

    • Myofascial release

    • Trigger point release

    • Passive stretching

  • Diploma in massage therapy

Heather McDougall,
MA, RCC

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

The roots of my practice are founded in my professional roles and training in a variety of settings in both the private and public sector.

I have had the privilege of working with youth and adults in the areas of forensic psychiatric services, tertiary mental health, detox and addictions recovery, outreach services and community therapy.

It has always been my view that the underpinning of effective counselling is an open and safe space that emphasizes self-discovery and exploration with skilled guidance and support. These essentials, coupled with genuine care and compassion, create an optimal environment for true introspection, self awareness and continued learning; leading to happier and more meaningful lives.

  • My counselling style is eclectic, drawing mostly from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy framework. I strongly believe in the power of talk, and the importance of meaningful connection in our lives. As social beings, our sense of self, purpose and belonging are vital to our mental health and overall well-being.

    The counselling experience affords us the opportunity to honestly explore our emotions, thoughts and behaviours, as well as identify barriers, and work toward change so that we can live life more fully.

  • I offer individual counselling services to assist clients with finding the most effective tools and strategies to address and overcome their challenges. I have experience treating an array of issues including: Anxiety and depression, addictions, grief and loss, life transitions, stress, trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, self-esteem and body image issues, relationship and marital issues, health challenges, workplace conflict, compassion fatigue as well as working with youth/teens in areas such as transition to adulthood, conflict management, addictions, life skill development, and interpersonal relationships.

  • I hold a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology, and I am a registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC # 10521). I also work with disability insurance companies to provide mental health services and return-to-work support.

Joel Kroeker,
RCC-ACS, MMT

JUNGIAN PSYCHOANALYST / REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

I am a Jungian Psychoanalyst and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) specializing in depth-oriented psychotherapy with individuals, couples and families.

I am also an authorized meditation instructor, a clinical supervisor (RCC-ACS) and the founding international workshop facilitator of Archetypal Music Psychotherapy (AMP). My clinical training includes a Phd-equivalent post-graduate program in Analytical Psychology and a graduate degree in music-centred psychotherapy.

My main interest is helping people rediscover deep meaning and re-connect with core life energy when faced with the difficulties of anxiety, depression, life transitions or trauma wounds. Jungian psychoanalysis is the process of restoring a healthy balance between unconscious and conscious parts of our total personality. It’s not about becoming perfect, but it is about our quest toward wholeness.

  • Living a human life can be tremendously difficult and with a bit of the right support, it can also be a deeply engaging adventure and even filled with vital transformation. Together we can navigate this journey of the psyche by paying close attention to your dreams, internal resources that have been left behind and the images that arise in your life, both internally and externally. The result can be increased consciousness, more enjoyable relationships, a more flexible attitude to suffering, creative insight, a deeper sense of meaning and a profoundly healthier and fulfilling life. As Carl Jung succinctly stated, “those who look outside dream, while those who look inside awaken.”

  • As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) I offer a safe and supportive approach to help you explore the underlying meaning of your concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relational wounding, trauma, loss of meaning in life, issues around spirituality and addictions.

    I also offer Jungian Psychoanalysis, which is a depth-oriented confrontation with the unconscious that focuses on the deeper questions of “Who Am I?” and “What is the Meaning of my Wounds and Suffering that will not seem to heal on their own?”

    As a certified Music-Centred Psychotherapist (MTA) with somatic training, I specialize in therapeutic moments when the words run out and we must instead bear witness together to that which lies beyond mere words.

    I work with adults, couples and families and part of my clinical practice also includes working with children and youth.

    • Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)

    • Jungian Psychoanalyst (CGJI-Zürich)

    • Music-Centred Psychotherapist (MTA)

    • PhD-equivalent post-graduate training in Analytical Psychology

    • Masters in Music-centred psychotherapy (MMT)

    • Clinical Supervisor (RCC-ACS)

    • Certificate training from the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) Aboriginal Health Program

    • Specialized training in Sexual Harm and Trauma-informed practice

    • Founding international workshop facilitator of Archetypal Music Psychotherapy (AMP)

Karolien Vandersmissen, MA, RCC

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

I look forward to connecting with individuals and couples who are navigating life’s challenges and want to create meaningful change. I offer a judgment-free environment in which clients feel welcome, safe and heard.

Issues rarely stand alone, but affect and are influenced by various other aspects of daily life, such as our physical wellbeing, relationships, work, environmental and societal factors. I favour a collaborative, holistic approach in which we jointly explore the challenges you are facing while incorporating and developing your inner strengths and resources and finding ways to increase your control. I am down-to-earth and cultivate emotional safety through authenticity, humour and directness.

My name – which is pronounced ‘Caroleen’ – refers to my Belgian heritage. In 2015, I moved from Belgium to Canada, to step away from the rat race and live with a closer connection to nature. I feel very lucky to call the West Shore my home. Feel free to call me Karo. I am looking forward to meeting you.

If you would like to get to know me a little before booking an appointment, I offer free 20-minute video or phone consultations, which give you the opportunity to see if I would be a good fit for you.

  • My practice is informed by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Being able to connect with others and offer support is what draws me to this field.

    I favour a strength-based approach that incorporates your inner resources as well as the ones surrounding you, such as nature, relationships and activities that fuel your mind, body and spirit.

    I take an open, non-judgmental and empathetic stance and foster a collaborative environment in which we work together to explore your issues and work towards your goals.

  • I provide counselling for youth (12+) and adults dealing with a variety of challenges and stressors, including life changes, symptoms of anxiety, depression, feelings of uncertainty, aimlessness and purposelessness. I also help couples navigate issues in their relationship by exploring more productive ways of communicating to help them strengthen their connection and commitment to each other.

    • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (Yorkville University)

    • Master in Communication Sciences (KU Leuven, Belgium)

    • Candidate in Social and Political Studies (KU Leuven, Belgium)

    • Completed Level 2 in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

    • Volunteer at Esquimalt Neighbourhood House

    • Former youth group leader

Lorilee Keller, MEd, RCC

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR AND REIKI PRACTITIONER

I love working with the mind-body connection, helping clients learn more about the ways in which past experiences and trauma can be held in their nervous systems and energetic bodies.

I am drawn towards intergenerational trauma or how pain and wounding may be carried by a parent and inherited by their children.  I believe trauma often shows up as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, numbness or feeling shut down as well as through patterns such as needing to be in control, perfectionism, self-criticism, people pleasing, difficulty with setting boundaries, and self expression. Regardless of the painful experiences that have brought you to seek support, I believe that somewhere inside you is the ability to access your “wise self,” or the part of you that desires healing and growth. Through my unique combination of clinical counselling, somatic therapy, and energy healing, I help my clients to shift deep-rooted patterns so they can feel more connected to themselves and others, less reactive and more able to slow down, be present, and take joy in the little things.  

I also have additional training in counselling and energy healing for reproductive mental health including infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and postpartum anxiety and depression as well as disordered eating and body image.

  • My holistic mind-body approach draws on mindfulness, visualization, somatic therapy, and breathwork as well as attachment-based therapy including internal family systems and inner child work. I also offer the unique option to integrate reiki energy healing with clinical counselling. Energy healing is founded on the belief that an energetic imprint happens when we interact with our environment and the people in it. The mind, body and spirit as well as our thoughts, feelings, and states of mind can all be understood as different forms of energy. Reiki helps my clients to clear energetic blocks held in the body including old wounds, traumas, fears, and limiting beliefs.

  • I offer counselling and reiki energy healing for:

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Infertility, pregnancy & postpartum, birth trauma

    • Life transitions

    • Parenting

    • Disordered eating and body image

    • Perfectionism

    • Setting healthy boundaries

    • Self-expression

    • Sexual trauma

    • Pelvic pain and menstrual symptoms

  • I am a registered clinical counsellor with a Master’s In Counselling Psychology from UBC.

    • Bachelor’s of Psychology (UBC) and Masters in Counselling Psychology (UBC)

    • Registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC with BCACC #15805)

    • Trained in Mindfulness Theory, Clinical Trauma Professional Training, Internal Family Systems, Intuitive Eating, Holistic Pelvic Care, and Reiki Energy Healing

Michele Walker, C.H.N.C, C.C.T

CERTIFIED METABOLIC BALANCE® COACH, CERTIFIED HOLISTIC NUTRITION & HEALTH COACH, REIKI MASTER & CERTIFIED (ADVANCED TECHNIQUES) CRYSTAL THERAPY PRACTITIONER

The core of my practice and passion for helping others began with a solid foundation of 23 years of service in the medical laboratory field and various other wellness and relationship focused roles throughout my career.

It’s important to trust and understand that you can indeed improve your well-being and small changes can add up to big shifts in our health and vitality. I believe in holding space for people while guiding and empowering them to become more informed about their health options, more involved in decisions made about their bodies and more capable of maintaining their own wellness

  • The human body holds an inspiring and profound ability to heal and convalesce when nurtured with the proper encouragement and support. My approach is to gently empower you to tune into your body’s wisdom of balance and wholeness while providing you with holistic and practical guidance to achieve and maintain wellness. By focusing on mind, body and spirit connection and alignment, we can enjoy a healthy and joyful life.

  • Holistic Nutrition Counselling

    Metabolic Balance® is an innovative, all natural, whole food-based nutrition and health program that helps to reset and re-balance your hormones and metabolism. The program consists of four Phases that include my Coaching and guidance to support you along the way. You will be given your very own unique food plan and program based on YOUR body needs scientifically created from 36 blood values, your personal health details, food likes and dislikes and your wellness goals. All of this information creates the basis of your individualized Metabolic Balance plan! As a result, the meal plan and the Coach guided program offers you support, security, and real prospects of success to help you achieve your personal goals when it comes to your metabolism, weight, and overall well-being. Prior to our consultation, I will send you intake and assessment forms to complete prior to our meeting. We can connect in person, by Zoom, telephone or by email. Let me know what works best for you.

    Crystal Therapy & Reiki Healing

    Crystal Therapy and Reiki are energy based modalities that work in synergy to aid the body to re-balance, facilitate the movement of stuck or stale energy, channel positive energy into your body and optimize your own natural healing ability and processes.Crystal and Reiki Therapy work within your subtle energy fields to restore balance and aid in overall healing and relaxation.

    During our consultation, we will discuss your current health state, health history, desired healing outcome and/or concerns to create a personal wellness plan for you.

    • Certified Metabolic Balance® Coach

    • Certified Holistic Nutrition & Health Coach (C.H.N.C) Diploma from NutraPhoria School of Holistic Nutrition.

    • Advanced Certified Crystal Therapy (Adv. C.C.T) Certification from International College of Energy Healing.

    • Reiki Master Certification from the International College of Energy Healing.

Niki Allard, RCH

REGISTERED CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST

Hypnotherapy draws from psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies.

We are constantly interpreting our experiences on two different processing levels.  We have our conscious, reflective, and deliberate processing.  Yet more importantly, we have our subconscious, automatic, emotion-driven processing.  This automatic processing level is primarily concerned with our safety; emotional, physical, and mental. It aims to keep us from uncomfortable and threatening situations. Given that our subconscious has something as fundamental as safety as its goal, most of our behaviour is motivated by this subconscious level.  

Through the mental trance state of hypnosis, we access and connect with our subconscious.  Hypnosis allows us to develop a tool for better understanding the deepest motivations for our behaviour. In turn, we can reshape and update self-views and worldviews that are no longer working in our favour.

I believe in investing in people. I consider it a privilege to be part of the journey in which people build self-awareness, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. I am humbled by the trust that my clients place in me.

  • My work as a hypnotherapist is the culmination of a love for philosophy, an interest in brain development, and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the society in which I live. I find hypnotherapy to be a dynamic, creative, and effective modality with which to work with people of all ages. My approach as a therapist is inspired by humanistic therapy, focussing on personal growth and the potential of all individuals.

    One of my personal core values is intention. Acting with intention requires stillness, connectedness, and curiosity. The qualities found in being intentional are also found in hypnotherapy.

  • All of my sessions are personalized and client-centred.

    Hypnotherapy with children:
    My philosophy when working with children is to “Play my way in”. Rapport is paramount in all therapeutic relationships and this is no exception when working with children. Children need to feel safe and trust both myself and the environment. I weave suggestive language, engaging movement, stories and art together to create a playful and positive experience for children.

    Hypnotherapy with Teens:
    Rapport is paramount in all therapeutic relationships and this is no exception when working with teens. Teens often feel unsure of their place in society as they transition from childhood to adulthood. This is a very fruitful time to explore the subconscious and the beliefs and messages that are being formed.

    Hypnotherapy with Adults:
    I am honoured to be a part of someone’s personal journey towards greater self awareness and personal growth. Once again, rapport is paramount in all therapeutic relationships. It is with a positive and trusting rapport, that change is possible. Regardless of your present obstacle (sleep, anxiety, relationships, addiction, emotional regulation, fears, etc.) hypnotherapy is a powerful and dynamic modality from which to gain self awareness and begin to positively move forward.

  • I am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at the University of Victoria.

    I was trained in Hypnotherapy at the Horizon Centre School of Hypnotherapy in Victoria, BC and am a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with CACHE (Canadian Association of Counselling Hypnotherapists and Educators)

    I am involved in learning opportunities through the Institute of Child Psychology in Leduc, AB

    I consider myself a lifelong learner through reading, lectures, workshops and active curiosity.

Dr. Rachel Eni, PhD., TCMP

TCM ACUPUNCTURIST

Dr. Rachel Eni is a registered acupuncturist with specialties in pregnancy and maternal health, health impacts of stroke and chronic illnesses, and pain management.

Rachel has been successfully diagnosing, treating and preventing illnesses successfully for more than 15 years.

Rachel graduated from TCM Acupuncture in 2014 and has since treated clients in Canada and Southeast Asia. Further, her treatment specialties include a line of gorgeous facial treatments, suitable for all ages and skin types. She coaches clients in lifestyle changes based on principles of health promotion and TCM exercise, nutrition and stress management. Fundamentally, her treatments are prepared to enable clients to sustain long-lasting health benefits.

  • My approach to acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and techniques for a holistic diagnosis and treatment. As a therapist, I am interested in the nuances of your particular health and dis-ease profile. I have been studying TCM extensively for several years and am of the belief that, as a medical practice, it can be health enhancing, as well as life changing. Whether I am treating physical, mental or spiritual aspects of your health, in the clinic, I am unconditionally present and attentive to your needs.

  • Initial Acupuncture $135.00

    Follow-up Acupuncture 95.00

    Special Treatments:

    Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture $140.00

    DermaPen Micro-needling Facial $320.00

    Extended health, ICBC, etc. accepted.

    • TCM Acupuncture Diploma 2014

    • Pregnancy and Childbirth Acupuncture Training 2015

    • PhD Community Health Sciences & Health Promotion 2005

    • MSc Family Social Sciences and Child Development 1998

What Our Clients Are Saying

  • Kathlyn is kind, personable and empathetic.

    Kathlyn has been our family’s counsellor for about 5 years now and she has seen us through some tough parenting years and marriage issues. Also, she has seen each one of our kids individually and helped them navigate some difficult teen times. Our older daughter has anxiety, and Kathlyn has aided her in understanding herself and has made her transition to adulthood smoother. Both our boys have ADHD/Executive Function Disorder. Her skills as a counsellor have been able to help both our boys have a better grasp of their challenges, and thus succeed in school and life. She understands all of us individually, and is able to help us all communicate together and keep harmony in our home.

    ~ TARA & CRAIG ~

  • Each session, I leave feeling relaxed, revied and happy.

    I have been receiving Reiki therapy sessions from Diana Johnson for awhile now. She is sincere, polite, experienced, capable and very approachable. I come to see her every 2 to 4 weeks and each session she helps to improve my health, so that I may have a better quality of life. Each session, I leave feeling relaxed, revived and happy. I always look forward to seeing her and receiving the best of care. I would highly recommend her as a Reiki Master and Healer.

    ~ COLLEEN WESTLAKE ~

  • Extremely healing and nurturing.

    Dorjee is a gifted, thoughtful, compassionate therapist. She has paid great attention to the massage space, the soft lighting, the ambience, very gentle quiet music; she also offers to change or stop the music if you so prefer. The massage space was very healing and inviting so I immediately felt welcomed and comfortable. Dorjee is extremely kind, and it is clear that her inner strength, training, and positive self regard inform every aspect of her therapy; her confidence combined with gentleness are very uplifting. At the outset of the massage she offers whispered guidance to help you relax body and mind. Her words are few and very well placed. Her hands seem to naturally go to places of held pain, tightness or trauma. I left the appointment feeling like I had released an ancient burden, and felt as light as a feather, my aching back muscles completely decompressed. I am very grateful to have had a massage with Dorjee.

    ~ MARIA ~

  • In Kathlyn I found a person I could trust to not judge

    I have been a registered psychiatric nurse for 30 years and received a traumatic injury. I have seen Kathlyn for almost a year now to assist with my recovery. I found on my first interaction that Kathyln was a genuine real person that was not only extremely well versed in her field of practice, but in my opinion, was way ahead of her field and also very respectful of my experience as a RPN. In Kathlyn I found a person I could trust to not judge and know that she would give 100% honest feedback at all times. Kathlyn is truly a warm caring person that works extremely hard to help unravel the wreckage of our past and present. I would recommend Kathlyn to anyone that I know, and I have done so. In my opinion Kathlyn is a Rock Star in her profession.

    ~ BRAD ~

READ ALL REVIEWS