Validity Counsellors
In order to bring the highest quality of care to our clients, all Validity counsellors have Master's degrees in counselling or a related field (e.g., psychology, social work, education).
We have a diverse group of counsellors offering a variety of approaches and areas of expertise, so you can choose the counsellor who is right for you.
Your counsellor will work with you to create a treatment plan unique to you, using evidence-based methods to help you learn, heal, and grow. At Validity, our counsellor-client relationships are built on the core foundations of respect, trust, caring, and empathy.
Specializes in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for couples and individuals.
*Limited availability.
Jenny is founder and owner of Validity Counselling. Jenny has over 20 years experience in counselling, specializing in emotion regulation, trauma, First Responder Counselling, and Couples Therapy. She received her Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary and has also completed advanced training in DBT.
Jenny approaches counselling from a client-centered perspective, helping clients build on their existing skills and learn new ways of managing difficult emotions. A primary theme in her approach is ensuring emotions are validated, thoughts are solution-focused, and behaviour is effective.
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Jenny is also trained in Gottman Couples Counselling, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, Cognitive Processing for PTSD, Rational Behavioural Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Emotional First Aid for First Responders. She replenishes herself through hiking, travelling, gardening, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
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Professional Association Membership: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) - Registration #17849
Jenny DeReis
Owner & Founder
MACP, RCC
Teresa DeReis
M.A. Counselling Pscyh, RCC
Works with children and teens.
Teresa has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UNBC and a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Teresa has completed specialized training through the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI) on Play Therapy (PT), Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Exposure & Response Prevention Therapy (ERPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), anxiety, self-injury, and resilience in youth. She has also completed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).
Teresa uses a child-centered approach and play therapy with younger children. With older children and teens, she uses a person-centered approach and incorporates a blend of CBT, DBT, and/or art therapy techniques to suit each client's needs.
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Teresa provides a safe and supportive counselling space where young clients can build confidence, learn to understand and regulate their emotions, develop healthy thought and behaviour patterns, heal from trauma, and navigate life's challenges.
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Professional Association Membership: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) - Registration #24451.
LOKI
Therapy Dog
(In-Training)
Works with children and teens.
Loki is a 3-year-old Border Collie who has currently completed Level 1 Therapy Dog Training.
Loki works with his mum, Validity Counsellor, Teresa DeReis (see bio above). Although Loki is still in training, he is a natural. He loves people and is a sensitive, intuitive, and gentle boy.
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Loki helps young clients feel safe and connected within the counselling space, helping to foster trust, relieve stress, and build confidence.
Loki has limited availability and is only in the office when scheduled with clients.
Byron Finkelstein
MEd. Counselling
Psych (Candidate)
Works with teens and adults.
Byron has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is currently completing a Master of Counselling Psychology at UNBC. In his free time, Byron loves being in nature and enjoys backcountry skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
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Byron provides a safe and confidential space where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours without judgment. He utilizes Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Approaches, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Brief Therapy into his sessions.
Byron emphasizes fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation while also exploring and processing emotions. He believes in the power of solution-focused questioning to empower clients toward positive change.
Byron's compassionate and collaborative approach helps clients address concerns from a holistic perspective, supporting them on their journey toward greater well-being and fulfillment.
Tiago Santos
MSc. Psychology
Works with children and adults.
Tiago holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in psychology from the Federal University of Uberlândia: one of the top-ranked universities in Brazil.
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Tiago has 5+ years experience working in the areas of mental health, counselling, and substance use assessment and intervention. He also has extensive experience teaching and working at the university level in the field of educational psychology.
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Tiago utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to understand behavior in real-life contexts, while also using a child-centered approach when working with younger children and their families.
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He also uses trauma-informed practices, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): an evidence-based approach incorporating mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based strategies.
Tiago offers compassionate, tailored support to clients and believes that self-awareness and the use of grounding techniques are key in transforming behavior in both children and adults.
Barb Buch
MSc. Health Ed.
Specializes in holistic and resource/strength-based approaches.
Barb has a Master of Science degree in Health Education and has worked for several years in the areas of mental health, health promotion, psychoeducation, family support, addiction/recovery, and individual counselling.
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Barb utilizes a solution-focused, neuroscience-based approach to address a variety of issues including anxiety, shame, depression, stress, relationships, addictions and recovery, body image, and physical challenges/illness.
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Barb’s approach is holistic (body-mind-spirit), personalized, collaborative, and trauma-informed, drawing from a variety of modalities based on clients' wishes, needs, and abilities. Her modalities include CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, positive psychology, mindfulness, eco-therapy, and somatic-based techniques
Barb provides a non-judgmental space to enable client awareness and re-connection of body, mind, and spirit. She believes we all carry inner wisdom and resources within us, which can be brought to awareness and activated through the counselling process.
Specializes in trauma and culturally-informed practices.
Laurel has a Master’s in Indigenous Studies and has worked in the social services field for over 20 years. Her work is strength-based, person-centred, and holistic. She has worked with children, youth, families and communities, working from a trauma and intercultural informed practice.
She has worked with youth and adults who have been sexually exploited and who have experienced gang violence. She is skilled at working through the many layers of psychological, physical, sexual, and spiritual abuses.
Laurel believes building trust and holding safe space for individuals is paramount to healing. She focuses on expressional therapies such as play, art, crafts, writing, movement, and mindfulness practices.
Laurel Collins
M.A. in Indigenous Studies
Sean Hogan
M.A. Psych, CCC
Specializes in working with children and teens.
Not currently accepting new clients.
Sean has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UNBC and a Master's in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Sean has extensive training and over a decade of experience working with children and teens, especially within the spectrums of Autism and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. He uses play therapy, Rogerian counselling, and developmental psychology approaches to help youth navigate the challenges of growing up.
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Professional Association Membership: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) - Registration #10006118.
Ida Alleman
MSc. Psych, RCC
Specializes in teen, family, Indigenous, and women’s issues.
*Limited availability.
Ida is a dedicated and experienced counsellor who has worked with children, youth, couples, and families in Prince George since 1994. She is an Adlerian Therapist with vast experience working with individual and family issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, learning disabilities, medication management, and domestic violence.
Ida excels in conflict resolution, group process, and child advocacy. She has worked extensively with Indigenous persons on and off reserve and is approved to see Indigenous persons through First Nations Health Authority.
Professional Association Membership: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) - Registration #2869.
Savita Jaswal
RSW
Specializes in a holistic approach to health problems, grief, and loss.
*Phone and video sessions only.
Savita earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from UNBC.
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Savita specializes in grief and loss and has a special interest in supporting individuals and families experiencing serious illnesses. Her practice is built on a person-centred philosophy, while also drawing from methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), attachment theory, harm reduction, solution-focused and trauma-informed practice.
Savita believes individuals have the strength and abilities to live happy and healthy life. Her role is to provide a safe, empathetic, and authentic space to support individuals in achieving their goals.
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Professional Association Membership: Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) - Registration #15124
Office Staff
Kirsten Muxlow
Office Manager
When you call our office, the friendly voice on the other end of the line is Kirsten. She can answer any questions you may have, help you find the right counsellor for your needs, and get you booked quickly and confidentially.
Kirsten has a caring and non-judgmental personality and a passion for helping others. She has several years of experience working with troubled youth, people with disabilities, and those dealing with trauma and other mental health issues.
Kirsten brings her compassionate nature to everything she does, and she excels at helping others in her role at Validity.