angel huang
(she/her) Angel will be working at Ciel until August 2025.
Hello, my name is Angel (she/her). I migrated from Taiwan at the age of nine and I became a first-generation settler in this beautiful land, the unceded and traditional territory of Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations.
Questions around identity and meaning-making have always been a significant part of my life and my personal journey with therapy. In a world that feels complex and overwhelming, it can be easy to feel disconnected from yourself, others, and the greater community. I hope to create a safer space for exploration and healing outside of the busy-ness of life. As a counsellor, I strive to show up in our sessions with curiosity and authenticity; I invite you to do the same.
In my work with others, I draw from person-centred, somatic, and strength-based therapies. This means that I focus on building strong relational rapport, drawing wisdom through our bodily awareness, while acknowledging the innate strength in ourselves. Acknowledging the impact our culture, society, and systems have upon our unique and communal experiences will be significant in our work together.
In my previous life, I have been a baker, a community engager in Vancouver's downtown eastside, a high school education assistant, and a student in Asian Culture Studies. Amongst many things, I love being creative with food, spending time with loved ones, biking in the mountains, rock climbing, and taking care of my plants.
rachel vanstone
(she/her) Rachel will be working at Ciel until March 2025.
Hi! I am Rachel (she/her), a second-generation uninvited settler living on the unceded traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, descended from Russian and German ancestry.
My approach is rooted in narrative therapy practices, mindfulness, and social justice therapies that are strength-based and anti-oppressive. My personal therapeutic journey began with experiences of depression, anxiety and ADHD starting at a very young age. As an adult, my own mental health journey has encouraged me to offer support and validate others with an emotion-focused understanding of healing. I aim to create an anti-oppressive and non-judgemental space for your counselling goals.
The intersectional nature of people's identities is important in the counselling space. I perceive that folks’ personal experiences, trauma, culture, social and systemic justice, and relationships all impact ways we define our lives, others, and ourselves. I believe that our personal narratives can be influenced, created, and supported by forces and systems that may be outside our personal control. My intention is to create a safe and non-judgemental space to explore these experiences, patterns, and relationships to better understand narratives within your life and relationships with others, self, and the world. Working collaboratively, we can find ways to dismantle patterns and heal from experiences to build an empowered and compassionate view of self.
After my experience working in education in the Downtown Eastside, I am in pursuit of ways to further support people through a Master of Counselling Psychology degree. In my spare time, I enjoy creating art, reading, playing sports like tennis and golf, and camping.
christina cassels
(she/her) Christina will be working at Ciel until August 2025.
Hi! My name is Christina (she/her). I am passionate about supporting others and think there is no greater privilege than hearing people's stories and uncovering their innate strengths. I embrace a person-centered approach and believe in the intrinsic worth and potential of every individual. I am passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships and empowering clients to explore their own solutions, and facilitating personal transformation through genuine and empathetic support. Whether you're navigating a specific challenge or seeking general support, I would be honoured to walk alongside you on your journey to reach your therapeutic goals.
My experience in people-centric roles, previously in the tourism industry, has taught me to be curious and to embrace diverse perspectives. As well, I appreciate as the importance of exploring the ways in which culture, lived experiences, and societal systems shape our individual worldviews and our healing journeys.
I am grateful to be living and raising my children on the unceded and traditional lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. When I am not working or studying, you will find me enjoying the great outdoors with my family. I also love to sing; sometimes in a choir, always in the shower and especially around a campfire!
lynn loo
(she/her) Lynn will be working at Ciel until December 2025.
Hello! My name is Lynn. I am a queer woman of colour who moved to Canada from Australia with my dog, Pikachu. I am humbled and grateful to be living on the traditional, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.
Along with my passion for travel and playful humour, my diverse background allows me to connect with people from all walks of life. I value community and am passionate about social justice issues. I recognize that our backgrounds and identities contribute to very different lived experiences, but believe they are our greatest strengths, as well as tools for connection and growth.
My counselling style is guided by my core values of gentle curiosity, compassion, authenticity, and openmindedness. As such, my therapeutic approach is rooted in a relational, strength-based framework, drawing on various techniques to support your unique self.
I believe that no matter the circumstances, you are the expert of your life. My goal is to walk alongside you as we deepen your understanding of self, consider different perspectives, and explore ways to reach your desired goals. I celebrate your courage in seeking counselling, and I look forward to holding space for you!
elizabeth schweizer
(she/her) Elizabeth will be working at Ciel until December 2025.
Hi, I’m Liz (she/her), a second-generation uninvited settler living on the unceded traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations with Italian and French-Canadian heritage. I was born and raised in East Vancouver and feel connected to the Commercial Drive community.
I believe that caring for others involves a genuine curiosity about each person’s unique story and personal journey. As a counsellor, I aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you feel supported in exploring all of life’s questions, challenges, and possibilities. I view counselling as a collaborative process—a space where you can navigate life’s complexities with support, and work toward a deeper sense of clarity and self-confidence. My therapeutic approach is person-centred and strength-based, drawing on various modalities, including Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I am currently completing my Master of Counselling degree. Prior to this, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Philosophy from the University of British Columbia. Outside the counselling field, I am passionate about travel, art, and yoga — all practices that inspire me and have shaped my understanding of the human experience.
lauren schneider
(she/her) Lauren will be working at Ciel until August 2025.
Hello! I’m Lauren (she/her). I am thankful to live, work and study on the beautiful, unceded traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. I am a fifth-generation, uninvited settler of Ukrainian and Scottish ancestry, currently finishing my Master of Counselling Psychology degree.
Reaching out for support during difficult times can be challenging. Yet, you do not have to struggle alone. Whether you are looking to improve your self-esteem, build more satisfying interpersonal relationships, make a career change, explore your sexual orientation/gender identity or heal from trauma, I welcome you. I am honoured to hear your stories and become your fellow passenger on your counselling journey.
My approach to counselling utilizes a narrative therapy lens, with a focus on anti-oppression and empowerment. Volunteering at drop-in centres where I worked with vulnerable populations in both Downtown Victoria and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside truly opened my eyes to systemic oppression, but also highlighted the incredible strengths people possess. Sometimes we just need someone to help us see those strengths more clearly and to reflect them back to us. A strength-based approach is an integral part of my offerings in the counselling space.
My path towards becoming a counsellor began with an interest in psychology at a young age, and continued through my own journey of self-discovery throughout my teens and twenties. In recent years, I have worked in management in the fitness industry, and as an administrator at an integrated health centre. My hobbies include strength training, exploring the outdoors and learning about history.
I look forward to working with you!