FACULTY

"Our instructors, practicing psychologists, counsellors and therapists are able to use their own practical wisdom and insights gained throughout their careers to enrich the learning process for VCCT students and are dedicated to providing a meaningful educational experience."

Dr. Dale Brooks, Ph.D. FIPA is a counselling psychologist, and licensed psychoanalyst. He has over thirty years' experience providing individual, relationship, and family therapy. He has also taught for many years at both the undergraduate and graduate level at UBC and other educational institutions. He currently works in private practice and serves as Academic Director of VCCT.

Devorah Peterson, M.Ed., R.C.C. has over thirty years experience in the field of psychology and has been in private practice for more than twenty. Jungian Psychology, Client Centred, and Gestalt are the models that most inform her Integrative approach, and two main areas of focus for her are the body-mind connection and the creative process. She is also trained in Interfaith Spiritual Guidance.

Käri-Ann Thor, M.Ed., R.C.C., M.P.C.P., R.C.S. had an earlier career of outdoor education to then work with families, youth, and children for over twenty years primarily within the CBT framework. She now mostly works with adults within her private practice of 11 years and facilitates a professional development "Authentic Living" workshop series she co-developed. Käri-Ann is a Certified Existential Analyst and this specialty training of over 7 years is a phenomenological, person oriented psychotherapy with a lens that informs her teaching and supervising style to be experiential, creative, deeply honouring of a person's experience, and at times philosophical. In particular, she treasures working with counsellors in training viewing it as such a privilege to be part of their exciting journey of learning, opening, and strengthening.

Pauline O'Reilly, M.S.N, M.Ed., R.C.C. had a previous career as a registered nurse and worked as a nurse educator in post-secondary education. Currently, she provides person-centered, experiential counselling at a non-profit organization and in private practice. She has advanced training in Satir's Transformational Systemic Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Pauline values supporting counselling students' personal and professional growth through a compassionate, creative, and experiential approach. She finds it inspiring and fulfilling to participate in the significant learning and development that occurs for students during the program.

Ryan Schebek, MCP, R.C.C., C.A.C., completed his Master of Counselling Psychology at Adler University and is a Certified Adlerian Counsellor. Ryan's approach to counselling combines a blending of modalities (such as CBT, DBT and Mindfulness) but is guided by the spirit of Adlerian Psychology. Ryan's experience draws from his time during practicum helping clients who struggle with addiction and supporting them in their recovery. Outside of his own private practice Ryan works for the Mood Disorder Association of BC. At MDABC Ryan works alongside a multi-disciplinary team, helping to implement holistic programs to help support clients diagnosed with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. As a lifelong learner with an avid passion for the world of mental health Ryan is excited to be part of the faculty at VCCT.

Tanya Kliefoth, M Ed., R.C.C. After living in the US and Latin America, Tanya came to Canada to become a Registered Clinical Counsellor and earn a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from UBC. Tanya’s career as a therapist has origins in Biology, Music, Education, Sociology and now 10 years of Counselling Psychology. Her therapeutic philosophy is founded in Existential Phenomenology with focus on the transformations that emotional expression brings. In practice, she loves to work with the dynamic energy that couples bring to counselling; bring out hope in those with anxiety and depression; accompany troubled youth on their journey; and envisage meaning and potential with the individuals who feel moved to have a closer look at their lives. One central activity that has consistently given Tanya meaning her own life is teaching. She has twenty years of teaching experience in a large variety of subjects and continues to feel the thrill in the exchange of ideas in her new position at VCCT.

Jennifer Morrison, B.A., M.Ed., R.C.C began her career as a helping professional in the social services sector of Vancouver, BC. This early work led to supporting youth and adults in challenging settings such as prisons, safe houses, universities, and shelters both in Canada and abroad. From this experience, Jennifer developed a deep appreciation for the life stories of her clients. After completing a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, this love of narratives folded into her work as a counsellor. In private practice, she believes in a "one size fits one" approach and uses a variety of modalities to achieve a customized plan for every client - never forgetting the person behind the story. Jennifer believes strongly in the power of translating complicated psychology into approachable, everyday language. And that a little humor can go a long way.