Counsellors
Allison Bates
M.A., RCC
Allison is the clinical director and owner of West Coast Counselling Services. Allison enjoys the outdoors with her family, travelling, cheering on her 2 children at their sports games, and living a wonderful life with her husband of 24 years.
Allison has been in private practice for over 20 years and has successfully worked with a wide variety of clients including individuals, couples and families. She enjoys working with clients that are struggling with depression, anxiety and self-esteem issues as well as working with couples. Another area of expertise is working with women struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety and their families. Allison has special training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Gottman Couples therapy. She finds working with people through their hardest times, an honour and a privilege to hear their stories and walk with them through their difficult times.
Allison has also served on the board of directors for the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, a position she found interesting and rewarding contributing to the profession of counselling.
Allison has special training in hypnotherapy and uses it as an additional tool for clients looking for an alternative approach to their issues. Allison has also been interviewed as a parenting expert for several Canadian Living magazine articles. Allison enjoys seeing her clients have positive change and finds this very rewarding.
Melanie Gaudet
MA, RCC, RN
Melanie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Nurse dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate emotional challenges with clarity, steadiness and compassion. Her dual training in nursing and counselling allows her to approach mental health from an integrative, holistic perspective; recognizing the deep connection between emotional well-being, physical health, and lived experience.
Melanie believes that being a human is challenging! Depression, anxiety, parenting, relationships and life transitions can be tough and feel lonely at times. Reaching out for help takes courage. She believes that with the right support, everyone can discover their deepest desires and achieve their goals. She brings a grounded, trauma-informed approach to her work and believes that working alongside her clients is a privilege and honor.
Melanie works with youth, adults and couples. She has a passion for working with first responders and health care workers, women during the childbearing years, and individuals experiencing grief and loss. In addition, she has experience supporting clients who have complex-PTSD, chronic pain and/or illness. Melanie draws from a range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Gottman Method Couples’ Therapy.
As a mother of three teenage/young adult boys, Melanie understands the challenges of balancing work, marriage and parenting responsibilities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, attending concerts and hiking with her dog in beautiful Maple Ridge.
Mikaela Toohey
M.A., RCC
Mikaela considers it to be a tremendous privilege to walk alongside clients through their fears, struggles and successes. She is determined to create a safe place where individuals feel welcome to share their pain and walk through it together. Mikaela has a lifelong passion for helping others and is deeply committed to her work.
Mikaela’s practice is informed by attachment theory and often uses a narrative approach in session with clients while incorporating other orientations such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), strength based and a person-centered approach.
Mikaela has a passion for working with children, youth, and adults experiencing a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression and self esteem issues. When working with children Mikaela takes a play therapy approach and has found it extremely helpful in addressing their specific needs.
In Mikaela’s free time she enjoys being near the water and exploring various activities in nature with her husband. She also enjoys baking any form of dessert or finding a new coffee shop and reading a good book.
Leila Razaghi
M.A., RCC
Leila is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who is passionate about supporting people from all walks of life. She believes in your potential and is committed to walking alongside you on your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. With a compassionate and down-to-earth approach, Leila works collaboratively to create a strength-based treatment plan that’s uniquely tailored to your goals and needs.
She brings a strong background in evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), which are proven to be effective for anxiety, depression, and a wide range of emotional and behavioural challenges.
Whether you’re navigating emotional struggles, life transitions, or simply seeking personal growth, Leila creates a safe, non-judgmental space where you can set meaningful goals and work toward becoming your best self—at your own pace.
Outside of the counselling room, Leila recharges by cooking up new recipes, practicing yoga, lifting weights, and spending quality time with her family. She especially cherishes moments with her young son, who keeps her inspired, grounded, and always smiling.
