A Digital Library: Oral Histories, Wellness Practices & Wisdom Teachings (Inclusive of all faiths)
Restorative Counselling & The Restorative Therapy Groups DecidedlyDifferent.
Our Mental Health and Substance Use Clinicians (MSW/RSW or RCC/Psychotherapist) provide individual counselling to participants and alumni of group services, assist with case management and encourage clients to reach out if they would like assistance connecting with other resources (such as food resources or referrals to care).
We Love What We Do — and We're Proud to Do It DifferentlyAt RCHS, we do things with heart, intention, and respect for the people we serve. From the very first contact, we hope you’ll feel the difference — the presence of safety, community, and deep care.
- Our services were built BY and FOR people who have experienced trauma, marginalization, or who simply don’t feel safe in traditional clinical settings.
- We honour diverse paths to wellness. While we appreciate all efforts to make mental health support more accessible, we also recognize that conventional, medical-model approaches alone aren’t enough — especially for those who come from entirely different ways of knowing, healing, and being balanced.
- We believe our clients are the experts in their own lives. In many communities and cultures, the idea that healing must be prescribed by a professional can feel deeply misaligned. At RCHS, we listen first — and empower individuals to guide their own healing journeys.
- Our care is culturally-informed, trauma-informed, and financially accessible. We welcome clients of all income levels and backgrounds. Whether you're a healthcare provider, an Elder, a young adult, or a survivor seeking something different — we’re here for you.
MEET OUR CLINICAL THERAPY TEAM
"It takes a village and we have an incredible team" |
Kristen Berube Valerio (She / Elle) MA, RCC ACS Provisional
Founder of Restorative Counselling BC (2012)
Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Practicum Supervision
BCACC #10501
Dharma Name: Pure Mountain of the Heart
email: [email protected]
Restorative Community Health Society
Individual Counselling, Clinical Practicum Supervision EMDR Trauma Therapist & Group Facilitator
Kristen received her MA in Counselling Psychology through the Adler University in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a concentration in Mindfulness-Based approaches to overall health and well-being. As an Indigenous woman, Kristen feels passionately about HOLISTIC WELLNESS practices that align with spiritual teachings from her own and many other spiritual paths. She walks among the medicine people and carries wisdom teachings along with her basket of medicines or chumus.
"My approach to clients is always strength-based, as I believe that every individual has unique strengths and resiliencies that can serve as a foundation for their personal growth. One of my key professional interests the cultivation of resilience (the ability to bounce back from adversity), and self-efficacy (one's own belief in their capacity to change and achieve goals). I believe that both of these internal resources can be cultivated in any individual through personal exploration and self-reflection. We assist clients in tapping into existing strengths."
Kristen utilizes a number of brief therapies including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), EMDR Trauma Counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing in order to create individualized planning to meet your unique needs.
Kristen has worked in collaboration with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Nuu chah nulth Tribal Council (NTC), CVAP, School Districts, Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use team, Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre and Tillicum's Youth Safe House. In her current role at RCHS, she directs and delivers our group programming. Kristen is also site supervisor for graduate students in clinical counselling at various graduate programs throughout Canada.
Of note, this founder of Restorative Counselling relies on wisdom of community mentors, Elders and a diverse network of Wisdom Keepers provide culturally-informed and responsive services. Spirituality and creative energy are welcome aspects of Restorative Counselling. She received her Five Mindfulness Trainings and Dharma name at Plum Village and is proud to be a direct disciple of Vietnamese Zen Master Thay Thich Naht Hanh.
Individual Counselling, Clinical Practicum Supervision EMDR Trauma Therapist & Group Facilitator
Kristen received her MA in Counselling Psychology through the Adler University in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a concentration in Mindfulness-Based approaches to overall health and well-being. As an Indigenous woman, Kristen feels passionately about HOLISTIC WELLNESS practices that align with spiritual teachings from her own and many other spiritual paths. She walks among the medicine people and carries wisdom teachings along with her basket of medicines or chumus.
"My approach to clients is always strength-based, as I believe that every individual has unique strengths and resiliencies that can serve as a foundation for their personal growth. One of my key professional interests the cultivation of resilience (the ability to bounce back from adversity), and self-efficacy (one's own belief in their capacity to change and achieve goals). I believe that both of these internal resources can be cultivated in any individual through personal exploration and self-reflection. We assist clients in tapping into existing strengths."
Kristen utilizes a number of brief therapies including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), EMDR Trauma Counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing in order to create individualized planning to meet your unique needs.
Kristen has worked in collaboration with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the Nuu chah nulth Tribal Council (NTC), CVAP, School Districts, Discovery Youth and Family Substance Use team, Tillicum Lelum Friendship Centre and Tillicum's Youth Safe House. In her current role at RCHS, she directs and delivers our group programming. Kristen is also site supervisor for graduate students in clinical counselling at various graduate programs throughout Canada.
Of note, this founder of Restorative Counselling relies on wisdom of community mentors, Elders and a diverse network of Wisdom Keepers provide culturally-informed and responsive services. Spirituality and creative energy are welcome aspects of Restorative Counselling. She received her Five Mindfulness Trainings and Dharma name at Plum Village and is proud to be a direct disciple of Vietnamese Zen Master Thay Thich Naht Hanh.
Megan Gasparotto (She / Her) BSW, MSW, RSW
BCCSW #T15699
Email: [email protected]
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Registered Social Worker, Group and Individual Counselling Clinician at
RWP: The Restorative Wellness Project Megan obtained her Masters of Social Work from University of Toronto and her Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University. Over the past ten years she has worked with adolescents, youth, adults and families in several different settings including community mental health, hospital, crisis services, school and live-in treatment homes. She has worked with people experiencing a wide range of complex needs and challenges such as developmental, cognitive, physical and mental.
Megan works collaboratively from a strengths-based, trauma-informed and person-centered approach. She is inclusive and affirming by meeting individuals where they are at in their journey in a safe, non-judgmental space. Megan has experience providing individual, group and family therapy using an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and Narrative Therapy. |
Noelle Hanuse (She / Her) MA, CCC
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Certified Clinical Counsellor, Group and Individual Counselling Clinician at
RWP: The Restorative Wellness Project Noelle Hanuse is from the Wuikinuxv and Klahoose nations and is a survivor/thriver of the Sechelt Residential School. She is one of 14 siblings and later grew up in foster care due to the passing of her parents. Over the years, Noelle has been a visitor on the shíshálh and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territories and currently resides there once again with immense gratitude for the opportunity to live, love, laugh and heal on these beautiful territories. Noelle received her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria’s Indigenous Community Counselling Program and has had the wonderful opportunity to work in many Indigenous communities for over 25+ years. This re-connection is healing for her in countless ways, including healing the soul wound of colonization. She brings her lived experience of the residential school system along with three decades of her own healing journey through a combination of Indigenous ways of knowing and being and the teachings from her Guru, Mata Yoganada. She was given the name Noelledeva from Mataji, which means “Strong spirit for Creator’s work.” |
Through an in-depth meditation practice taught at the SevaLight centres, as well as receiving diplomas in Pure Spiritual Healing, Intuitive Counselling and Yoga Teacher Training, she also trained to facilitate Energy Care and Well-Being, Understanding Death and Passing, and introductory and depth meditation courses. Noelle regularly attends silent meditation retreats at SevaLight to rejuvenate, connect to spirit, and enhance physical and emotional well-being ~ to find peace and her best self, to the greater good of all.
Noelle also completed a trauma-informed Yoga teacher program through the First Nations Women’s Yoga Initiative, a collaboration of Knowledge Keepers, Elders, Kwak’wala language teachers, Yoga teachers and Indigenous scholars. This training healed her heart from the many losses due to colonization, the body shaming instilled at the residential school, and disconnection from spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Today, she teaches yoga and loves to incorporate the language of the territory she is in, thanks to First Voices and some classes in Kwak’wala, ʔayʔaǰuθəm, W’uik’ala, and she shashishalhem.
Regarding Western therapies, Noelle leans towards Existential philosophy practiced alongside Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, all while acknowledging the power of spirit. Intuitive Counselling is at the foundation of her work, which involves putting the ego aside, so only love and wisdom come through. She has studied and continues to study and lead groups in Mindfulness-Based therapies for depression, relapse prevention, and anxiety, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Her approach is trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and compassionate. She is honoured to be of service, as healing is reciprocal, and is her life’s passion.
Noelle also completed a trauma-informed Yoga teacher program through the First Nations Women’s Yoga Initiative, a collaboration of Knowledge Keepers, Elders, Kwak’wala language teachers, Yoga teachers and Indigenous scholars. This training healed her heart from the many losses due to colonization, the body shaming instilled at the residential school, and disconnection from spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Today, she teaches yoga and loves to incorporate the language of the territory she is in, thanks to First Voices and some classes in Kwak’wala, ʔayʔaǰuθəm, W’uik’ala, and she shashishalhem.
Regarding Western therapies, Noelle leans towards Existential philosophy practiced alongside Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, all while acknowledging the power of spirit. Intuitive Counselling is at the foundation of her work, which involves putting the ego aside, so only love and wisdom come through. She has studied and continues to study and lead groups in Mindfulness-Based therapies for depression, relapse prevention, and anxiety, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Her approach is trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and compassionate. She is honoured to be of service, as healing is reciprocal, and is her life’s passion.
MEET OUR EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT STAFF & ADMIN TEAM
Dena Perfect (She/Her) - Administrative Director at RWP Groups & Personal Fitness Coaching
d[email protected]
As Lead Administrative Director, Dena looks after the behind-the-scenes details. With 10 years experience in the field of Accounting and a further 10 years working as an Administrative Assistant for Mental Health and Substance Use, she is able to combine her skills and knowledge to help keep RWP organized. As a Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer, Dena also lends support to the community and RWP clients and staff by offering individualized personal training programs as well as COVID-friendly outdoor training sessions. Dena recognizes that physical health plays a huge role in maintaining good emotional health. In 2014, she discovered a love for Extreme Obstacle Course Races, running and kickboxing. This was the kickstart to begin the journey to become a Personal Trainer so that she could share her passion with others, especially the helpers and community members in need of such care.
NEW! TO ACCESS A PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION WITH DENA PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]
Presently accepting clients offering outdoor training sessions, home workout planning and weight training.
As Lead Administrative Director, Dena looks after the behind-the-scenes details. With 10 years experience in the field of Accounting and a further 10 years working as an Administrative Assistant for Mental Health and Substance Use, she is able to combine her skills and knowledge to help keep RWP organized. As a Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer, Dena also lends support to the community and RWP clients and staff by offering individualized personal training programs as well as COVID-friendly outdoor training sessions. Dena recognizes that physical health plays a huge role in maintaining good emotional health. In 2014, she discovered a love for Extreme Obstacle Course Races, running and kickboxing. This was the kickstart to begin the journey to become a Personal Trainer so that she could share her passion with others, especially the helpers and community members in need of such care.
NEW! TO ACCESS A PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION WITH DENA PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]
Presently accepting clients offering outdoor training sessions, home workout planning and weight training.
Chris Gjelsvik - Executive Board Member, Payroll and Treasurer at RCHS
email: [email protected]
I started in the telecommunication industry and have been working there for over 20 years, working with the public and people during that time. I have supported and managed teams over 70 and teams as small as 6.
My passion has always been working with people and turning a negative into a positive.
During COVID I decided to take on some extra work and I offered to help with the accounting part of the business with Restorative Counselling and RCHS. This team continues to put forward new initiatives and ideas to revolutionize the mental health industry.
Restorative Community Health Society is here for you and will always be here for you, Our purpose is to make a difference in your life and to help you through the most trying of times.
My passion has always been working with people and turning a negative into a positive.
During COVID I decided to take on some extra work and I offered to help with the accounting part of the business with Restorative Counselling and RCHS. This team continues to put forward new initiatives and ideas to revolutionize the mental health industry.
Restorative Community Health Society is here for you and will always be here for you, Our purpose is to make a difference in your life and to help you through the most trying of times.
MEET OUR GUIDES AND TEACHERS
RWP COMMUNITY LEADERS, MENTORS AND WISDOM KEEPERS (Spiritual / Cultural, Clinical, Medicinal)
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Coyote
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Hiwus
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Diego
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White Wolf Woman
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Hawk-tooah
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C'tasi:a Aunty Geraldine Manson
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"STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS"
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A designation of BC Association of Clinical Counsellors |
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