Book your session
Find a registered clinical counsellor who gets it
(And will walk right beside you through the tough stuff)
And we don’t get to prepare for the aftermath—anxiety, stress, fear, negative self-talk, trauma response, arguments and conflict…
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.
Life is full of twists, turns and pit stops you could never have expected.
We can help you find freedom and relief from your overwhelming emotions, improve your relationships and live a fulfilling life.
I'M READY TO TALK
Our clinical counsellors specialize in:
It’s why we’re called Parallel Wellness.
You’re not alone in your journey. Our counsellors are here to support you, every step of the way.
8 community events held
Countless breakthroughs had
430K YouTube views
11,000 + hours of counselling delivered
2000 + clients served
Our BC Counsellors
Meet
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.
Women’s Mental Health
Trauma
Relationships
Infertility
High achievement and perfectionism
Disordered Eating
Couples Counselling
Anxiety
book with meredith
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Founder of Parallel Wellness
Dr. Meredith MacKenzie, PhD
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 and PhD 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:
Faith and Spirituality
Life Transitions
Career Guidance
Personal Growth
Relationships
Suicidality
Self-harm
Emotion Regulation
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
CJ brings warmth and open-handedness to each session, which helps clients feel safe, seen, and supported. Drawing from Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and the Gottman Method, and with over ten years of providing pastoral care for people of different ages and cultural backgrounds, CJ is committed to helping clients from all walks of life find clarity and experience healing.
When CJ is not serving clients, you’ll probably find her playing volleyball, leading worship at church, or at a local coffee shop.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Chantal Lui, MACP
book with CJ
Chantal Lui, who goes by CJ, has been with Parallel Wellness since 2025. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology degree from Yorkville University.
CJ specializes in adolescent mental health and well-being. She also works with young adults, adults, couples, and families. She can support clients in the following areas:
Relationship issues including breakups, infidelity, and family dynamics
Stress Management
Self-esteem and body issues
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.
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.
People Pleasing
Life Transitions
Identify Exploration
Grief and Loss
Emotional Regulation
Depression
Anxiety
ADHD
Registered clinical counsellor
Alexandra Pesa, MC
book with alexandra
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:
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
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).
Stress management and burnout prevention
Self-Worth
Relationship Issues
Couples Therapy
Anxiety and Mood Management
Registered Clinical Counsellor, EMDR Therapist
Ashley Greensmyth, MCP
book with ashley
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:
Stress and Burnout
Perfectionism
Highly Sensitive People
Identity Exploration
Depression
Self-Expression
Grief and Loss
Relationship Issues
Emotional Regulation
Anxiety
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
Canadian certified counsellor
Alleah Bowring, MCP
book with alleah
Alleah has been with Parallel Wellness since 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy degree from Adler University.
Alleah supports adults navigating anxiety, perfectionism, grief, and relationship challenges. She specializes in Art Therapy, which uses creative expression to access feelings and insights that may be difficult to put into words. Prior art experience isn’t necessary, the focus is on the process of creating and reflecting, not on the final product.
Whether you’re interested in traditional talk therapy or curious about trying Art Therapy, Alleah will meet you where you are. You can explore what feels most comfortable and supportive for you — no pressure, just a space to begin your healing process.
In addition to art-based exploration, Alleah integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based approach that helps clients build self-compassion and live more fully in alignment with their values. Her sessions are grounded in curiosity, authenticity, and a pace that feels safe and manageable for each person.
Alleah works with adults and can support clients in the following areas:
Eating Disorders and Body Image
Life Transitions and Burnout
Adolescent Mental Health
Self-esteem and Personal Growth
Relationship Concerns and Communication
Parenting and Family Transitions
Adoption and Identity
Grief and Loss
Anxiety and Stress
canadian certified Counsellor
Tammy Carpenter, MACP
book with TAMMY
Warm, thoughtful, and collaborative therapist offering a safe space to explore life’s challenges.
Tammy works with individuals and teens navigating anxiety, grief, parenthood, adoption, and major life transitions. She brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher, with a deep understanding of resilience, emotional development, and personal growth.
Tammy’s clients often describe her as easy to talk to, empathetic, and grounded. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, unseen in your relationships, or unsure of how to move forward, Tammy offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space to help you sort through what’s weighing on you.
Her approach blends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), supporting meaningful change while honouring each client’s pace and values.
Trauma
Stress management
Sexual abuse or assault
Self-esteem
Selective mutism
Personal development
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
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.
Parenting education
Emotional dysregulation
Early childhood mental health
Depression
Couples and relationship counselling
Child therapy
Career development
Anxiety
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Laura Palermo, MCP, RCC
book with laura
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 alejandra
Stress Management
Trauma
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
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.
Transitioning to Adulthood
Life Transition
Immigration
Family Dynamics
Disordered Eating
Depression
Body Image
Anxiety
provisional psychologist & Registered Clinical Counsellor
Dr. Alejandra Botia, MA, PhD
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 and PhD in Counselling Psychology from UBC.
Alejandra works with young adults, adults and people who have recently moved to Canada. She can support clients in the following areas:
Self-Esteem and Confidence Concerns
Relationship Challenges
Body Image
Depression
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Disordered Eating / Eating Disorders
Outside of the therapy room, you’ll often find Rachel outdoors, hiking in the mountains, at a live show or music festival, or spending time with friends and family. She turns to music as a way to connect, stay inspired, and spark creativity.
Masters-Level Counselling Intern (Reduced Rates)
Rachel Johnston
book with rachel
Rachel is a student counsellor completing her Master’s in Counselling Psychology. She works from a person-centered, relational lens and is passionate about creating a warm, supportive space where clients can feel seen and understood.
She supports clients in the following areas:
A quote that inspires Alyssa:
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
– Lewis Carroll
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.
Peer Relationship
Loss and Transition
Family Relationships
Childhood Healing
Anxiety and Mood Management
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Alyssa Gonzalez, MC
book with alyssa
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 Maggie
Maggie is interested in helping clients understand the connection between their emotional wellbeing and what they may be holding in the body. She aims to create a warm, supportive space where clients can slow down, feel safe, and explore their experiences without judgment. Maggie values openness and authenticity, and wants clients to feel accepted, understood, and supported in the therapy room.
Outside of counselling, Maggie has a background in design and brings creativity, warmth, and a grounded presence to her work with clients.
Relationship Challenges
Body Image
Eating Disorders / Disordered Eating
Women’s Health
Reproductive and Perinatal Mental Health
Anxiety
MASTERS-LEVEL COUNSELLING INTERN (Reduced Rates)
Maggie Place
Maggie is currently completing her Master’s in Counselling at City University. She is drawn to relational, client-centred work and is passionate about creating a warm, attuned space where clients feel safe to show up fully as themselves. Her approach is grounded in authenticity, curiosity, and the belief that meaningful change can happen through a strong therapeutic relationship.
Maggie supports clients in the following areas:
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.
Community
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.
Science-Based Practice
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.
Respect and Compassion
Core Values
Our
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.
You’re in the right place.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOW COST COUNSELLING
Looking for low cost counselling options?
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.
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We share our insights on common concerns we hear in our practice—from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and relationships.