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.
Brenna McDonnell
MSc, RCC
A cornerstone of Brenna’s therapeutic philosophy is her commitment to practicing with positive unconditional regard. She prioritizes creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences freely. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, Brenna encourages individuals to open up and engage in the therapeutic process with trust and confidence.
Brenna is committed to guiding others along the wonderful journey of healing and self-discovery. Brenna has experience in various areas of treatment, providing support in: ADHD/neurodivergence, domestic violence, relationship problems, suicidal ideation and other acute problems, substance misuse/addictions, LGBTQ+, depression/mood disorders, anxiety disorders, physical, sexual, emotional abuse, anger/stress management, and postpartum depression/disorders. She aims to guide and empower you with the tools and insights needed to navigate life’s obstacles and create lasting positive changes. The goal is to work together to foster healing from within and navigate a path towards a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Brenna also specializes in working with youth, and collegiate athletes. She is committed to empowering her clients with the tools, training, and knowledge they need to perform optimally day in and day out. Through the use of evidence-based strategies, she is able to help her clients with a variety of performance skills ranging from mindset and motivation to improving focus and concentration, handling performance errors/nerves, imagery, developing confidence and mental toughness.
With a compassionate and client-centered approach, Brenna draws from various therapeutic modalities to meet you where you are, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique. These modalities include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Couples Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Whether you’re facing mental health concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions, or other issues, Brenna provides a safe, empathetic, and judgment-free space for self-exploration
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.
