Deborah Charles
Master of Counselling Practicum Student
Individual Counselling | In-Person and Online

WELCOME
Hi there! My name is Deborah Charles. I’m currently completing my Master of Counselling at City University of Seattle and my practicum at Peak Experience Counselling, under the supervision of Julie Petrynko, RCC. My sessions are being offered at a reduced rate for several months while I complete the requirements of my program.

Grounded in compassion and connection, my goal as a counsellor is to understand you deeply as a person and support you from a place of acceptance and non-judgment as you work through whatever you're experiencing. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and that having a safe, supportive space where you feel genuinely heard and understood can help you find your own answers and path forward.

 

AREA OF FOCUS
I welcome adults navigating a range of challenges, with particular interests in:

 

• Trauma and intimate partner violence: I have a particular interest in supporting individuals experiencing or recovering from intimate partner violence, including emotional abuse and coercive control. My graduate research has focused on recognizing non-physical forms of intimate partner violence and understanding their impacts. I recognize how confusing these experiences can be, and my goal is to help you gain clarity and move toward healing, while respecting your choices without judgment.

• Anxiety, relationships, and boundaries: Supporting you in navigating anxiety, emotional struggles, relationship difficulties, and developing healthy boundaries.

• Separation, divorce, and life transitions: Supporting you through the emotional challenges of separation, loss, uncertainty, and significant life changes.

• Parenting and neurodiversity: Supporting parents as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising children, including neurodivergent children.

• Refugee and immigration experiences: Supporting individuals navigating displacement, uncertainty, and the challenges of adjusting to a new life.

 

MY APPROACH
My approach is person-centred, relational, and trauma-informed, drawing on principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness.

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Together, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and patterns, along with the deeper needs and experiences that shape how you see yourself, relate to others, and respond to life’s challenges. We’ll work at your pace, with compassion and curiosity, toward the understanding and changes that matter most to you.

 

A LITTLE ABOUT ME
Before pursuing counselling, I worked as a lawyer in refugee and immigration law, human rights, and estate planning. The part of my work I loved most was connecting with people and supporting them through difficult life experiences, which ultimately led me to counselling.

I also bring several years of experience working in the school system and a particular understanding of the joys and challenges of parenting neurodivergent children.

 

I feel fortunate to call Squamish home. Outside of work, I love spending time with my son and our Bernese Mountain Dog, paddleboarding, camping, and enjoying a good coffee at a café or on a sunny patio.

 

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Counselling, City University of Seattle (in progress)

• Juris Doctor (JD) – Law Degree

• Bachelor of Science in International Development Studies

 

LET'S CONNECT
Finding the right counsellor is important. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation where we can talk about what’s bringing you to counselling, the support you’re looking for, and whether working together feels like a good fit.

I look forward to connecting with you!