Johnson’s natural calmness is infectious. With ten years of experience working in crisis response services, Johnson has honed the skills necessary for living healthily in spite of difficult circumstances. When people visit him they leave feeling hopeful and renewed. From a solution-focused point of view, he believes that people in crisis are capable of finding their way to new perspectives and healthy ways of living, but they often need help in the process.

Johnson’s natural calmness is infectious. With ten years of experience working in crisis response... Read More

NEW CLIENTS ONLY BY REFERRAL….Please call 204-334-4801 to inquire.

NEW CLIENTS ONLY BY REFERRAL….Please call 204-334-4801 to inquire. Read More

Julie is registered as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She holds a Master of Arts degree in Counselling and a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Julie was inspired to enter the field of counselling because of the positive changes therapy made in her life and her natural skills in relating to people.

Julie is registered as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) through the Canadian Counselling and... Read More

We often carry the weight of our experiences in ways that no longer serve us, whether it’s the pressure to perform, the residue of past trauma, or patterns we feel unable to change. My practice is built on a simple belief: understanding the context of your struggle is the first step toward changing it. Having spent over 15 years in the corporate world, I bring a deep, practical understanding of how high-pressure environments impact mental health. I now help individuals unpack the burdens of burnout, anxiety, and trauma to find a more grounded path forward.

I work with adults struggling with anxiety, burnout, depression, addiction, trauma (CPTSD) and life transitions. My approach is integrative, often drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and somatic techniques to foster insight and resilience. Our work is collaborative and tailored to your unique goals.

Taking the first step takes courage. When you choose to work with me, you gain a dedicated partner. I am firmly on your team. Together, in a space of confidentiality and without judgment, we will navigate your challenges and work toward the change you are seeking.

We often carry the weight of our experiences in ways that no longer serve us, whether it’s the pr... Read More

It is truly wonderful that you’ve found your way here—welcome.

My name is Maria, and I am excited to be beginning my journey with Riverbend Counselling and Wellness. It is an honour to connect with you.

I know that reaching out for support can feel like a big step. It’s always been meaningful to me when someone feels comfortable enough to share their story, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges.

As a lifelong learner, I bring valuable personal and professional experiences that continue to shape me as a psychotherapist. Before joining Riverbend, I had the opportunity to work with children and adolescents in both Australia and Italy. I completed my Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Adelaide (Australia) in 2023 and have experience supporting children and adolescents within the Australian and Canadian School and Child and Family Services organizations.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful counselling. Everyone deserves to work with a therapist they feel safe with, trust, and genuinely connect with. My hope is to create a warm, welcoming, and comfortable space where you feel supported to explore your experiences at your own pace. Together, we can build a trusting relationship as we navigate the vulnerability that counselling often brings. Simply showing up takes incredible courage, and I am honoured to walk alongside you in that process.

I strive to bring authenticity, empathy, curiosity, and a gentle sense of humour into each session. My goal is to understand your unique experiences and work collaboratively with you in a way that feels meaningful and supportive. I have a special interest in working with children and adolescents who have experienced complex trauma, as well as individuals navigating the impacts of trauma and grief. At the same time, I warmly welcome people from all walks of life into the counselling space.

While I value drawing from a range of therapeutic approaches to meet each person’s unique needs, my work is primarily grounded in person-centred, trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and grief-informed practices. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you.

With gratitude, Maria

It is truly wonderful that you’ve found your way here—welcome. My name is Maria, and I am excite... Read More

As a couple and family therapist, I work with individuals, couples and families to find solutions to the many challenges that arise in our lives from childhood to advanced age. I would welcome the opportunity to hear about your circumstances and situation and answer your questions about whether I could be of help.

I have broad experience with a range of concerns, including general life adjustment, depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma while working with individuals as well as directly with relationships. I have pursued training in many different modalities. For individual work, these include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), schema therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). For relational work, these include Gottman method and emotionally focused therapy for individuals, couples and families, as well as prepare/enrich for premarital and marital enrichment use.

For clients for whom faith is a valued resource, I should note that I am also ordained as a minister in a traditional protestant denomination. While I pursued my psychotherapy training in a secular context and it draws on relational psychology rather than on theology for its insights, I view religious convictions as a strong resource and will support a client’s religious commitment, whatever its nature. I welcome such discussions if it is the client’s expressed interest, but will never seek to impose a religious perspective on you if it is not.

As a couple and family therapist, I work with individuals, couples and families to find solutions... Read More

Jean has the life experience to match her professional skills. Her client-centred approach will invite you to take centre stage of your own recovery while she advocates for the best possible outcome. You will readily experience the depth of her knowledge combined with the warmth of her personality.

Jean obtained her MA degree in Counselling at Gonzaga University, Washington, her BA at Simpson College, California as well as Bachelor of Sacred Literature from Alberta Bible College. Jean is well experienced with a wide variety of client needs, and her personal life lessons have heightened the professional knowledge and expertise she brings to every session. She is also an experienced workshop presenter and support group leader. Jean is registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC).

Specializations: Adults, Couples: Parenting adult children, Loss and grief, Trauma, Mood disorders Children & Families: Play therapy, Parenting, Support for families of children with disabilities, Neurodiversity & Trauma

​Jean is a referral therapist for Child and Family Services

About Jean’s Work: When treating trauma, Jean uses specialized treatment called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). EMDR is extremely effective in targeting a particular traumatic memory and resolving the feelings (fear, anxiety or anger) related to it. In just a few counselling sessions, the traumatic memory no longer has any power to trigger the individual, but is stored properly in the brain like any other memory.

Jean offers neurological counselling as treatment to support adults and children with epilepsy, ADHD and other disabilities

Jean conducted a study (published in The Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Sept-Oct/96 Vol 14, Issue 5: The Application of Behavioural and Psychological Methods in Controlling Seizures in Individuals With Epilepsy) on a treatment approach for brain symptoms such as seizures, anxiety attacks and hyperactivity. This cognitive-behavioural approach helps individuals learn to maintain a relaxed brainwave state and reduce brain symptoms as well as improve concentration, focus and overall quality of life.

Jean has the life experience to match her professional skills. Her client-centred approach will i... Read More

Doris enjoys meeting people with both her desire and the skill to listen and gain an understanding of each individual person and their unique needs. She considers that it is a privilege to come alongside individuals wherever they are at and provide a pathway to increased self-awareness and the development of effective life skills. The goal is increased self-empowerment and the ability to more effectively manage the many challenges in life.

Doris enjoys meeting people with both her desire and the skill to listen and gain an understandin... Read More

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I have a gentle and compassionate presence that creates a welcoming and safe space for my clients, but I am still able to ask the hard questions. I know firsthand the benefits and vulnerability of therapy and recognize the courage it takes to walk through the door and show up. I hope that when you walk through my counselling door you will feel valued, accepted, and understood and that together we can gain insight into the patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that get in the way of the life you want to live and the person you want to be.

I knew early on in life that I wanted to help people in a deep and meaningful way. Eventually, it became clear that this would be as a therapist. I pursued a Bachelor’s in Psychology and then a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy to ensure that I was well trained to walk alongside clients in a way that can provide profound and lasting change. I hold continued education, supervision, and research as a core value to ensure that I provide the best possible therapy to my clients.

I have a gentle and compassionate presence that creates a welcoming and safe space for my clients... Read More

Natalie is a kind, caring, and compassionate person that was drawn to counselling with the hope of being able to help alleviate some of the pain and suffering that individuals face. Natalie knows that life can be full of challenges that, at times, are hard to navigate on our own. She believes in the healing and transformative effects of empathetic listening and understanding in which counsellors can offer. Taking a person-centred perspective, Natalie believes in the good, worthiness and potential in everyone no matter what their situation, where they come from, or choices they have made. In therapy, she works to create an atmosphere the encourages restoration of inner balance and well-being. She believes each person is unique and therefore therapy is not an endeavour of one-size fits all. Her active listening skills create space for her clients to share openly without fear of judgment, and her guidance is rooted in the recognition that the client is the expert of their own life.

Natalie completed her Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice at University of Winnipeg, Manitoba and her Masters of Counselling at Athabasca University, Alberta.

Natalie is a kind, caring, and compassionate person that was drawn to counselling with the hope o... Read More

Kiersten Urbanovich, BA, Social Worker BSW,RSW, has an excellent work history in mental health services, (registered: Manitoba College of Social Workers), and has earned her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology.

Kiersten Urbanovich, BA, Social Worker BSW,RSW, has an excellent work history in mental health se... Read More

Mark has a Masters of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling from Briercrest College, and is a member of PACCC – the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Counsellors. Mark specializes in couples therapy, anger management, and premarital counselling. When appropriate and invited, he enjoys helping people use their spiritual resources and beliefs in support of their growth.

Mark has a Masters of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Art... Read More