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!

 

finu cherian

(she/her) Finu will be working at Ciel until December 2024.

Hello, I’m Finu (she/her). I am a first-generation immigrant from Kerala, India. After nearly three decades of career in medical research, I am now pursuing a Master of Counselling degree. I believe that my purpose is to serve.

A variety of traumatic experiences since early childhood has tempered me. The stories we tell ourselves, the narratives others impose on us, and the meaning we assign to our experiences can affect our lives tremendously. Our adverse experiences do not need to keep us imprisoned. I believe that we contain within ourselves what we need to heal. Each person’s experience is unique and so is their process for healing. I aim to work with you to help you identify what you need for your healing and growth, and to support you in achieving your goals; when you are ready, at your pace.

My areas of interest include trauma and post-traumatic growth, loss and grief, life transitions, immigration, and burnout. My therapeutic approach is holistic, from a person-centred, feminist, and multi-cultural lens. I draw from Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and somatic therapies.

I enjoy a variety of art forms: designing, reading, writing, sewing, and K-dramas. My (lack of) sense of direction usually results in amusing adventures.

 

shana murray

(she/her) Shana will be working at Ciel until November 2024.

Hi there, I’m Shana (she/her). I am grateful to live, play, and work on the traditional, unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation (Squamish). I am passionate about helping people reach their full potential from a holistic, trauma-informed, and person-centred approach. I wholeheartedly believe that the human mind, body, and spirit have an incredible capacity for resiliency, healing, and growth from life’s challenges. With non-judgment, compassion, respect, and curiosity I will be a guide in your journey to a deeper connection to your authentic self.
My areas of interest include trauma, bereavement, and loss, life transitions, stress/anxiety, and burnout. I utilize a variety of modalities in my approach such as narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, person-centred conversations, and somatic-based practices. I look forward to the opportunity to support you in identifying and reaching your therapeutic goals.
In my spare time I enjoy going on adventures anywhere with mountains and ocean. I also enjoy reading and being creative with my hands.

 

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!

 

bryanne romano

(she/her) Bryanne will be working at Ciel until December 2024.

Hi, I’m Bryanne (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. I am passionate about supporting others in living an empowered and embodied life. I view our bodies as intelligent and I trust in each person’s innate ability to heal. My aim is to create a non-judgmental space for you to explore your feelings and experiences and to develop a more secure connection to your emotional world.

My personal healing journey has been intertwined with, and guided by, my connection to nature, exploration of spirituality, development of radical self-acceptance and compassion, as well as healthy doses of curiosity and play. I understand how challenging and confusing it can feel to navigate through our internal landscapes. I consider it an honour to walk beside you for part of your unique and beautiful journey through this time in your life.

My background: currently I am completing my Master of Counselling degree. Prior to starting my Masters, I earned a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree, followed by additional training in plant medicine, herbalism, and meditation. I have spent the past five years working with folks with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. As well, I love being in nature, making art, and enjoying quality time with loved ones. I look forward to welcoming you to counselling.