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

Hello, I am Susan Tavakol. With over 30 years of experience in mental health care, I bring a deep medical understanding to the counseling room. My journey began in 1987 as a medical doctor and later as a psychiatrist in Iran, where I achieved top ranking on the national board. Today, as a Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling (MPCC) in Canada, I blend that clinical expertise with a compassionate, human-centered approach.

I specialize in helping individuals navigate complex challenges, including PTSD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, and anxiety. Because of my background, I am comfortable walking with you through the heavy moments of life. I use a versatile toolkit—including CBT, Schema Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—to help you find clarity. Whether we meet in person or virtually, in English or Farsi, my goal is to empower you to reclaim your peace of mind

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

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Hello, I am Dr. Maryam Mousavi Nik. For over 16 years, I have worked at the intersection of academic research and clinical therapy, helping clients move beyond just symptom relief toward true personal transformation. Currently, I serve as a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

I believe therapy isn’t just about ‘fixing’ what is wrong; it is about rebuilding your resilience and discovering who you are meant to be. I specialize in complex challenges such as trauma, personality disorders, and OCD, as well as supporting couples through conflict and life transitions like immigration or grief.

My approach is deeply integrative. I draw from evidence-based models like CBT, Schema Therapy, and the Gottman Method to create a plan that fits you. As I often tell my clients: ‘Therapy is not a space for judgment—it’s a space for discovery.’ I look forward to walking alongside you as you find your 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

Hi, I’m Celina. With nearly 20 years of experience in global child protection and advanced training in EMDR, I help both children and adults navigate life’s heaviest chapters. Whether I’m using play and sand tray therapy to help a child build resilience or using trauma-informed tools like IFS and EMDR to help an adult find emotional regulation, my approach is always compassionate and collaborative. I’m here to provide a safe, respectful space where you or your family can find the path to meaningful, sustainable change.

Professional portrait of Wendy Blackshaw, Registered Clinical Counsellor and Art Therapist at René Health.
Wendy Blackshaw Humphrey

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Hi, I’m Wendy. I believe that true healing begins when clinical expertise meets creative expression. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Art Therapist, my passion is empowering you to reach your self-improvement goals through a personalized, strengths-based approach.

Whether I am helping a child with neurodiversity develop emotional regulation through social skills games or supporting an adult through the complexities of anxiety or grief, I draw from a wide range of tools—including CBT, mindfulness, and neurofeedback. My goal is to offer a safe, compassionate space where you can build better coping strategies and discover a deeper understanding of yourself.

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.

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