Counselling & Wellness Support

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Meet Our Team of Registered Therapists, Counsellors

Professional portrait of Elnaz Bondar, a Registered Clinical Counsellor at René Health, smiling in a clinical office setting.
Elnaz Bondar

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.

Professional portrait of Susan Tavakol, MPCC and Registered Clinical Counsellor at René Health in Coquitlam.
Susan Tavakol

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

Professional portrait of Dr. Maryam Mousavi Nik, Registered Clinical Counsellor and UBC Visiting Associate Professor at René Health.
Maryam Mousavi Nik

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.”

Professional portrait of Celina Jensen, a Canadian Certified Counsellor at René Health who specializes in child therapy and EMDR.
Celina Jensen

Registered Clinical Counsellor

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor who specializes in supporting children and families through emotional, behavioural, and life challenges. In my work with children, I create a warm, playful, and safe therapeutic environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves, building emotional awareness, and developing healthy coping skills. Through play-based, sand tray, and developmentally appropriate approaches, I help children strengthen resilience, confidence, and connection with themselves and others.

My work with children is grounded in nearly two decades of experience in child protection with international aid organizations in conflict- and disaster-affected regions. In these roles, I supported children and families impacted by war, displacement, abuse, and loss. This experience shaped my understanding of attachment, early development, and the lasting impact of early life experiences on emotional and relational wellbeing.

While my work with children is grounded in play and relational connection, my work with adults focuses more on trauma processing, insight, and emotional regulation. I support adults experiencing trauma, stress, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and have advanced training in working with first responders and individuals exposed to high-stress environments.

My therapeutic approach is grounded, compassionate, and collaborative. With adults, I primarily draw from EMDR, Internal Family Systems (parts work), narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based practices. With children, I adapt these principles in age-appropriate ways through play, sand tray, creativity, and relational connection. When helpful, I also integrate somatic and creative elements.

In addition to my clinical training, I am certified in meditation and yoga instruction and have facilitated mindfulness programs in workplace settings. My personal experience as a parent and as a therapy client has deepened my appreciation for the courage it takes to seek support. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring local trails.

I strive to create a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. I view therapy as a collaborative process and work alongside clients and families to support meaningful and sustainable change.

Education and Certifications

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
  • Master of Arts in Conflict, Security and Development, King’s College London
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of British Columbia
  • Certificate in Creative Writing, University of British Columbia
  • Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC)
  • EMDR Trained, Advanced EMDR training with First Responders
  • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Level I
  • Certified Meditation and Yoga Instructor
Professional portrait of Wendy Blackshaw, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Art Therapist at René Health.
Wendy Blackshaw Humphrey

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.

 
Kirandeep Kaur
Kirandeep Kaur

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.

Book with Kirandeep

Your wellness, on your terms.
We provide personalized support for your mind and body, tailored to exactly where you are today.

Selecting the right therapist is a deeply personal decision that depends on your unique goals and the specific challenges you are facing. At René Health, our team offers a rare combination of clinical depth, medical backgrounds, and specialized research expertise to ensure you find a professional who truly resonates with your journey.

Here is how our diverse experts can support your specific needs:

  • For Deep Clinical & Medical Insight: If you are navigating complex mental health challenges, Susan Tavakol brings over 30 years of experience as a former psychiatrist and current Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). She specializes in evidence-based modalities like CBT, Schema Therapy, and ACT.

  • For Evidence-Based Transformation: Dr. Maryam Mousavi Nik leverages over 16 years of clinical research and practice. Her approach is deeply rooted in understanding the "why" behind human behavior, making her an excellent fit for those seeking structured, goal-oriented growth and lasting change.

  • For Crisis Support & Life Transitions: Elnaz Bondar specializes in helping clients navigate periods of intense crisis and life-altering transitions. Her focus is on helping individuals find clarity and inner peace when the world feels overwhelming.

  • For Trauma & First Responders: Celina Jensen offers nearly two decades of international experience in trauma processing and child protection. As an EMDR-trained therapist, she is a primary choice for first responders and those dealing with high-stress environments or PTSD.

  • For Children & Neurodiversity: Wendy Blackshaw (RCC and Art Therapist) and Celina Jensen both specialize in child and youth support. Wendy integrates art therapy and neurofeedback to support ADHD and Autism, while Celina utilizes play-based and sand tray therapy for emotional resilience.

Yes. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, you are often pre-approved for counselling sessions through ICBC. We provide direct billing, meaning we handle the paperwork and submissions for you so you can focus entirely on your recovery without upfront costs. Our trauma-informed experts, like Celina Jensen, are specifically trained in EMDR to help first responders and those exposed to high-stress events.

Children often don't have the words to express complex emotions. Celina Jensen uses a warm, play-based, and developmentally appropriate approach—including sand tray therapy—to help children build emotional awareness and resilience. Similarly, Wendy Blackshaw utilizes art therapy and emotional intelligence games to help children (ages 5-18) open up and develop better communication strategies.

For neurodiverse individuals, standard talk therapy isn't always enough. Wendy Blackshaw specializes in working with Autism and ADHD, using a combination of art therapy and neurofeedback brain training. This approach helps clients develop better emotional regulation, coping skills, and a healthier relationship with their unique way of thinking.

Individual sessions are tailored to your unique needs. Susan Tavakol utilizes a versatile toolkit including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Schema Therapy, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to help navigate PTSD, OCD, and anxiety. Our goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can gain clarity and reclaim your peace of mind.

Yes. We support couples and individuals facing relationship transitions or conflict. Our therapists, such as Celina Jensen, draw from narrative therapy and mindfulness-based practices to help partners improve emotional regulation and connection. We focus on building a safe environment where both parties feel heard and empowered to create sustainable change.

Absolutely. We specialize in helping families navigate challenges like loss, displacement, or behavioral issues. Celina Jensen’s background in international child protection allows her to support families impacted by high-stress environments, focusing on attachment and healthy relational wellbeing. Wendy Blackshaw also works as a Family Support Worker, providing interventions that help families grow together.

 

Anger is often a signal of deeper emotional distress. Wendy Blackshaw has extensive experience helping clients manage anger management and suicidal ideation through Solution-focused techniques and Positive Psychology. By identifying the root causes and developing new coping strategies, we help you regain control over your emotional responses.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based tool for processing trauma. Celina Jensen is EMDR-trained and has advanced experience working with individuals exposed to high-stress environments. It is highly effective for those dealing with PTSD, grief, and anxiety, helping the brain "reprocess" traumatic memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional pain.

Yes, we strive to make mental health care accessible to Coquitlam’s diverse population. For example, Susan Tavakol provides expert clinical counselling in both English and Farsi. This ensures that clients can express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable using while discussing complex emotional challenges.

When you are navigating an immediate crisis, it is important to work with someone who specializes in finding clarity amidst the chaos. At René Health, Elnaz Bondar focuses specifically on helping individuals manage periods of intense transition and crisis. Her holistic, Gestalt-oriented approach ensures that you aren't just treated for a single symptom, but supported as a whole person while you find your way back to a state of peace.

We have several experts dedicated to youth mental health. For families seeking a supportive environment for their children, Elnaz Bondar offers a safe space to address emotional challenges and behavioral shifts. Her approach is grounded in creating a non-judgmental atmosphere where children feel truly heard, helping them navigate their growth with confidence.