A woman with shoulder-length blond hair and blue eyes, smiling, wearing a plaid shirt, in front of leafy plants.

Maxine (she/her/hers)

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) • Certified EMDR Therapist • EMDRIA Approved Consultant

Serving Crofton, Chemainus, Duncan, Ladysmith & surrounding areas on Vancouver Island, BC

Supporting Deep Healing That Lasts

Hi, I’m Maxine (she/her). I was born and raised in the North-East of England and have lived in Canada since 2002. I’m of British, Northern Irish, and Scottish descent, and respectfully live, work and learn on the unceded territories of the Quw’utsun, Halalt, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, and Penelakut Nations.

My Journey

My passion for helping others began early in my career as a Youth and Community Worker in the UK. Over the past 30+ years, I have supported individuals, youth, and families navigating the impact of childhood and intergenerational trauma, relational wounds, and mental health challenges.

Seeing so many clients struggle with deep, unresolved trauma, inspired me to pursue further education and training. I earned a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and became a Certified EMDR Therapist and an EMDRIA Approved Consultant.

Today, my practice focuses on supporting adults navigating:

  • Childhood abuse and neglect

  • PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

  • Sexual trauma

  • Chronic stress and anxiety

  • Relational difficulties

  • Issues of identity, self-worth, and self-esteem

How I Work

I believe healing comes through building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. I create a safe, compassionate space where you can feel heard, seen, and understood.

My approach is:

  • Holistic and personalized — honoring your culture, identity, story, strengths, and challenges

  • Collaborative — we work together to set goals and tailor therapy to your unique needs

  • Grounded in evidence-based trauma therapy, including EMDR and nervous system regulation techniques

I believe in the innate capacity of the human spirit to heal and transform. You're not “broken.” You're responding in ways that once made sense. And healing is absolutely possible. I understand that seeking help can feel daunting, but I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, resilience, and self-discovery.

Credentials & Training

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) — BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

  • Certified EMDR Therapist & EMDRIA Approved Consultant

  • Master’s in Counselling Psychology

  • Bachelor’s in Youth & Community Work

  • Advanced training in Complex Trauma, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR, and Dissociation

Beyond the Office

When I’m not in session, I love spending time with loved ones and alone! Time in nature, grounds and restores me. Hiking, travelling and exploring new cultures inspire and invigorate me. In the cooler months, I also love curling up with a good book and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Take the First Step

Healing is a journey — and it starts with a single step. If you're curious about therapy or my approach, I invite you to book a free 15-minute phone call. This brief call gives you a chance to ask questions and explore what support might look like.