Our Team
Clinic Manager Kim McCullough (she/her) MA RCC
Clinical Lead John Murray BSc, MA
Clinical Lead, Counsellor and co-creator of MxN Men's Therapy Network, prior to clinical practice, John worked within Disability and Mental Health support services. On completion of a Psychology BSc in 2003 I began my counselling career working in inner city schools and colleges in the UK. Whilst studying a Counselling MA at The University of Nottingham I moved into Addiction and Trauma Counselling and Supervision work. I later moved on to a Diploma in Clinical Supervision at The University of Bath in order to support others in their clinical work. When I moved to North America I began working with the homeless population in Los Angeles, Hamilton, ON and Victoria. My most recent role has been Clinical Lead at Men’s Therapy Centre here in Victoria, where I have enjoyed supervising the Clinical Counselling Team, along with counselling provision for men from the local community. I also run a private practice offering Walk & Talk counselling in and around the southern tip of this beautiful island.
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Counsellor Paula Greene
Paula has been working with trauma and abuse survivors for nearly 30 years. Originally working with children at risk as a Social Worker in the UK she then went on to complete post-graduate studies in Dramatherapy and continued her work with survivors of childhood abuse and sexual assault. On becoming a settler to Vancouver Island, nearly 20 year ago Paula worked as a counsellor for Cowichan Women Against Violence and later became Executive Director of the Men’s Therapy Centre. She is a life-long learner most recently completing courses in Dialetical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mental Health and Addictions. When not at work Paula enjoys hiking and family time.
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Counsellor Jade Wong MA RCC
Jade feels grateful to have been born and raised in the Westshore on Vancouver Island. Through embracing many different perspectives on healing, she has been able to walk beside others as they discover their own personal journey.
After finishing her graduate studies in Counselling Psychology in 2011 and then receiving a professional registration in 2012, she has spent the last 10 years in the helping profession in both non-profit and various health authority settings (domestic violence, mental health & substance use, homelessness, addictions, end-of-life care, cancer diagnosis & care); working with adults, youth, children and families as they navigate through their grief and trauma. She is a mindfulness based, trauma informed, client-centred counsellor. Her perspective on one’s own personal development journey is that of self compassion and self care. Jade is available for in-person, online and telephone counselling sessions. |
Counsellor Ward Murray MA CCC
Ward works from a person-centered narrative approach which takes into account that people do not exist in a vacuum. Rather, we are products of our society which can create problems up to and including the Covid-19 pandemic.
Narrative therapy is clear in its approach and helps move clients forward with the phrase “The person is not the problem, rather the problem is the problem”, which can bring possibility and hope to your sessions. He works with adults, young adults and teens to help his clients with issues such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, trauma, substance use, men’s issues, and life transitions, to name a few. His practice is informed by experience over ten years of supportive work through addictions centers, verbal and non-verbal care work, and international family support (expat and immigration). Additionally, he has also worked with marginalized individuals, and elementary school-aged children and their families dealing with intergenerational trauma. |
Counsellor/ Group Worker Mati Davydiuk
Mathew has been working in the area of masculinities for over 15 years. He works with men both 1-on-1 and in groups. He is most passionate about facilitation and developing financially and technologically accessible tools for men to regenerate and create healthy networks of care in their lives. He does this through the development and growth of the Hearts On Our Sleeves community. This is a growing community of men that are learning the healing art of relational transformation.
Mathew has primarily developed his training methods through self-study and community practice. Thus everyone who is a part of Hearts is also a part of its growth. Mathew works in a first nations community helping to develop men’s programming with the Indigenous Men’s Group the Dudes Club. He also acts as a 1-on-1 outreach worker and coach to men struggling with mental health and addictions. He likes to affectionately call what he does coachounselling. Mathew is also passionate about skateboarding, the forest, taichi, qi-gong, and dreaming up community art projects. |
Associate Counsellor Sandy Boon, MA, RCC
Sandy has passionately helped children, families, couples and corporations through her work as an educator, therapist, consultant, and ardent volunteer in the area of Mental Health. Sandy develops a therapeutic relationship with her clients that is respectful, and collaborative, and she will work with you from the perspective of identifying and reinforcing the strengths and resiliency that you possess by exploring the dominant stories of your life. Sandy will invite you to reflect, and consider, constructive possibilities as she works with you in a safe, comfortable and confidential environment.
Whether in an outpatient mental health setting, working in various school districts, or consulting privately, Sandy has brought compassion, warmth and understanding to her work with clients. A graduate of San Diego State University, Sandy completed her Master’s degree and went on to complete Post-Master’s training in Marriage and Family Therapy in Calgary, Alberta. |
Practicum Team
Sydney Bokenfoh
Sydney creates a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space for her clients so that they may feel heard, respected, and supported. Her commitment to lifelong learning and appreciation for the unique experiences, cultural identities, and needs of every person is what guides her collaborative and holistic-focused approach. Sydney is passionate about helping clients identify and harness their strengths, resiliencies, and resources to develop their version of a satisfying quality of life. By meeting you where you are at in your journey, Sydney is grateful and humbled to walk with you through this process, at your own pace.
Before pursuing her masters in counselling psychology, Sydney obtained her BEd and BSKin at the University of Alberta and worked as a special education teacher, fitness trainer, tradesperson, and support worker in mental health and addictions. She looks forward to developing her competencies in trauma-related work and DBT while improving access to mental health. |
Trien Cao
Trien Cao owns a business in Duncan that has been in operation for over 25 years. While starting her business she attended Vancouver Island University, attaining her BA with a Minor in Liberal Studies. More recently Trien returned to academics achieving her Master of arts in Counselling Psychology. The varied life experience encountered both professionally and personally among different cultures, and countries with diverse outlooks and attitudes inspired her to delve into psychology and explore what it had to offer herself and others. Trien has had the opportunity to live and experience what it means to live in both an Eastern and Western Culture growing up in Vietnam, emigrating to Canada, living in the US for a number of years. The myriad of outlooks and attitudes and experience that mold us. She regards her life and others with humility and compassion and acknowledges both hardship and joy as integral to being human.
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Brandon Robbins
Brandon is studying at Rhodes Wellness College, which is based in Vancouver. On completion of his training, this Two-Spirited Veteran hopes to continue his work with Indigenous Communities, Serving Members and their families. He began his journey while he was serving and enjoyed the feeling of trust built with his shipmates when they shared what was on their minds. He realized counselling was a career option after he retired and is excited to a future in this field.
He humbly acknowledges that he lives and works on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lkwungen and Coast Salish peoples. |
Aleigha Russell
Aleigha is completing an MA in Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria. Her background is in education, and she has spent the last few years teaching in Spain and the USA. Grateful to call Victoria home, she has spent much of her life working, studying, and playing on these beautiful Coast Salish lands. When not working or studying, you can find her exploring the island with her puppy, Sunshine! Aleigha has had the amazing opportunity to live and work internationally, which has been a humbling and gratifying experience, and has informed her compassion for individuals who emigrate from their home countries to settle here in Canada. She feels blessed with opportunities to work with many diverse populations including refugees, international students, and speakers of English as a second language. Her passion is in helping individuals find healing and peace in their lives.
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Danica Wernicke
Danica is a first-year Master of Arts Student in Counselling Psychology from The University of Victoria. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Danica worked as a psychological assistant in Calgary where she assisted individuals who recently lost employment as a result of an accident. Danica’s most recent role was working as a case manager at WorkBC where the focus was helping individuals return to work through accessing an array of services. An avid hiker, board game enthusiast, and reader; Danica's hope is to assist others in realizing their full potential.
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