I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold an undergraduate degree in Child and Youth Counselling and a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. I have been working with children, youth and families for the past 10 years and provide counselling based on their individual and specific needs from a trauma-informed lens.

I recognize that each client is unique and individual, and therefore I draw from a wide range of counselling modalities depending on the needs and requirements of my clients. These include Play Therapy, Expressive Arts, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT), Adlerian STEP Parenting and Attachment-Based approaches.

I believe in providing emotional support and practical tools to process experiences and strengthen and deepen bonds.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold an ... Read More

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My name is Dana (she/her) and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is passionate about working with young people and their families. I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University and I am registered with the BCACC. My goal is to use my experience, creativity and warm energy to create an enriching and healing space for young people.

My approach to working with children and their families comes from my extensive background working in schools and clinical settings in one-on-one support roles while consulting with parents. I use a combination of play therapy, expressive art therapy and cognitive behavioral therapies in the counselling room. This includes Synergetic Play Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Sandtray Therapy.

Using an attachment-based approach allows me to connect with clients and learn more about the needs of the child and their family by building trust and establishing safety. Collaborating with families this way leads to a deeper understanding of their child’s needs and provides skills for caregivers in this process.

Dana Begg works with our youngest clients under the age of 10 years old and is part of our specialized early childhood mental health team.

My name is Dana (she/her) and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is passionate about workin... Read More

I am a compassionate and experienced therapist specializing in relationships, childhood dynamics, emotional regulation and parenting support for over 26 years. I have earned two degrees from Simon Fraser University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Southern California. I am a professional and certified member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and have offered clinical supervision to Master’s level students as I feel it is important for me to give back to the vocation that has provided me with endless opportunities.

With a deep understanding of how early experiences shape our adult lives and our approaches to parenting, I help individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges, improve communication, and build stronger, healthier connections.

Drawing on evidence-based approaches such as attachment theory, family systems, and mindfulness practices, I establish and maintain a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their past, process barriers, resolve struggles, and cultivate fulfilling relationships. Whether you’re working through childhood trauma, navigating parenting struggles, or seeking to strengthen your partnership, together we will explore practical tools and insight to empower you on your journey toward growth and resilience.

I am passionate about helping clients break generational patterns and create a foundation of love, respect, and understanding for themselves, their children and their families.

I look forward to meeting you.

I am a compassionate and experienced therapist specializing in relationships, childhood dynamics,... Read More

Frustration often comes from not having the tools to parent a child that is struggling. A crisis is often the catalyst to seeking help. The decision to reach out for help often comes with apprehension, and fear of not knowing how counselling works. You will learn, grow and become stronger as a family through therapy. Your child will develop life long coping skills and your family will thrive and build lasting relationships.

I hold an undergraduate degree in psychology, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Social Work. I have a strong background in mental health, and speciality training in treating children with anxiety, selective mutism, OCD and behavioural issues. Im also trained in family therapy and work closely with family lawyers and parenting co-ordinators in the community to strengthen family functioning.

Along side my role as the Clinical Director at Bright Star I supervise graduate level social workers and clinical counsellors, and run our Parent Child Interactive Therapy Program.

Frustration often comes from not having the tools to parent a child that is struggling. A crisis ... Read More

ON MATERNITY LEAVE MARCH 2025

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ON MATERNITY LEAVE MARCH 2025

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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and have over 10 years of experience providing therapy for young people and their families. I hold an Undergraduate degree in Psychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health and a Master’s degree in Counselling. I am trained in a number of modalities, including; play therapy, family therapy, parent education, parent psychotherapy, attachment-based therapies and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). All therapy I conduct is based on attachment principles and are trauma-informed.

I have helped children ages 0-18 and their families navigate anxiety, low mood, frustration and aggression, attention difficulties, opposition and non-compliance, peer conflict, learning challenges and a number of other issues that can come up for young people. I have worked in a number of youth settings, including outreach, youth custody, residential complex care and am currently working as a Child and Youth Mental Health Clinician in the Public Health Sector. As a parent of 3 young children, I understand the overwhelm that can come with raising kids, which is also how I’ve come to trust which strategies/concepts are effective in creating positive change in the home.

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I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and have over 10 years of experience providing therapy for ... Read More

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It can be difficult to know where to start when seeking support for your child. As caregivers, you may recognize specific challenges your child faces—such as academic pressures, family transitions, or grief—or feel unsure of the cause, as behaviors seem to arise unexpectedly. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 15 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families. I hold a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Education in Gifted and Special Education, and a Master of Counselling. I am also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor specializing in child-centered theory, which is the foundation of my therapeutic approach. Child-centered play therapy forms the core of my work. This approach is grounded in the belief that children have the inner strength to heal and grow when provided with a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment. My strength is helping parents understand their child’s behavior from a compassionate perspective, enhancing their empathy, and building a stronger parent-child relationship. I work closely with parents to provide guidance, practical strategies, and unwavering support throughout the therapeutic journey. In addition to child-centered play therapy, I integrate sand tray therapy and child-parent relationship training when suitable, tailoring my approach to meet each family’s unique needs. I have supported children aged 0–18 and their families through challenges such as anxiety, low mood, emotional dysregulation, attention difficulties, opposition, peer conflict, and learning challenges. My strength is helping parents better understand their child’s experiences and behaviors, enhancing their empathy, and deepening the parent-child connection. By fostering this understanding, I empower parents to create nurturing spaces for their children to thrive. Beyond my professional practice, I am an aunt to nine nieces and nephews, which has deepened my understanding of the joys and challenges of supporting children. My personal experiences fuel my passion for helping families foster meaningful connections and create positive changes.  Sand tray Therapy  Child-Parent Relationship Training  Individual and Group Play Therapy

It can be difficult to know where to start when seeking support for your child. As caregivers, yo... Read More

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I have 18 years of experience working with children and youth; included in that is 15 years working for the New Westminster School Board as a Child Care Worker assisting children in elementary schools. As a Child Care Worker, I support children in areas of crisis intervention, conflict resolution, outreach, individual, group and parenting/family support with the overall goal of creating a positive social climate at school. Additionally, my family counselling experience includes supporting challenging behaviours and/or mental health conditions such as conduct disorders, ADHD, depression, FASD, CDBC, OCD, autism, aggression, trauma, violence, withdrawal, and anxiety.

I completed my final year of clinical training at Bright Star, and currently accepting new children and families at the clinic. I’m a mother of two daughters. I am passionate in supporting children and youth to be the best that they can be, and offer a safe, non-judgmental, and down to earth approach.

I have 18 years of experience working with children and youth; included in that is 15 years worki... Read More

A paediatric Occupational Therapist works with children to improve their participation and independence in childhood occupations. These occupations are the day to day skills such as getting dressed, playing, holding a pencil, or emotional regulation skills that children require to participate at home, school, and in the community.

As a Registered Occupational Therapist, my job is to help develop solutions to support a child and their family to achieve their unique goals. I have over 15 years of experience working with children aged 2.5 years to 18 years old with varying diagnoses in both the school and home settings. I have vast experience with the preschool and kindergarten aged population along with medically complex children with augmentative communication and assistive technology needs.

I am passionate about supporting children to reach their full potential and collaborating with the adults that support them. I take a strengths based and holistic approach to children and their families.

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Outside of the clinic, I am a mom to 2 small children and love exploring the outdoors.

A paediatric Occupational Therapist works with children to improve their participation and indepe... Read More

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I believe that life has a way of challenging all of us with difficulty, loss and change and that healing is a collaborative journey that needs honest caring without judgement. I bring an attachment-based, strength-based and client-centered approach to my counselling practice. I strive for genuine connection with children and youth and use narrative, cognitive, behavioural and somatic approaches as the foundation of my work. I have a passion for working with children in a nonjudgmental way, while helping them journey their unique path. I support my clients to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and communicate effectively about their issues and needs. Through this active, collaborative therapeutic process children and their families reclaim balance, hope and mental health. I am a Board Certified Social Worker (RSW) have a Master’s degree in social work (MSW) along with additional clinical training with a concentration in Mental Health. I have also completed numerous post graduate courses specializing in attachment, parent, teen, and child relationships, anxiety, OCD, and trauma. (TF-CBT). I have been working as a Child and Family Therapist at Child and Youth Mental Health, where I specialized in working with children and teens struggling with Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Trauma Related Symptoms, and OCD. I have over 10 years of experience providing counselling to children, youth, young adults, and their families. My main areas of practice are in Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Selective Mutism, Depression, Self-Harm and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I am thrilled to be walking alongside children and youth in their journey to find growth and healing at Bright Star Counselling.

I believe that life has a way of challenging all of us with difficulty, loss and change and that ... Read More

Angela Torres-Wong is a Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in working with children and preteens (ages 12 and under). She uses art therapy and play therapy to help children dealing with trauma, anxiety, and other emotional concerns. Angela also integrates skill-building strategies to support neurodiverse children with developmental and behavioural challenges. Her approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally-sensitive, empowering both children and their families.

Angela Torres-Wong is a Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in working with children and ... Read More

While childhood is a time filled with new experiences, wonder, and development, it also comes with many challenges and a variety of emotions which can sometimes be difficult to manage. Through providing a safe, friendly environment for your child to process experiences and grow, I use empirically supported models of therapy to assist in their journey. I use a trauma-informed lens to provide support involving empowerment and choice for children, youth and families.

I hold a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counselling. I have spent the past decade working with children and youth, as well as their caregivers in a variety of settings, including residential programs, caregiver support, crisis intervention, play therapy with children, and therapy with youth.

While childhood is a time filled with new experiences, wonder, and development, it also comes wit... Read More

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Youth face a lot of challenges in our world today. Not only are they struggling with who they are and how they fit into the world, but the pressures of being a teen with homework, social influences, expectations from family, sports, school, and what the future holds can lead to added stress and unhealthy coping tools.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Clinical Counselling.

I have a rich background of working with youth for the past 20 years in the school system as a Child and Youth Worker, as a Street Youth Worker in the DTES, and as a Substance Use Counsellor. I have supported teens struggling with anxiety, OCD, self-harm, depression, grief, substance use, gender identity and LGBTQ+2S, and children and families who have experienced intergenerational/systemic trauma.

I work from a healing-centred approach, with the belief that those who have experienced trauma are agents in the creation of their own well-being. My therapeutic approach is grounded in developing a warm and safe relationship with youth clients to create opportunities for connection and validation.

I have experience with a range of counselling modalities and follow the lead of clients to determine what works best for them. As a client-centred therapist, counselling sessions can include DBT, Narrative, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused approaches.

By creating a safe and non-judgmental space where teens can talk, my hope is for them to have dedicated time to share and work through the “hard stuff” together. Collaboratively, we can explore solutions and tools so ultimately, they don’t feel alone and overwhelmed.

Youth face a lot of challenges in our world today. Not only are they struggling with who they are... Read More