(And will walk right beside you through the tough stuff)
Find a registered clinical counsellor who gets it
Book your session
Life is full of twists, turns and pit stops you could never have expected.
Maybe you don’t recognize the person you love—or the person you’ve become.
Maybe your fears are keeping you from enjoying life. Feeling good in your clothes, socializing with friends, or trying new hobbies.
Maybe you don’t know how to understand and cope with your heavy emotions or experiences.
If life’s feeling extra hard these days—one of our qualified mental health professionals can help.
And we don’t get to prepare for the aftermath—anxiety, stress, fear, negative self-talk, trauma response, arguments and conflict…
You’re not alone in your journey. Our counsellors are here to support you, every step of the way.
It’s why we’re called Parallel Wellness.
Anxiety and Depression
Our clinical counsellors specialize in:
Disordered Eating
Emotion Focused Family Therapy
Gottman Couples Therapy
Individual and Adult Therapy
Low Cost Counselling
I'M READY TO TALK
We can help you find freedom and relief from your overwhelming emotions, improve your relationships and live a fulfilling life.
2000 + clients served
11,000 + hours of counselling delivered
430K YouTube views
Countless breakthroughs had
8 community events held
Meet
Our BC Counsellors
Meredith founded Parallel Wellness in 2012 as a solo counsellor and now runs a thriving practice dedicated to helping her neighbours live fulfilling and peaceful lives. She has a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and is currently a PhD candidate in Counselling Psychology.
Meredith specializes in eating disorder therapy and is the founder of the One Body to Love program for women who struggle with binge eating. She also serves clients in the following areas:
Meredith MacKenzie, MA
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Founder of Parallel Wellness
book with meredith
Anxiety
Couples Counselling
Disordered Eating
High achievement and perfectionism
Infertility
Relationships
Trauma
Women’s Mental Health
Meredith strongly believes in the healing power of the human-to-human connection and strives to help others explore themselves and live authentic lives. She brings radical acceptance to her practice to ensure her clients feel safe, seen and understood.
Renu is an experienced counsellor with 10 years of experience.
She is most passionate about guiding clients through relationship issues, whether it be relationships with others, the world, or life purpose. She can help with the following:
book with renu
Renu Parmar, MC
Psychotherapist/Registered Clinical Counsellor/ somatic therapist
Having repetitive issues come up with your partner, family, friends, or any other relationships
Somatic therapy:
Includes working with the brain and body to heal unconscious wounds that keep us locked in negative patterns, bringing us straight to the root of the problem.
Our traumas and wounds directly affect how we interact with the issues that come up, as we cope with daily life. It can leave us feeling alone with a personal story that keeps us trapped and powerless. Renu can support you in safely engaging with these wounds so that they can be expressed and released to give way to a new story. The result is to feel more resilient, whole, and embodied.
Therapy is deeply compassion-focused and cultivating safety is important, so that we can go into the sensitive parts of self that are hidden in a non-judgemental space. Renu has a very direct approach so that clients can experience results quickly. She is also a meditation teacher, Reiki Master, and published writer with a background in the creative arts.
Infidelity
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Attachment Issues
Low Self-Esteem / Insecurity
Eating Disorders / Body Image
Searching for Purpose or Meaning
Feeling Stuck, Unmotivated or Helpless
Feeling Alone or Abandoned by Others
Having Difficulty Being Close to Others
Alexandra has been with Parallel Wellness since 2023. She works with a diverse range of clients, from teens and university students to families, adults, and individuals going through big life transitions.
Alexandra has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Simon Fraser University. She received her master’s degree in Counselling from City University of Seattle.
Alexandra can support clients in the following areas:
book with alexandra
Alexandra Pesa
Registered clinical counsellor
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Grief and Loss
Identify Exploration
Life Transitions
People Pleasing
Alexandra’s goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their inner worlds, discover the connections between the mind, body, and soul, and find their unique path toward growth and fulfillment.
As a young therapist, she brings a fresh outlook and an inherent understanding of the contemporary challenges younger generations encounter in today’s fast-paced world.
When Alexandra is not serving clients, you might find her jamming to Taylor Swift, trying a new local restaurant, or at the gym.
A quote that inspires Alexandra:
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.
Self-esteem and body issues
Stress Management
Relationship issues including breakups, infidelity, and family dynamics
Alyssa has been with Parallel Wellness since 2022. She has a master’s degree in Counselling from the City University of Seattle.
Alyssa enjoys working with teens 13+ years of age and adults.
She supports clients in the following areas:
book with alyssa
Alyssa Gonzalez, MC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety and Mood Management
Childhood Healing
Family Relationships
Loss and Transition
Peer Relationship
Alyssa encourages her clients to come as they are. She enjoys helping others get to know their inner systems so they can have more self-compassion and self-awareness. After working with Alyssa, clients can expect to walk away with clarity, healing, and increased self-confidence.
When she’s not serving clients, you might find Alyssa curled up with a good book and a cup of peppermint tea.
A quote that inspires Alyssa:
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
– Lewis Carroll
Hazyl specializes in Eating Disorder Therapy and is passionate about supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and mental wellness. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University.
She supports clients in the following areas:
book with HAZYL
Hazyl Jonas, MCP
Hazyl's approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and collaboration. In her work with clients she combines cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based techniques. Hazyl's goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can feel valued, accepted, and empowered.
Hazyl is dedicated to helping clients uncover their strengths, challenge diet culture narrative, and develop strategies to not only overcome their challenges but to also thrive in life.
When Hazyl is not serving clients you can find her enjoying a chai latté, with one of her cats in her lap, and probably indulging in reality TV or a classic rom-com. She loves connecting with others over shared interests and is always up for a good chat about the latest in pop culture or a heartfelt discussion about life’s ups and downs.
When Hazyl is not serving clients you can find her enjoying a chai latté, with one of her cats in her lap, and probably indulging in reality TV or a classic rom-com.
She loves connecting with others over shared interests and is always up for a good chat about the latest in pop culture or a heartfelt discussion about life’s ups and downs.
REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR
Eating disorders
Disordered and emotional eating patterns
Body image concerns
Low self-esteem & self-worth
Emotional regulation
Depression
Anxiety
Grief and loss
Stress management
Perfectionism
Alleah has been with Parallel Wellness since 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master’s of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy degree from Adler University.
Alleah specializes in Art Therapy that uses art to facilitate communication, insight, and self expression. Having prior art experience is not necessary because the focus in session is on the process of creating art and exploring what comes up, rather than on the final art product.
Other modalities called upon during sessions include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a branch of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, that uses mindfulness to help support clients in living a meaningful life in line with their values.
Alleah works with adults and can support clients in the following areas:
book with alleah
Alleah Bowring, MCP: AT
PreRegistered Clinical counsellor / Art Therapist
Emotional - Regulation
Grounding
Mindfulness
Relaxation
Self - Expression
Stress Management
Her goal is to offer a welcoming and accepting space in which sessions flow at the client’s pace and that encourage clients to be more present and engaged in their lives.
When she’s not serving clients, you might find Alleah at a local pottery class, rock climbing, or camping in the great outdoors
Self - Compassion
Anxiety
Relationships
Ashley has been with Parallel Wellness since 2018 and works mainly with millennials, helping them undo inter-generational trauma.
She supports clients in the following areas:
book with ashley
Ashley Greensmyth, MCP
Registered Clinical Counsellor, EMDR Therapist
Anxiety and Mood Management
Couples Therapy
Relationship Issues
Self-Worth
Stress management and burnout prevention
Ashley’s goal is to help you feel a sense of belonging and worthiness, clarify your priorities, and experience stable and fulfilling relationships. She helps her clients develop more self-awareness, emotional intelligence and maturity, relationship skills, and relaxation.
Ashley received her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is certified in EMDR Basic Training, Lifespan Integration 1, Gottman Level 1, Gottman Seven Principles for Couples Leader (AA & BA with Major in Psychology).
When she’s not serving clients, you can find Ashley cuddling her cats, reading her Kindle, and spending time with her loved ones.
When she’s not serving clients, you can find Ashley cuddling her cats, reading her Kindle, and spending time with her loved ones.
A quote that inspires Ashley:
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, and embracing who we are.” - Brené Brown
Laura has been with Parallel Wellness since 2020. In her practice, she works with children, adults, couples, families, groups, and agencies.
Laura received her bachelor’s in Psychology from SFU and her master’s of Counselling Psychology from Adler University.
Laura can support clients with:
book with laura
Laura Palermo, MCP, RCC
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety
Career development
Child therapy
Couples and relationship counselling
Depression
Early childhood mental health
Emotional dysregulation
Parenting education
Laura prides herself on creating a safe space that is genuine, kind, and non-judgmental. She works with her clients to experience movement towards their personal goals and general wellness.
When Laura is not working with clients, you might find her reading her favourite book, doing a puzzle or painting, or taking a long walk outside.
A quote that inspires Laura:
“Worthy now. Not if. Not when. We are worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.” -Brené Brown
Personal development
Selective mutism
Self-esteem
Sexual abuse or assault
Stress management
Trauma
Alejandra has been with Parallel Wellness since 2018 and has over a decade of experience in the mental health field.
Alejandra has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC. She is currently a PhD candidate in Counselling Psychology.
Alejandra works with young adults, adults and people who have recently moved to Canada. She can support clients in the following areas:
Alejandra Botia, MA
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Anxiety
Body Image
Depression
Disordered Eating
Family Dynamics
Immigration
Life Transition
Transitioning to Adulthood
Alejandra believes in the power of being seen, heard and validated in a safe place. She aims to provide an environment that inspires her clients to get curious, find new ways of showing up in their lives and move towards hope, meaning and fulfillment.
When she is not serving clients, you might find Alejandra walking along the water, reading in a cozy coffee shop, or travelling.
A quote that inspires Alejandra:
"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears" - Nelson Mandela
Trauma
Stress Management
book with alejandra
Our
Core Values
Respect and Compassion
We’re all human. We all ask questions. We all get lost. We all make mistakes. We’re here to listen without judgment, support you as you walk through this stage of life and make a plan to move forward.
Science-Based Practice
Our counsellors are all trained in gold-standard therapeutic modalities—and our practice is committed to continual learning so we can provide the best care possible.
Community
Parallel Wellness was founded on a desire to be here for our neighbours. Because we’re all in this together. Our number one priority is to serve our community, whether that be through our private practice or free community events.
You’re in the right place.
Our counsellors are committed to treating you like a real human being. There are endless possibilities for growth and peace waiting for you.
We’ll encourage you to do the hard things—and we’ll be right by your side. It’s going to be challenging, but it’s going to be worth it. Because you’re worth it.
We're here for you
We believe professional counselling should be available to anyone who needs support. If you’re worried about the price of therapy and need a safe place to speak freely and receive support, we invite you to learn more about our low cost counselling options.
Looking for low cost counselling options?
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOW COST COUNSELLING
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE
See our clinical counsellors in action and learn how we can support you
We share our insights on common concerns we hear in our practice—from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and relationships.
