Hello, I'm Mikayla

I wholeheartedly view people as insightful beings, capable of writing their own stories, self-growth, and possessing the wisdom and power to manage challenges in their lives. I aim to offer a genuine and understanding posture from which people can feel heard, appreciated, and supported.

My Story

I grew up in the heart of the Northern Okanagan, nestled between mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes. My studie and pursuit of adventure, have taken me to remarkable places, such as, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and SE Asia. While I treasure my experiences abroad, no other place compared to the inner peace and gratitude I experienced at home.

I was drawn to counseling because of my own experiences with grief, pain, and anxiety. For years I struggled to find support and validation that would inspire manageable and meaningful change. My personal experience inspired a dream to provide support for my community; for those who have not felt heard, have nowhere to turn to, or feel that they are falling through the cracks.

I offer clients an authentic and warm approach from which they can feel understood, validated, and valued. My commitment is to view people in their entirety and treat them with respect and openness. My core values center around holistic care, empowerment, genuineness, open-mindedness, and empathetic care.

I set myself apart by viewing and honoring the person in front of me before prioritizing therapeutic agendas; valuing the uniqueness of experiences, stories, facets of self, cultural identity, perspective, and personal principles above all else.

Background

From a young age, I aspired to help others. At the University of British Columbia, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and minoring in anthropology. During my undergraduate studies, I became eager to seek a modality that prioritized and celebrated the uniqueness of the human condition and empowered individuals instead of pathologizing them. This inspired me to pursue a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, which I received from the University of Adelaide, Australia.

Experience

My professional experience involves working with anxiety and stress, chronic pain and illnesses, grief and loss, challenging life events and transitions, trauma and adversity, and family and systemic work. I am familiar with working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and presenting with a wide range of concerns. Previous experience in clinical settings includes a family systems clinic, non-profit organization, and private practice; Specifically involved with family re-unification programs, couples counselling, school counselling for disenfrashised youth, and court-appointed therapy for youth.

Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy from The University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology, minoring in Anthropology from UBC
Family and Relationships Counselling Course from Yorkville University
Group Counselling Course from Yorkville University
Pain Reprocessing Certification
Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse, and Neglect Certification
Through Their Eyes - Child Safety - Certification

Credentials & Training

Let's Connect

I always look forward to meeting new people and listening to their story.

madeforyou.counselling@gmail.com