Registered Clinical Counsellor
Hello, I’m Elnaz Bondar. With a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University, I have dedicated my career to helping people find clarity and peace. Whether you are navigating a crisis, managing ADHD, or working through anxiety and depression, I am here to offer a safe, confidential space where you can be truly heard.
I take a holistic approach to therapy. While I am Gestalt-oriented—focusing on you as a whole person—I also tailor my methods to fit your unique needs, drawing on CBT, mindfulness, and other proven therapies. I work with individuals, couples, and children to build better communication, resolve conflict, and foster self-awareness. I offer sessions in both English and Farsi, and I look forward to walking this journey of change with you.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Susan Tavakol, a distinguished Clinical Counsellor, who will be offering her full range of services at our clinic. Susan Tavakol brings with her an extensive background in the field of clinical counselling, psychotherapy, and psychiatry, spanning over 30 years. Her experience encompasses both private practice and hospital-based settings, solidifying her as a trusted and accomplished practitioner in her field. Susan’s journey in mental health care began when she graduated from Medical School in Iran in 1987 Following this, she completed her residency in Psychiatry in 1996, achieving the highest rank on the national psychiatric board exam that year. This early success paved the way for a remarkable career dedicated to helping patients overcome a wide array of challenges, including depression, anxiety disorders (PTSD, OCD, panic disorder, phobia), personality disorders,bipolar, and psychosis.Her exceptional expertise extends to building strong therapeutic rapport, conducting comprehensive assessments and employing various methods of psychotherapy. Susan’s toolkit includes cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, educational, supportive and insight-oriented psychotherapy, schema therapy, ACT, and couple’s counselling, among others.She is also trained in Exposure Therapy and CBT ensuring a versatile approach to each Individual’s unique needs. Furthermore, Susan was an assistant professor of Psychiatry at Tehran Azad University, and she remains a registered Member of the Iranian Psychiatric Association in Iran. In Canada, she holds the distinguished titles of a registered professional Counsellor (RPC) and a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (MPCC) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.
Susan Tavakol is not only fluent in English but also in Farsi, offering her services in both languages. Additionally, she offers the flexibility of in-person or virtual sessions, ensuring that patients have the option that best suits their comfort and convenience. We are confident that Susan’s wealth of experience and compassionate approach will be an invaluable asset to our clinic and to your individual journeys towards improved mental health.Her commitment to empowering individuals aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide
comprehensive and holistic care
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Dr. Maryam Mousavi Nik is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 16 years of
professional experience in psychotherapy, academic research, and teaching. She is
currently visiting associate professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a
faculty member and former department head at leading academic institutions.
She holds licensure from the Psychological Association of Iran (PCOIRAN), and is a
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
(BCACC). Dr. Mousavi Nik is also an editorial reviewer for several international
academic journals.
She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, OCD,
phobias, panic attacks, substance use disorders, as well as providing premarital
counseling, couples therapy, and support for life transitions such as immigration and
grief. Her integrative therapeutic approach draws from evidence-based models including
CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, REBT, EFT, and the Gottman Method.
Dr. Mousavi Nik has authored multiple books in both English and Persian, including
Psychological Intervention in Infertility: A Comprehensive Handbook for Psychologists.
She has presented more than 50 academic papers in national and international
conferences and has contributed to various clinical and social research projects.
Her clinical philosophy centers on not just symptom relief, but meaningful
transformation—rebuilding inner resilience, improving relational dynamics, and
cultivating personal growth.
In her own words: “Therapy is not a space for judgment—it’s a space for discovery. I
walk alongside my clients as they unfold their experiences, understand their emotions,
and move toward lasting emotional balance.”
Registered Clinical Counsellor
My passion for empowering clients to help them realise their self-improvement goals has been the driving force behind my work as a counsellor and art therapist. As part of my art therapy practical experience, I provided art therapy sessions at a women’s centre, for foster children undergoing assessment, for youth offenders, and ran a summer art therapy group for women with mental health and substance use issues. I have also volunteered on the crisis line dealing with mental health emergencies. I did my undergrad in Elementary Education at the University of Victoria, and then studied Art and Psychology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for several years. This led to getting a graduate diploma program at the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute and pursuing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University, then becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BCACC. During my Master’s practicum, I worked with adults with a wide range of relationship and mental health issues, including depression, grief and loss, anxiety, anger management, suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and borderline personality disorder. I utilised modalities such as Client-centred, Strengths-based, Positive Psychology, and Solution-focused techniques, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. For the past 4 years at Pivot Point Family Growth Centre, I have worked as a Family Support Worker, Educational Behavioural Interventionist in the Community Classroom, a Complex Care worker with indigenous foster children/youth, and a Summer Camp Group Activity Leader, in addition to my work as a Counsellor and Neurofeedback brain trainer. Although the majority of my clients have been 5-18 years old, I have worked with adult clients as well. While Autism and neurodiversity were the focus of services delivered by Pivot Point, many of my counselling clients were also dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, OCD, ADD/ADHD, gender dysphoria and identity, or life transitions. When working with children, I have found art therapy and the use of emotional intelligence, social and communication skills games, and bibliotherapy highly effective in allowing them to open up and develop emotional regulation and better coping skills and communication strategies.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Psychology professional with over 5 years of experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy across clinical, community mental health, rehabilitation, and forensic settings. I work with individuals across all age groups experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, OCD, addiction, trauma-related concerns, relationship difficulties, and concussion-related challenges. My clinical approach is integrative and evidence-based, drawing from CBT, DBT skills, SFBT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness-based interventions, trauma-informed care, and person-centred therapy. I currently provide counselling across multiple settings, including Lifeworks, Moving Forward Families Services, Surrey Pretrial Services Centre (PHSA), and Back in Motion, with a focus on rehabilitation, concurrent disorders, and structured psychological support. I am also a Professional Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and am currently pursuing doctoral research on the psychosocial dynamics of cyberbullying in adolescents. My approach is compassionate, structured, and client-centred, focusing on resilience, emotional insight, and meaningful long-term change.
