Who is Raechelle

I’ve always been drawn to real, meaningful conversations—the kind that go beneath the surface, where people feel seen, heard, and supported. After more than 25 years in the counseling field, I still feel incredibly grateful to do this work. Supporting others through both challenge and change isn’t just my profession—it’s something I genuinely care about.

As a person, I value honesty, depth, and connection. I approach life with curiosity and compassion, and those values shape how I sit with others in therapy. I bring a calm, grounded presence to my work, and clients often tell me they feel safe being themselves with me. I believe that healing happens in the context of trust, and I aim to create a space where people feel comfortable bringing their full selves—whether that means pain, confusion, hope, or all of the above.

I currently live on Vancouver Island and grew up in Alberta. I’m married and have three children, and I try to spend as much time with them as possible—often volunteering for their sports activities or simply being a spectator. Becoming a parent has been an experience I can’t quite articulate fully. It’s allowed me to feel a range of emotions I never thought possible—joy, frustration, and sometimes both at once.

When I’m not with my family or working, I enjoy hiking, running, and exploring nature—especially discovering places I’ve never been before. One of my favorite phrases is: "When is the last time you did something for the first time?" That mindset fuels much of my personal growth and sense of adventure.

I’m also a lifelong animal lover. Over the years, we’ve had several cats and dogs, and currently share our home with a little chihuahua, two guinea pigs, and four fish tanks. Many years ago, my thesis explored attachment and bonding with pets—a topic I still believe in deeply. Having pets, if it’s possible for you or your family, can be incredibly therapeutic and healing.

I also grew up figure skating and recently challenged myself to return to the ice through adult skating classes once a week at 6 a.m. It was a personal challenge that turned out to be both fun and rewarding—reminding me again of the value of stepping out of your comfort zone.

What continues to inspire me in this field is witnessing the courage and capacity people bring to their own growth. I’m honored to walk alongside clients as they move toward clarity, connection, and greater alignment with the life they want to live. If you have read this far though my biography, Thank-You :)

Professional Background

I hold a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and a degree in Addictions Counselling. I am a certified Canadian Counsellor and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (Membership #12275).

For the past 11 years, I have provided phone counselling and coaching through employment and family assistance programs, supporting individuals, couples, and families and teens to build resilience, improve communication, and reach their personal and relational goals.

I bring diverse experience from a variety of mental health and addiction settings. I have worked at a mental health crisis inpatient facility, providing immediate support to individuals in acute distress. I have also served as a youth and family substance use counsellor, working directly with teens and their families. My background includes roles at a medical detox inpatient facility and a residential women’s substance use treatment center, supporting clients through the early stages of healing.

A woman sitting on a wooden swing hanging from a tree branch overlooking a lake and forested mountains in the background, on a sunny day.

Old Baldy Mountain Hike, Vancouver Island

A tranquil mountain lake with clear water, surrounded by green, forested hills under a bright blue sky.

Cameron Lake, Vancouver island

We stopped here for a spontaneous dip on one of our road trips.

A moss-covered tree trunk in a lush green forest with ferns at the base.

My family loves exploring the mossy forests