As of March 13th, 2023 masks are no longer required but are recommended in the common areas of each clinic. Practitioners may still require that masks be worn during treatment.

Counselling

Counselling provides a safe and supportive place for people to process their lives. Be it a recent trauma or loss, a time of transition and exploration, or a long-standing problem, a skilled counsellor can make an enormous difference in how a person, family or couple works through these challenges. Therapists are trained professionals, skilled in communication, who understand how people work... Read More

Counselling provides a safe and supportive place for people to process their lives. Be it a recent trauma or loss, a time of transition and exploration, or a long-standing problem, a skilled counsellor can make an enormous difference in how a person, family or couple works through these challenges.

Therapists are trained professionals, skilled in communication, who understand how people work through difficult feelings and events. They help facilitate change. In fact, they are experts in the process of change. A relationship with a therapist can become a profound and deeply moving experience, one that makes life better, richer, and more satisfying.

Maggie Claydon offers EMDR, you can learn more about this therapy here: http://acaciahealth.ca/therapies/counselling/emdr/
Tracy Lowe offers GIM, you learn more about this therapy here: http://acaciahealth.ca/therapies/counselling/guided-imagery-music-therapy/


Dietetics

Dietitians believe in the power of food to enhance lives and improve health. Dietitians empower their patients, clients, and communities to embrace food, to understand it, and to enjoy it. The advice and information they provide is tailored to their clients and patients personal needs and challenges, including taste and accessibility. They translate the science of nutrition into terms everyo... Read More

Dietitians believe in the power of food to enhance lives and improve health.

Dietitians empower their patients, clients, and communities to embrace food, to understand it, and to enjoy it. The advice and information they provide is tailored to their clients and patients personal needs and challenges, including taste and accessibility. They translate the science of nutrition into terms everyone can understand to support healthy living for all Canadians, from preconception to end of life.

A common misconception about dietitians is that they love to put people on restrictive, unpleasant diets but that is truly not the case! They are also not only for people who want to lose weight. Perhaps you want to improve your athletic performance, manage a food allergy, learn how to read food labels, gain some weight, deal with a picky toddler, help an elderly parent to improve their nutrition status, manage digestive/bowel health, prepare for pregnancy, improve your cholesterol/blood pressure/blood sugar, learn about a fad diet, manage your anemia...dietitians can help with all of that and more!

A first meeting with a registered dietitian would usually include a comprehensive assessment to determine goals, health history, preferences, and current nutrition knowledge and practices. The dietitian will provide nutrition counselling and resources as needed, and together you will work to form practical solutions and an individualized nutrition plan. Follow-up plans will vary by person but ongoing support is always available, whether in person or by phone.

Dietitian services are covered by many extended health benefit plans and insurance providers in BC. Check with your provider to determine coverage allowance
Canadian dietitians are held to high professional standards and are regulated under the Health Professions Act, Dietitians Regulation and the CDBC Bylaws.

Under the Health Professions Act, the mandate of the College of Dietitians of BC is to protect the public by ensuring dietitians to practice safely, ethically and competently. To earn the title of registered dietitian, one must complete a minimum of four years of undergraduate education from a recognized dietetics program, followed by a 1300 hour practicum, and finally they must pass the national exam. To maintain RD status, they must continue evidence based, ethical, and competent practice, and demonstrate ongoing continuing education.

For more information about dietitians in BC, visit https://collegeofdietitiansofbc.org/public/


Infrared Sauna

Far-infrared (fir) saunas use infrared energy to increase body temperature and encourage sweating and detoxification. Repeated heating and sweating through infrared sauna therapy: Improves circulation Speeds up metabolism and facilitates weight loss Improves tissue oxygenation and wound healing Reduces pain Improves skin function and tone Heat from an infrared sauna penetrates deeper... Read More

Far-infrared (fir) saunas use infrared energy to increase body temperature and encourage sweating and detoxification.
Repeated heating and sweating through infrared sauna therapy:

Improves circulation
Speeds up metabolism and facilitates weight loss
Improves tissue oxygenation and wound healing
Reduces pain
Improves skin function and tone

Heat from an infrared sauna penetrates deeper into the body than traditional saunas. This causes sweating at lower ambient temperatures and enhances detoxification of deeper tissue levels. In general, FIR saunas are more comfortable than regular saunas, as the air remains cooler and easier to breath.


Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Physicians are licensed as primary health care providers within British Columbia. They work towards treating the root cause of disease, specifically focusing on personalized preventative medicine. Naturopathic medicine is effective for acute and chronic health concerns. Naturopathy is a philosophy and practice of healthcare that is effective, safe and founded on holistic princip... Read More

Naturopathic Physicians are licensed as primary health care providers within British Columbia. They work towards treating the root cause of disease, specifically focusing on personalized preventative medicine. Naturopathic medicine is effective for acute and chronic health concerns.

Naturopathy is a philosophy and practice of healthcare that is effective, safe and founded on holistic principles. It is a distinct system of healthcare that draws on both scientific knowledge and long-standing traditional wisdom.

The Naturopathic Doctors at Acacia understand the benefit to a supportive healthcare team and are excited to work with other healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment strategies.

Please note that at this time we are only offering Initial appointments to book online (excluding Dr. Hutchison). Please call to book any follow-up ND visits as well as any visit with Dr. Hutchison ( with the exception of acupuncture and pelvic floor visits).


(She/Her/Hers)

Dr. Lorna Ciccone, ND, (she/her) is passionate about delivering whole-person care in a graded approach. She views whole-person care from a biological, psychological, social and spiritual perspective and believes each of these aspects of a person’s lived experience is important when it comes to health and healing.

She is especially enthusiastic about empowering individuals to own each aspect of their healing process and is trained in conversational techniques designed to evoke this power. Rooted in a trauma-informed lens, Dr. Lorna is committed to delivering health education and treatments designed from the latest in brain science. She uses techniques such as Pain Reprocessing Therapy, mind-body medicine approaches, and therapeutic journaling techniques alongside traditional naturopathic treatments to get to the root cause of an individual’s illness or symptoms. She also loves helping folks find and maintain peak health and wellness through similar techniques tailored to prevent “stuff” from getting in the way.

Dr. Lorna believes in a graded approach to care. She follows the naturopathic ethos by considering the least invasive methods first including dietary and lifestyle changes coupled with addressing emotional health. From there, she considers botanical medicine and supplements, along with manual treatments such as acupuncture and manual muscle treatments. She is also certified in the prescribing of pharmacotherapy and injection therapies, which are thoughtfully considered with the individual seeking care driving their healing process.

As a member of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, she is also dedicated to health equity and is personally invested in serving the vast needs of our community. Gender-affirming, inclusive care is at the heart of her work.

Special interests include: - Chronic pain/Neuroplastic pain - Mental health including: anxiety, depression, phobias, panic disorder, OCD, BPD - Complex chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS and fibromyalgia - Long-haul viral symptoms - Medically unexplained diagnoses - LGBTQ2SIA+ health - Athletic and performance health including: ultra-endurance, triathletes, and marathoners - Whole food, plant-based nutrition - Neurological Health, including: migraines, Parkinson’s, TBI and post-concussive syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome and gut dysbiosis

In her free time, Dr. Lorna is passionate about biofield science, animal rights, social justice, and exploring the outdoors which she does with her partner and their dog, Zar. She eats a whole foods, plant-based diet and participates in ultra-endurance events. She reads as many books as possible, but particularly enjoys books read on Audible during any commute. She also loves exploring the depths of her own human experience through meditation, expressing anger, and sharing belly laughs.

Dr. Lorna She currently lives on stolen land from the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, also known as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations communities also known as Victoria, British Columbia, and she is grateful to be allowed to be on their land through the Douglas Treaties. She supports the continued negotiations between the Te’mexw Treaty members and the Canadian government. She also acknowledges naturopathic medicine’s role in oppression and colonization and will continue to educate herself on the origins of the practices misappropriated from Indigenous and Asian medical systems.

Training, Education and Certificates: - Advanced Injection Therapies- Part A - Prescriptive Authority - Acupuncture - Naturopathic Advanced Life Support - Fellow of Integrative Medicine at the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (current), San Diego, CA - Fellow of Research at the Consciousness and - Healing Initiative (current), San Diego, CA - Doctor of Naturopathy, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, CA - Masters of Business Administration, University of Tampa, Tampa, FL - Bachelor of Science, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL - Certificate in Health Coaching, Emory University, Atlanta GA

Memberships: - British Columbia Naturopathic Association - Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors - Psychophysiologic Disorders Association - National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching

Registration/Licensure: - Naturopathic Physician, College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia - Naturopathic Physician, Washington State Department of Health - National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach

(She/Her/Hers) Dr. Lorna Ciccone, ND, (she/her) is passionate about delivering whole-person care... Read More

He/Him/His

Dr. Jaime de Melo is a passionate Naturopathic Physician and Educator in Victoria British Columbia. He is a thorough and meticulous physician that comprehensively assesses patient concerns.

Special Interests:

Dr. Jaime believes that healthy respiration and digestion are foundations to optimal health.

He has a special interest in treating disorders of the Respiratory and Digestive Systems.

He is also skilled at assessing and treating musculoskeletal concerns to help patients with injuries and pain management. He frequently treats patients with:

Asthma, Emphysema, Chronic bronchitis, Nicotine addiction, Fatigue, Irritable bowel syndrome, Diabetes, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease, Heartburn, Gallstones, Excessive bloating and gas, Allergies, Maldigestion and malabsorption issues, ligament, tendon and joint injuries and osteoarthritis.

In his general family practice he often treats patients with musculoskeletal concerns including low back pain and repetitive strain injuries. He treats infants and children and answers parent questions regarding food sensitivities or allergies, food introduction schedules, and sleep issues. He also treats adults with blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol concerns.

Education:

Dr. Jaime is passionate about education. He thoroughly enjoys answering patient questions and helping to empower them to make positive and healthy decisions.

He holds faculty positions at both the West Coast College of Massage Therapy and Pacific Rim College where he teaches courses on Anatomy and Physiology, Pathology and Nutrition. Dr. Jaime is an engaging lecturer. He enjoys creating dynamic and interactive lectures that blend academic and practical information together.

Dr. Jaime actively participates in continuing education to upgrade his skills and has advanced training in prolotherapy.

Dr. Jaime is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Research:

While still a student at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine he worked for the research department there and subsequently for the University of Toronto Institute for Work and Health. His published research is in the area of botanical medicine with a focus on reporting quality guidelines.

Volunteer Work:

Dr. Jaime is passionate about making Naturopathic Medicine accessible to everyone.

As a clinical intern in his final year at CCNM in Toronto he worked at the Sherbourne Health Centre and the Anishnawbe Health Centre – a native healing centre that offers traditional native healing within a multidisciplinary health care model. Both health centres provide free Naturopathic care to marginalized individuals.

Here in Victoria, Dr. Jaime wa​s the founding Naturopathic physician for the Healthy for Life program at Aids Vancouver Island in the Access Health Centre. The Healthy for Life program provided free Naturopathic medical care and more (including need supplements) to individual with low income, some with HIV, Hepatitis C and addictions that would otherwise not have access to appropriate medical care.

Dr. Jaime is currently a supervisor for the Family Naturopathic Clinic, a teaching clinic providing free Naturopathic care to low income families.

Speaking Engagements:

Dr. Jaime loves sharing information with groups. He speaks regularly on a variety of topics including healthy eating, digestive health, immune system health, bone and joint health and heart health. Dr. Jaime speaks to community groups, at lunch and learns, as well as to corporate wellness and support groups. If you would like him to speak to your group please contact him at the Acacia.

Dr. Jaime is a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is registered with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.

He/Him/His Dr. Jaime de Melo is a passionate Naturopathic Physician and Educator in Victoria Bri... Read More

Dr. Brad Dunstan is the Locum Doctor overseeing Dr. Anita Komonski’s Practice while she is away on Maternity Leave.

Brad was born and raised on Vancouver Island, staying until ‘95, when he began his post-secondary education at UBC, finishing with a Medical Laboratory Sciences degree from the faculty of medicine in ‘99. After graduation, Brad spent more than a few years traveling, spending time in Eastern Africa, Western Europe, and much of Asia. It was during his time in Asia that Brad was first exposed to Traditional Chinese Medicine, and particularly acupuncture.

Having come from a very scientifically minded background, his initial skepticism was completely overcome upon experiencing excellent results. This was the experience which set him firmly on the path towards Naturopathic medicine; indeed within a year he was enrolled at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, in Vancouver. He received his ND diploma after four hard years of study, in 2009.

Dr. Dunstan can offer many different therapeutic options. Treatment plans are tailored according to the individual’s unique health circumstances, and personal preferences. He has additional certifications in Prolotherapy, IV therapy, Heavy Metal Chelation, Acupuncture, and is licensed to prescribe pharmaceuticals. He also offers diet/lifestyle counselling, custom made herbal medicines, neural therapy, trigger point injections, and a wide range of diagnostic laboratory testing options.

Brad spends most of his spare time laughing and playing with his young sons Henry and Nathan. He also plays jazz trumpet with the big band “Swing Shift”, and participates in local theatrical productions, acting, singing, and even dancing! A daily Qi Gong practice helps him stay present, balanced, and grounded.

Some of the areas in which Dr. Dunstan has a special interest include pain syndromes, oncology support, digestive complaints, cardiovascular concerns, paediatric health, endocrine (hormone) imbalances and chronic conditions of all kinds. Whatever health related difficulties you may be currently going through, you can rely on the fact that Dr. Dunstan will take the time to listen to your concerns and work with you to find the best therapeutic options available. A visit with Dr. Dunstan has been a major turning point for the lives of many of his patients, and could be for you also.

Dr. Brad Dunstan is the Locum Doctor overseeing Dr. Anita Komonski’s Practice while she is away o... Read More

(She/Her/Hers)

If you can not find an In Person appointment time with Dr. Amy Gilchrist and are open to trying a Video appointment, be sure to check out her Virtual appointment availabilities. Dr Amy Gilchrist practices only Virtually/over the phone on Tuesdays! :)

Amy is a primary care naturopathic physician in general family practice with special interest in women’s health. She is also the Clinical Director of The Family Medicine Clinic, a naturopathic teaching facility here at Acacia that provides free naturopathic care to low-income young families. Dr. Gilchrist provides an atmosphere where your health care concerns are addressed in a comprehensive and compassionate way. She works to understand the full nature of each case and the underlying cause of disease. Her treatments uniquely fit each individual patient.

She utilizes proven, non-invasive techniques, primarily; acupuncture, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, orthomolecular medicine, body work, support counseling, and mind body techniques. Dr. Amy has also received her prescriptive authority and is now able to write or renew a prescription for anything within the Naturopathic Formulary as set out by the CNPBC.

Dr. Gilchrist commonly works with gynecological disorders, hormonal irregularities, fertility concerns, cardiovascular disease, bowel conditions, allergies, auto-immune disorders, skin conditions, weight management, fatigue, headaches. As well she creates protocols to promote health and healthy aging.

Amy comes from a background of local non-profit and international development work, traveling and working abroad extensively. It was through these rich experiences that Dr. Gilchrist cultivated a desire to become a naturopathic doctor.

Dr. Gilchrist received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. She interned in general practice at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic and at The Sherbourne Health Centre, a free Naturopathic clinic for people with HIV and AIDS.

She has been involved in several research projects with CCNM and Toronto General Hospital, and has co-authored papers on pediatrics in naturopathic medicine, childhood vaccinations, and HIV and AIDS.

Amy is the proud mother of two little girls, whom she thinks may actually be the cutest girls in the world.

(She/Her/Hers) If you can not find an In Person appointment time with Dr. Amy Gilchrist and are ... Read More

(She/Her/Hers)

Danielle is currently not accepting new clients at Acacia Health.

Treatment Areas: - anxiety (worry, phobia, perfectionism, social and generalized anxiety) - depression and low mood - interpersonal relationships - attachment wounds - relationship with self - parenting - stressful life events - trauma, PTSD and OCD

Trained in EMDR with an attachment and somatic focus, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

My integrated approach is rooted in mindfulness and somatic awareness and treatment is tailored to each client.

The most important aspect of my practice is the therapeutic relationship. Each person is unique, and my practice is adaptive to individual personalities, strengths, challenges and diverse life experiences. I offer a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and creative approach rooted in evidence based clinical knowledge.

I am honoured to provide support to clients as they share aspects of their life that cause pain or stagnation. I bring cultural humility and an inclusive perspective to the counselling relationship. I enjoy collaborating with clients to identify areas of life that require healing and areas they wish to nurture and grow. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Benefits of Counselling: - Gaining greater influence over internal experiences of thoughts, feelings, and behaviour - Developing stress management, coping and relaxation skills - Developing deeper understanding and awareness of self - Management of difficult emotions - Improving relationship with self and others - Healing from trauma and embracing personal growth - Strengthening parenting skills - Addressing and reducing repetitive or self-limiting behaviours - Strengthening self esteem and self acceptance

I offer a strength-based and person-centred approach that is rooted in mindfulness. Examining the relationship between thoughts, feelings, behaviours and exploring body sensations can help address areas of challenge or feeling stuck. Increasing coping skills, developing communication skills, and enhancing personal resiliency can improve healthy responses to difficult life events, help resolve conflicts with the self and others, and support navigation of stressful experiences.

My Practice:

I love supporting clients to create positive changes in their lives to support healing and enhance personal growth. I use an integrative approach that utilizes various interventions because I believe there are many paths to optimal health and wellness.

My role is to offer a nonjudgmental, safe, and collaborative space for clients to explore and share their challenges while providing strong clinical guidance that supports each client’s wellness goals. My approach is holistic and rooted in mindfulness to reduce day to day unhelpful reactivity and increase intentional responsiveness. Among other approaches, the following are fundamental to my practice:

  • CBT is an evidence-based approach to treat anxiety, depression, and trauma (Trauma-focused CBT) by increasing awareness of thoughts, feelings, behaviours, body sensations and beliefs. Identifying, targeting and challenging unhelpful patterns in any of these areas can increase influence to create greater balance and develop more helpful responses. This process can reduce anxiety symptoms, improve mood, address trauma and decrease self-limiting beliefs, allowing for healing and growth.
  • My practice is DBT informed. DBT is an evidence-based approach that can help address unhelpful/damaging behaviours, difficult interpersonal patterns and overwhelming emotions. DBT supports the development of skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. A DBT approach and development of DBT skills can reduce feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness and increase healthy balance and personal effectiveness.
  • EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for trauma recovery, processing distressing life events, anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain and more. EMDR supports clients to reduce symptoms of trauma activation in daily life and increase a sense of healing and resolution to live with greater freedom from distressing symptoms such as panic attacks, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and unwanted repetitive thoughts and feelings.

I offer a free 15min consultations for prospective clients. Please reach out to our administrative team if you would like to book an initial consult.

(She/Her/Hers) Danielle is currently not accepting new clients at Acacia Health. Treatment Area... Read More

(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers) Read More

Dr. Anita Komonski is off on Maternity Leave from December 1st, 2023 until June 2024. Dr. Brad Dunstan is available for appointments and is overseeing Dr. Komonski’s practice in her absence.

Dr. Anita Komonski combines compassionate patient care with the best of scientific inquiry, evidence-informed medicine and traditional therapies. She provides an inclusive space where health care needs are listened to, and creates collaborative, personalized treatment plans.

Though Dr. Komonski sees a wide range of conditions, areas of interest and additional training include:

  • Hormonal Imbalances (Thyroid concerns, menopause, women’s health, diabetes, insulin resistance, etc)
  • Adjunctive and Integrative Cancer Care
  • Chronic Pain Management (chronic back pain, joint pain, arthritis, headaches, etc)
  • Digestive Concerns (IBS, IBD, SIBO, chronic indigestion, ulcers, reflux, gall bladder disease, etc)
  • Autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s disease, lupus, etc)
  • LGBTQ health

She holds certifications in advanced IV therapies and chelation, acupuncture and pharmaceutical prescribing authority. She has also practiced Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) for over a decade, which she finds extremely effective for managing musculoskeletal pain. In addition, she is also passionate about customized botanical medicine and strongly believes in teaching individuals how to become ambassadors of their own health through dietary and lifestyle change.

After several years of practice, Dr. Komonski’s continued interest into the mind-body connection led her to become trained in medical hypnosis and hypnotherapy. She has found hypnosis to be an effective treatment for many conditions, including: anxiety, chronic pain, addictions, stress management, digestive concerns, overcoming fears, and many more. She continues to be humbled by the power of the subconscious mind to aid in healing.

Prior to naturopathic medical school, Dr. Komonski completed a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia. In a customized program of psychoneuroimmunology, she studied the complex interplay between the mind/brain, the immune system and hormones in the creation of health and disease. She then attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, graduating in 2008, receiving an award for excellence in women’s health and compassionate patient care.

After many years running a busy multidisciplinary clinic in Vancouver, serving as clinical faculty at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, and several years serving North Vancouver Island, she is now happy to call beautiful Victoria home.

Outside of medicine, her many passions include sustainability, practicing yoga & meditation, tending to plants, riding her bicycles, exploring beautiful British Columbia, cooking and sharing delicious, healthy food with others, and snuggling her beautiful little girl.

For more information about Dr. Anita Komonski and her practice, please visit her website – http://www.drkomonski.com

Dr. Anita Komonski is off on Maternity Leave from December 1st, 2023 until June 2024. Dr. Brad Du... Read More

Keara Lubchenko is a Registered Dietitian who is starting at Acacia Health in Late May 2024. Stay tuned for more updates!

Keara Lubchenko is a Registered Dietitian who is starting at Acacia Health in Late May 2024. Stay... Read More

(She/Her/Hers)

Dr. Michelle Payne is a naturopathic physician with a passion for mental health, women’s health and fertility. She uses evidence based, integrative and personalized medicine to help her patients achieve the highest level of health. Dr. Payne works with patients with a wide variety of conditions including: - hormonal imbalances (menopause, PMS, thyroid issues), - mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, insomnia) - autoimmune diseases - fertility issues

Dr. Payne works with her fertility patients by providing support for preconception, natural conception, IUI, IVF, and pregnancy. She works with both male and female fertility and is experienced in treating a wide variety of conditions that can interfere with conception and pregnancy including PCOS, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, poor sperm quality or quantity, and undiagnosed infertility.

Dr. Payne uses a combination of dietary & lifestyle counseling, acupuncture and botanical therapy to create a personalized, effective and feasible treatment for her patients. Dr. Payne is licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs when necessary and works to collaborate with every member of her patient’s health care team.

Dr. Payne studied Kinesiology at the University of Victoria and graduated with distinction with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. She graduated from Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine and received the award for highest academic achievement. When not seeing patients Dr. Payne spends her time teaching at West Coast College of Massage Therapy and spending time with her family. Dr. Payne believes there is no greater gifts than health and family, and for this reason it is her passion to help her patients attain the highest level of health and expand their families.

(She/Her/Hers) Dr. Michelle Payne is a naturopathic physician with a passion for mental health, ... Read More

Far-Infrared (FIR) Saunas use infrared energy to increase body temperature and encourage sweating and detoxification. Repeated heating and sweating through sauna therapy improves circulation, speeds up metabolism and facilitates weight loss, improves tissue oxygenation and wound healing, reduces pain, and improves skin function and tone. Heat from an infrared sauna penetrates deeper into the body than traditional saunas. This causes sweating at lower ambient temperatures, and enhances detoxification of deeper tissue levels. In general, FIR saunas are more comfortable than regular saunas, as the air remains cooler and easier to breath.

Far-Infrared (FIR) Saunas use infrared energy to increase body temperature and encourage sweating... Read More

Dawna practices Virtually or by Phone for appointments, Dawna is not available for in person services.

Dawna is accepting New Patients at this time.

I am passionate about living and helping you find your way to a more soulful, satisfying and meaningful life experience. I am a true believer in the power of healing, gratitude, positive manifestation and following your dreams. Many of us have had incredible challenges to overcome along the way. The way can be fraught with challenging circumstances, doubt, fear and the powerful voices of the past.

There is good news: 1. You are a survivor. 2. Healing and change are possible. 3. YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!

The path to a more satisfying life often involves a combination of skill building and healing. Professional guidance toward greater self-awareness, decreased mental distress, stress management, pain management, intentional choices, improved communication and emotion regulation are only a few ways counselling can help you improve your life.

For some people, simple changes in attitude and behaviour can mark a turning point in their lives. For all of us, growth is a life-learning experience. We can make a difference in how we experience life. I actively participate in my own journey to health and well-being and have the experience and belief to help you navigate your path too.

I have earned an MA in counselling psychology, a BA in Psychology with a minor focus in Human Development. I have been a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2011. Some of my work settings have included 12+ years in private practice, 8 years at a Vancouver Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centre and, 8 years providing education and counselling for Problem Gambling on behalf of the Province of BC. I am a staunch believer in education and life-long learning; I usually take at least one post graduate education course per year.

I am pleased to join the team at Acacia Health. It is an honour to join a team of this caliber. I look forward to helping to serve the communities mental and emotional health needs.

Schedule your complimentary 15-minute meet and greet appointment with Dawna to see if she’s the right fit for your needs.

Dawna practices Virtually or by Phone for appointments, Dawna is not available for in person serv... Read More

(She/Her/Hers)

At our core, humans are relational beings. Emma’s approach to counselling focuses on building a relationship in which you feel heard, seen, and respected. She takes a holistic person-centered approach to counselling that considers the unique factors and influences in your life, both at present and from the past. Whether you are struggling with anxiety/depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, body image issues, or self-growth/identity work, Emma will bring a warm, grounded presence into the room to meet you where you are to support you along your journey.

With her background in both counselling and kinesiology, Emma integrates the connection between the mind and body into each of her practices to create meaningful changes that move you towards your desired state of health and wellness.

In her work as a kinesiologist, Emma believes that movement should be an enjoyable addition to life and not a chore to put on the to-do list. In her clinical practice, she has worked with a variety of clients from children to people in their nineties; people recovering from and/or preparing for surgery, rehabilitating sports injuries, helping people return to work post-injury, and adapting sedentary lifestyles to include more movement. Her passion is helping others find the joy in movement so that it may be a sustainable addition to their lives.

In her personal time, Emma loves all forms of movement (ideally outdoors), knitting (usually trying to finish one of her many unfinished projects on the go), or spending time with her loved ones.

(She/Her/Hers) At our core, humans are relational beings. Emma’s approach to counselling focuses... Read More

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