Meet Our Team of Compassionate Counsellors
Dedicated to Your Journey of Growth & Healing
Dedicated to Your Journey of Growth & Healing
At Awaken Counselling & Wellness, we're committed to breaking barriers in mental health care. Our philosophy centres around the belief that each person's journey is unique, and we provide inclusive counselling services that honour diversity and individual differences. We create a non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and grow.
Meet Amanda Veszi, BA, BSW, MA (RSW, CCC)
Human-Centred Social Worker Specializing in Children & Youth
Human-Centred Social Worker Specializing in Children & Youth
Amanda is one of our dedicated children’s counselling professionals, bringing years of experience in supporting the emotional and social development of young clients. As a skilled child therapist, she excels in helping clients navigate:
Anxiety and depression
Life transitions
Emotional regulation
Amanda’s strength-based, person-centred approach creates a collaborative space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Her expertise in anxiety and depression treatment for youth makes her an invaluable asset to our team.
Meet Ashley Westgard, BSW (RSW)
Sex-Positive Therapist Specializing in Trauma Recovery
Sex-Positive Therapist Specializing in Trauma Recovery
Ashley is one of our esteemed trauma recovery specialists, committed to providing a safe and affirming space for individuals navigating complex challenges. Her areas of expertise include:
Trauma recovery therapy
Sex positivity and intimacy concerns
PTSD symptoms management
With extensive certifications in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, and other therapeutic approaches, Ashley empowers clients to heal and grow. If you’re seeking sex counselling near me, she addresses a wide range of intimacy and relationship concerns.
Meet Rebecca Sivertson - BSW (RSW)
Compassionate Counsellor for Children and Youth
Rebecca Sivertson, RSW is a compassionate and dedicated Registered Social Worker specializing in supporting children and youth. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, along with certifications in Child and Youth Studies and Mental Health and Addictions Recovery. With extensive experience working with children of all ages, Rebecca is passionate about helping young people develop emotional regulation, self-esteem, and coping skills to navigate life’s challenges.
Using a trauma-informed, strength-based approach, Rebecca specializes in child counselling, emotional regulation, and family-centered interventions. She incorporates CBT, mindfulness, play-based therapy, and narrative therapy to create a safe, supportive space where children can express themselves, build resilience, and thrive. Committed to advocacy and empowerment, Rebecca ensures that every child feels heard, understood, and supported on their journey to well-being.
Compassionate Counsellor for Children and Youth
Meet Morgan Baxter-Smith, RSW
Compassionate Social Worker Specializing in Maternal Mental Health
Morgan is a registered social worker who brings a person-centred, trauma-informed approach to her therapy practice. She creates a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel heard, supported, and empowered.
With a deep belief that each client is the expert on their own life, Morgan's role is to guide and collaborate, working together to create a therapeutic approach that fits each individual's unique needs and aspirations.
Morgan's areas of expertise include:
Pregnancy and postpartum care
Maternal mental health
Individual and family support during life transitions
Her commitment to supporting individuals and families through transformative life stages shines through in her practice. Morgan strives to help clients navigate challenges, foster personal growth, and achieve their goals with compassion and understanding.
Social Worker Specializing in Maternal Mental Health
Nicole Tkachuk, BSW, RSW
Mental Health & Relationship Therapist | Trained Hypnotherapist
Nicole is a compassionate and experienced registered social worker offering counseling with a focus on mental health and relationship wellness. She provides a supportive, client-centered space to help individuals and couples navigate challenges such as anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, relationship conflict and communication issues.
In addition to traditional counseling, Nicole is a trained hypnotherapist, integrating mind-body techniques to support lasting change and personal growth.
Popular Hypnotherapy Services:
Smoking cessation
Weight management
Anxiety and stress reduction
Sleep improvement
Confidence and self-esteem building
Habit change and motivation
Blending evidence-based counseling with hypnotherapy, Nicole offers holistic support tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
Mental Health & Relationship Therapist | Trained Hypnotherapist
Meet Lorissa Paschinski - BSW (RSW)
Lorissa is a highly experienced registered social worker with over 15 years of expertise in working with children, youth, and families. She offers counseling services that emphasize the mind-body connection and the importance of a holistic approach to mental, emotional, and medical health.
Utilizing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach, Lorissa supports individuals and families in a safe, judgment-free, and collaborative space. She helps them address and work through a variety of issues, including:
Anxiety, stress, trauma and panic attacks
Medical diagnoses
Relationship and family conflicts
Lorissa empowers individuals and couples to improve their emotional well-being and quality of life.
Areas of Expertise:
Managing Chronic Medical and Physical Illnesses: Assisting individuals in coping with long-term health conditions.
Support for Parents and Caregivers: Helping those with children who have high medical, psychological, and behavioral needs.
Female Empowerment and Self-Esteem: Promoting confidence and self-worth among women.
Meet Valerie Cisyk, BSW, RSW
Valerie is a Registered Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting adolescents through the unique challenges of growing up. Valerie specializes in working with:
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Valerie takes a youth-centered, strength-based approach to therapy and works to create a safe, non-judgmental space where teens feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Through compassion, empathy, and a touch of humour, she helps her clients build confidence, develop healthy coping strategies, and explore their goals. Her work is rooted in trauma-informed care, with a focus on fostering self-worth and resilience during one of life’s most formative stages.
Social Worker Specializing in Youth and Adolescents
Meet Tearsa Chang
Administrative Support
Tearsa brings a thoughtful blend of professionalism and compassion to her role in administrative support. Originally from the Northwest Territories and now calling Saskatchewan home, Tearsa’s background as a paralegal and accounting assistant has equipped her with strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail—qualities she brings to every aspect of her work.
As a mother of two, Tearsa understands the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and heard. Her caring nature and solution-focused mindset make her a steady source of support not only for the counselling team but also for clients and their families.
Known for her empathy and dedication, Tearsa is committed to ensuring each client’s experience is welcoming and seamless from the very first contact.
Ready to Work with Us?
Our team of compassionate counsellors will always provide affordable mental health services for our community. Whether you’re seeking support for healing childhood trauma, exploring couples reconnection exercises, or need guidance with porn addiction help, we’re here to support your journey towards mental wellness.
At Awaken Counselling, we’re committed to breaking barriers in mental health care and providing inclusive, accessible support for all. Let us be part of your journey towards healing and growth.
