The One Oak Team

Naushina
Charlene
Nazma
James
Jiten
Samantha
Mariana
Brittany
Mark-Daniel
Nicole
Dawn

Naushina Kiely,

Senior Counsellor/Clinic Owner
BA, MA, RCC-ACS (Approved Clinical Supervisor)

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, with my Masters in Counselling Psychology. I bring with me 20 years of experience and specialize in individual, relationship, and family counselling. I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, healing from past trauma, coping with relationship difficulties, emotion regulation/management, stress management, and life style changes.

Sometimes we’re not sure what isn’t working for us, but intuitively we know that something is missing. My intention, as a therapist, is to be there for you with a compassionate presence. I will contribute my expertise, to help you, as you move towards your journey of personal growth. I am passionate about helping people and understand the courage it can take to start counselling. Exploring personal issues in a safe and supportive way can be a rewarding and healing experience.

In addition to my private practice, my work history includes experience in the following areas:

 

  • One on one counselling for individuals in distress
  • couples counselling and couples education groups
  • working with children and youth through schools and group homes
  • family therapy through community agencies
  • working with families involved through the Ministry of Children and Family Development
  • parenting support and facilitating parenting groups
  • working with victims of violence
  • anxiety and children
  • Trained facilitator of the Gottman 7 Principles of How to Make a Marriage Work Program
  • Trained facilitator of Pacific Post Partum’s Support Group ModelFor more information on the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors please visit http://bc-counsellors.org/ 

View My Approach & Theories

Although my approach is tailored fit to meet your unique needs, I will draw upon my background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment Theory while using a Strength-Based, Client Centered Approach. My goal is to provide you an emotionally safe place where you can speak freely about what your current stressors are.

Naushina's Approach

Charlene Forbes,

MA- RCC, BA, INHC, RYT

Hi, I’m Charlene Forbes, a counselor, health coach, and yoga instructor passionate about holistic mental health. My approach centers on a holistic, client-centered method, aiding individuals in overcoming life’s challenges, transitions, and uncertainties. I specialize in addressing anxieties, self-esteem issues, and various mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety, offering sustainable strategies for a peaceful life.

My practice spans demographics—adults, youth, and couples—and covers specialties like anxiety, depression, grief, emotional empowerment, nutrition, and stress management. With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and BCACC registration, I adopt a holistic, mindfulness-based approach, considering the impact of an individual’s life on their well-being.

My focus includes managing sociocultural pressures, family issues, and traumas contributing to mental health challenges. Additionally, I offer pre-marital and relationship counseling, emphasizing effective communication and emotional safety for lasting connections.

In essence, my specialties range from emotional regulation, mindfulness techniques, and yoga-based practices to health and wellness coaching. I’m committed to empowering individuals to lead content, fulfilled lives by addressing their mental and physical well-being through personalized, sustainable strategies.”

Nazma Kassam,

BA., BSW., MSW., RSW

I come to you with both formal education and practical experience. I have my bachelor’s and Masters’s in Social Work, as well as 20 years of experience working in the field. I believe it is this along with a weaving of my personal story that makes me so passionate about this work.   I have taken numerous courses and workshops through the years.   I am registered with the BC College of Social Workers,  and I remain committed to ongoing professional development.

In my practice today I use a combination of narrative therapy, Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  I believe in a systems framework and attachment theory, and I counsel from these perspectives.    

Most important to me is for you to feel safe to share what is happening for you.   You are the brave individual who has found the courage to ask for help. I offer you my time and my commitment to listening, to be with you as you tell me your story, and allow your emotions to move through you as needed.   We know that life is not devoid of hardship and there is no magic pill to happiness.  But together we will get you to a place of deeper self-awareness and inner strength. We will uncover the gifts and resilience you already possess so you can move through life with more joy and ease.

James Fairbanks,

M.Ed.,M.Sc.,RCC

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor that feels blessed to be assisting people to transform their lives. I have worked in the field of personal growth and counselling for over thirty years. The foundation of my practice continues to be my own personal journey, which has included healthy living practices (I have taught yoga and Tai Chi for over thirty years), and meditation (I was a Buddhist monk in Burma/ Myanmar and meditate daily) plus continually studying from the best practices in psychology and personal growth.

I have worked with people from 6 to 86 on an incredible variety of issues including at intensive residential treatment centres for over twenty years  as a counsellor then a Clinical Manager so I know how effective counselling can help people transform situations that they were literally dying in to living wholesome meaningful lives. Clients consistently discover that underneath the challenges that inspire them to change are maladaptive patterns related to their family of origin (attachment/upbringing issues), issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, mental health, hopelessness, addiction, pain management, poor self-esteem, ineffective thinking patterns, lack of skill dealing with emotions, issues related to sexuality as well as money, and poor lifestyle choices. I have also worked with families as well as couples for over fifteen years who have found this work incredibly valuable.

How I work with clients:

Over the years I have studied a great number of different theories, approaches and techniques, which I utilize to support you to make the changes that you are yearning for in your life. Many clients find it incredibly important to have a safe place to speak about challenges that have affected them throughout their life; while others tend to be more focused on developing emotional, mental and social skills that day by day, week by week, support them to generate different experiences and build a different life.

Mariana De Jager,

Ph.d, R.C.C.

As a Registered Counsellor affiliated with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, I am deeply committed to empowering individuals and families, helping them harness their strengths to navigate through challenges and effect lasting positive changes. My focus lies in providing guidance to clients impacted by various adversities such as traumatic events, loss, chronic pain, disability, stress, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal difficulties. Human suffering presents in diverse ways, whether through conflict, trauma, strained relationships, or life transitions, often leaving one feeling adrift without purpose. With over 40 years of professional experience and drawing from my own life encounters, I offer valuable insights and options.

I create a secure, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you can freely explore and process your thoughts and emotions. Together, we will craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, collaborating towards achieving your treatment goals and fostering a more meaningful life. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and solution-focused therapy within a Strength-based, client-centered framework.

Prior to joining One Oak Counselling, my career spanned diverse roles, including social work in both private and government sectors, accumulating 23 years of private practice counselling. My educational background includes a Doctorate in Social Work, complemented by experience in Higher Education.

Samantha Ghuman,

MA, RCC

As a Clinical Counsellor, with over 15 years of experience in the school system, my approach is client-centered, strength-based and collaborative. My experience in the school system includes working as an ABA support worker, teacher, and School Counsellor.

Additionally, I have worked with the RCMP as a Youth Intervention Counsellor and Victim Service Worker.

My areas of practice focus are, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger management, grief and loss, conflict resolution, and behavioural concerns. I utilize a variety of approaches in my practice, including behavioural theory, emotional focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

When providing counselling services, my treatment approach begins by developing a roadmap with the client to navigate their counselling journey while honouring and understanding their boundaries, along with my own boundaries. I apply my knowledge of various counselling theoretical approaches and experiences to each session and believe in building upon my clients’ strengths, building self- esteem, and empowering and enabling them to make positive changes in their lives.

I feel greatly humbled by working with the community in various capacities and believe it is a privilege to provide client care to families and individuals.

Brittany Mitchell,

M.Ed, R.C.C.

I believe that a safe and healthy therapeutic relationship can help foster acceptance and change and I do my best to provide a non-judgemental, trauma-informed, and confidential space for healing. As a settler of European descent practicing on the unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples, I strive to continue to build upon my cultural awareness to holistically support clients from various backgrounds, while acknowledging their unique strengths and abilities.

With a background in education, the majority of my career has focused on supporting adolescents and youth struggling with complex mental health and behaviour challenges. I have gained experience supporting both adults and youth as they face a wide range of concerns in my role as a mental health worker. This background has provided me with a level of skill and understanding to effectively support a wide range of individuals from diverse backgrounds, sexual orientations, cultures, and ethnicities, and has allowed me to discover a passion for helping individuals learn to manage their stress and empower meaningful change.

I received a Master in Education degree in counselling psychology from the University of British Columbia and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in good standing with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I prefer to use an integrative approach and draw from a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and Attachment Theory. This flexibility in treatment allows me to collaborate with the client and explore the most effective treatment plan to support their individual needs.

Mark-Daniel Hughes,

RPC-C

I am a registered professional counsellor candidate who graduated from the Kelowna College of Professional Counselling in 2021. My approach to therapy focuses on collaboration. My process ensures that our time together is guided by a sense of togetherness and genuine commitment to the therapeutic journey as a unified team. It is my belief that you have the tools within you to reconnect with your authenticity and reach the place of sustained wellness that you are aiming for. Sometimes all you need is a teammate to help you get unstuck when you’re in search of freedom from pain or suffering.

I aim to encourage you through an interdisciplinary approach to therapy, blending acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and strength-based therapy. This multifaceted approach uses acceptance, curiosity and mindfulness to deepen your belief of self while highlighting the disconnect between your values and your behaviour. Doing so simplifies the process of identifying your unmet needs and creates a more straightforward path to treatment planning. I’d love to be of assistance to you if you’re looking for support in navigating issues stemming from strained interpersonal relationships, anxiety, depression, grief or loss, self-identity, vocational crises, mild to moderate problematic substance use, or trauma.

Jiten Beairsto,

MCP, RCC

Throughout my professional life, it has been my job to listen—first as a musician, and then as a counselling therapist. I know that it can be transformative and healing just to have your story heard. That’s why my first priority as a counsellor is to make sure my clients feel understood and that they can discuss topics with me that they might not be ready to talk about elsewhere.

I was first drawn to the field of mental health when I realized how much I and my community of performers could benefit from addressing issues like anxiety and depression in our own lives. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a wide variety of clinical issues, including grief, relationships, workplace stress, substance use, and trauma. My clientele has included people of diverse faiths, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations.

I find it best to tailor my approach to each person. You might benefit most from the opportunity to process and reflect, or you may prefer a more structured approach where we learn and practice skills such as mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or Nonviolent Communication. For exploring past experiences, including childhood, I use an Adlerian approach, but I am equally comfortable focusing only on present-day concerns. No matter your situation, your feedback about what works and doesn’t work for you in therapy will always be our guide.

 

Nicole Lam,

MC, RCC

I’m Nicole, an RCC devoted to guiding individuals on their healing journeys. With a background in marketing and HR and a Bachelors of Commerce from UBC, I bring a unique blend of cultural insight and fluent Cantonese to my counselling practice. Grounded in attachment theory, my approach focuses on nurturing self-acceptance and empowerment, particularly in navigating life transitions, relationships, and identity exploration.

As a BIPOC counsellor, creating safe, inclusive spaces where clients feel valued is my priority. My therapeutic toolkit encompasses various modalities like Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), tailored to each client’s needs and goals.

Through genuine connection and collaborative exploration, I support clients in achieving personal growth and positive change. Beyond counselling, I enjoy exploring meditation, philosophy, and culinary adventures, enriching my understanding of the human experience. With a deep commitment to fostering connection and facilitating healing, I’m honored to walk alongside clients on their journey towards wholeness and self-discovery

Dawn Thibeault,

MA, RCC

I believe our mental health has a huge impact on our daily lives, our ability to function, and to feel happy and fulfilled. As your counsellor, I take a non-judgmental, collaborative, and strength-based approach to your Treatment Plan and goals, working together to help you become the best version of yourself, despite the negative life experiences that may be trying to hold you back.

For the last decade, I have worked in family law, specializing in high-conflict child abuse and domestic violence cases. I have a thorough knowledge of our laws and the struggles people may face when navigating our judicial system.

In 2019 I founded a support group for survivors of sexual abuse and their families. As a trauma survivor, I am passionate about helping clients endure and overcome their challenges so that their story is one of survivorship. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and as an avid nature and plant lover too, I welcome opportunities to incorporate animal and green therapy into my work with clients.

I have successfully worked with and supported a diverse clientele, including children, youth, adults, and couples, struggling with a range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, OCD, transgenderism, relationship problems, eating disorders and addiction.

I embrace diversity and our individuality and am honoured to work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalized groups.

If this sounds like the right fit for you, let’s chat!

Rates & FAQ's
The whole process - from the first phone call, to the free half hour consultation, to growing and learning in therapy was amazing at Burnaby One Oak Counselling. If you are thinking about counselling - call Burnaby One Oak first!
Z.D.
Last year was a very rough year for me and my family. We've been into a terrible car accident in the month of September and we don't have anybody and know somebody to ask for help to settle our issues. I personally went through ups and downs of a lot of problems even the level of stress gets so high. Good thing we meet Naushina, such a wonderful person who help as a lot to build up our confidence and motivated us to achieve our goals. If your looking for a counselor to help you with personal matters or family probem, I personally recommend you to call Burnaby One Oak counselling.
D.D.C
My wife and I are extremely grateful to the compassion and support Naushina offered us. She is truly talented at her craft and we would highly recommend her to anyone struggling with relationship issues in their life as well as the other parts of our life that are impacted due to this.
S.H.
One Oak has been wonderful for my children and I. We see her on a regular basis for issues surrounding childhood anxiety and depression. Her compassion and caring make the kids feel at ease and able to talk with her. She has been a huge support for me in trying to help all of my children through their issues.
L.V.
Through compassion and skill, Naushina helped motivate me to be my authentic self. I was living my life, knowing that something didn’t feel right, knowing that I needed to do something different...I just didn’t know what. I felt lost and confused and tried so many things before I decided to start some individual counselling for myself. I traveled, joined Zumba, did some yoga and went on beautiful hikes to feel closer to nature, but it wasn’t until I took the time to put in that final piece, working with a compassionate and skilled therapist, that I was able to truly turn my life around. I encourage anyone feeling this way to take the time, and invest this time in yourself.
J.R.
Naushina was incredibly helpful to me after I developed an anxiety/panic disorder and depressive feelings, following a traumatic life event. She not only served as a great support system during our visits, but also gave me the tools I needed to better manage my situation on my own. Thanks to her guidance, I am better able to diffuse difficult situations and prevent them from escalating. Although our work together is not yet complete, I feel much better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise and therefore, highly recommend her to anyone in need of such assistance.
S.A.
My son’s anxiety became so much more manageable. My 7 year old went from having difficulty going to school and sleeping through the night, to being able to function and manage his days. My son felt comfortable working with Naushina, who helped him understand what his anxiety felt like in his body and how he could cope throughout the day. I also learned how to better support him through these feelings. Thanks to Naushina, I feel like I have my son back.
C.K.
I was able to move forward from a broken heart. My husband’s betrayal left me feeling like I could never be happy again, as though something was broken that could never be fixed. Through individual sessions and couples sessions, I was able to put myself back in the picture. Even though I didn’t think it was possible, my husband and I were able to move past this and heal our marriage. I didn’t think it was possible for my husband to talk to someone and open up the way he did. Today, I feel like I am stronger than ever.
A.D.
I was able to reduce my worry and enjoy each day. Through individual counselling with Naushina I was able to explore how much my negative self-talk was impacting my day to day life. Naushina challenged my thinking and helped me shift my thinking to serve me better. I now feel more confident and relaxed.
S.G.
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