Johanna Simmons

I believe that families are the foundation of any society. As parents you create the future through your children. Occasionally we encounter challenges and need some encouragement to overcome these. I can provide guidance and support for parents to help strengthen the family unit and create a new dynamic within your family. Supporting parents in helping them support their children with behavioural issues is an area that I have become very passionate about. I have developed an effective framework for parents to use and parents have reported great success using this framework.

We all encounter times of stress when our mental health may be of concern. I can help support you through these times and provide you with tools and strategies to use. 

Children also face many stresses in this ever-changing world and struggle to learn how to navigate their way. Using play your child can explore and learn about him/herself and the world. Play is a powerful medium through which children express themselves and work to resolve issues that may arise from time to time.

I hold a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, where I am adjunct faculty. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor as well as a BC Registered Play Therapist. Additionally, I have a certificates in Expressive Play Therapy, am a BC registered Play Therapy Supervisor and a Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor and Consultant. I have worked for over 30 years with children and families in different capacities.

I can offer you and your family the following: 

       • Parenting support for childhood behaviours

       • Child play therapy for many issues including adoption and attachment                                                                                                                                                                       

• Support for school issues                                                                                   
• Support for parents
• Teen counselling
• Support with transitions
• Counselling for individuals for a variety of issues
• EMDR
• Brainspotting

I also counsel adults in the following areas: (This is just a sample of some of the issues.)

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Life Transitions
• Self-esteem
• Trauma
• LGBTQIA2+ Issues

I am a member in good standing of BCACC and the BCPTA .  Apart from my other trainings, I hold a certificate in Expressive Play Therapy, level 1 training for EMDR, Bodynamics Foundation Training and Brainspotting. I am also a trained facilitator of the Roots of Empathy Program, the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) program and a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator .  I am currently on the board of the BC Play Therapy Association, formerly as president.  Additionally, I am adjunct instructor at Adler University.