Lorraine Bates is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who supports individual adults experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, work-related stress, trauma, substance use concerns, and significant life changes. She welcomes people who feel overwhelmed or stuck, even when they cannot quite put a finger on why.

Lorraine’s approach is practical, compassionate, and evidence-informed. She works collaboratively to understand what is happening, recognize existing strengths, and explore strategies that fit each person’s goals, pace, and lived experience. She especially enjoys supporting caregivers, helping professionals, leaders, and people carrying a lot of responsibility.

Her work is grounded in respect, curiosity, and the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives. Counselling with Lorraine makes room for both difficult experiences and hopeful possibilities—and, when appropriate, a little humour. Her aim is to help people find their footing and build a more sustainable way of living and working.

Lorraine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Education from the University of Victoria, with additional graduate coursework through Yorkville University to complete her clinical counselling qualifications.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Lorraine draws on trauma-informed practice, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and harm-reduction approaches. Sessions may involve exploring patterns, identifying practical next steps, or considering changes in your relationship with substances without judgment.

Lorraine’s Professional Interests

Anxiety, depression, burnout, chronic stress, work challenges, trauma, life transitions, resilience, caregiver well-being, helping professionals, leadership responsibilities, and harm reduction.

Education History

• Master of Education — University of Victoria
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — University of Victoria
• Graduate coursework toward clinical counselling qualifications — Yorkville University

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Dr. Jenna Dhillon is a naturopathic doctor who offers collaborative, affirming care at Allies Integrated Health. She enjoys working with people who are curious about their health and want to take an active role in making changes that feel manageable and meaningful.

Jenna supports people with digestive concerns, mental health concerns, fatigue, hormonal changes, metabolic health, and acne. Her approach considers each person’s symptoms alongside their wider health history and goals, creating space to discuss both ongoing concerns and preventive care.

Her work combines clinical evidence with compassion and respect for each person’s lived experience. She aims to help patients understand their options and participate confidently in decisions about their care.

Jenna earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, following a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology at the University of Victoria.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Jenna’s care may include botanical medicine, pharmaceutical prescribing, testing, IV therapy, and intramuscular injections when appropriate. The tools used depend on the appointment, assessment, and individual care plan.

Jenna’s Professional Interests

Digestive health, mental wellness, fatigue and low energy, hormonal health, metabolic health, acne, preventive care, and gender-affirming care.

Education History

• Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine — Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, 2024
• Bachelor of Science, combined major in Biology and Psychology — University of Victoria, 2019

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David Fredbjornson is a Registered Massage Therapist who offers compassionate, inclusive care shaped by his own experience of persistent low back pain. He understands how ongoing pain can affect everyday life and works with clients to support comfort, function, and quality of life.

David’s approach is grounded in the biopsychosocial model, which considers the physical, psychological, and social factors involved in pain. He takes time to understand each person’s experience and tailors sessions to their individual needs and preferences.

As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, David values care that respects each person’s identity and circumstances. His professional interests include chronic pain, gender-affirming care, and working with autistic clients. His commitment to community care also includes experience supporting people with low incomes.

David completed massage therapy training at Mount Royal College in Calgary in 2006 and the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in 2009. He has also undertaken gender-affirming care training through Trans Care BC.

Extra tools you may see in the session

David brings a biopsychosocial perspective to assessment and treatment, making room to discuss how pain affects your daily life. Massage is adapted to your needs, with an emphasis on comfort, communication, and an approach that feels right for you.

David’s Professional Interests

Chronic and persistent pain, low back pain, gender-affirming care, autistic clients, inclusive healthcare, and supporting quality of life through individualized massage therapy.

Education History

• Massage therapy training — Mount Royal College, Calgary, 2006
• Massage therapy training — West Coast College of Massage Therapy, 2009
• Gender-affirming care training — Trans Care BC

David Fredbjornson is a Registered Massage Therapist who offers compassionate, inclusive care sha... Read More

Asher Gunnar-MacLeod offers collaborative, affirming support grounded in compassion, connection, and respect for each person’s lived experience. As a transgender man with lived experience of neurodivergence and trauma, he brings a personal understanding of the importance of being able to show up without hiding parts of yourself.

Asher works with adults and youth aged 12 and older, with particular interests in trans and gender-expansive experiences, neurodivergence, trauma, relationships, and the effects of marginalization. He also supports people exploring the impact of religious or spiritual abuse, attachment experiences, and patterns in their relationships.

His approach makes room for different ways of communicating and being. Stimming, pausing, changing topics, and sharing information in depth are welcome. He aims to create a space where clients can explore their needs and experiences without pressure to mask or fit a particular expectation.

Asher brings more than 19 years of experience in mental health settings, including schools, universities, supportive housing, unhoused communities, and correctional settings. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with a psychology emphasis from the University of Victoria and a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling from Western Sydney University.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Sessions may include exploring attachment experiences, mapping relationship patterns, discussing nervous system responses, and examining how power, identity, and systemic barriers have shaped your life. Asher adapts the pace and communication style to support a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Asher’s Professional Interests

Trans and gender-expansive care, neurodivergent-affirming support, trauma and PTSD, religious or spiritual abuse, attachment, relationship patterns, marginalization, and support for adults and youth aged 12 and older.

Education History

• Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling — Western Sydney University, Australia
• Bachelor of Arts, psychology emphasis — University of Victoria

Booking note: Asher’s current Jane profile states that insurance billing is unavailable while his Australian credentials transfer to BC. Confirm this status before publishing the updated profile.

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Hannah Hale is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who offers a warm, affirming space for people navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationships, identity, or a persistent sense of feeling stuck. She wants starting counselling to feel approachable, without needing a diagnosis or a perfectly organized explanation of what is wrong.

As a polyamorous, neurodivergent member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Hannah brings lived experience to her work with people whose identities or relationships fall outside mainstream expectations. She especially enjoys supporting LGBTQIA+, multicultural, and neurodivergent clients, including people in polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships.

Hannah’s approach is person-centred: clients help set the pace and direction while she brings warmth, curiosity, and attentive presence. Together, they explore patterns, make room for difficult feelings, and identify steps toward what matters most. Clients are always welcome to slow down, redirect, or pause.

Hannah holds a Master of Counselling from City University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Victoria. She is registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Hannah draws on Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques. These approaches can support exploration of different parts of yourself, the stories shaping your life, relationship patterns, and your values.

Hannah’s Professional Interests

Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, identity, relationship communication, feeling stuck, LGBTQIA+ experiences, neurodivergence, multicultural experiences, polyamory, and ethical non-monogamy.

Education History

• Master of Counselling — City University
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor in Sociology — University of Victoria

Hannah Hale is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who offers a warm, affirming space for people nav... Read More

Jen Harrower is a student massage practitioner currently completing her clinical training at West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT). Originally from Scotland and England, she has spent the past few years making her home in Victoria, BC.

Before moving into bodywork, Jen spent over a decade in the food service industry, where her favourite part of the job was connecting with people from all walks of life. That appreciation for human connection continues to shape her approach to care: warm, approachable, and centred on the person in front of her.

Having navigated OCD and anxiety since childhood, Jen understands how demanding it can be to manage ongoing stress. This experience informs her empathy and her interest in how stress can show up as physical tension. She is passionate about helping clients find moments of ease, comfort, and relaxation.

As a queer practitioner, Jen values creating a safer, affirming space where people feel respected in their identities and comfortable expressing their needs. Trust, clear communication, and consent guide her sessions. Whether you feel most relaxed chatting or settling into quiet, Jen follows your lead, while checking in about your comfort and preferences.

Outside of studying and clinic time, Jen enjoys crochet, journaling, creating art, and exploring Vancouver Island by bicycle.

What to expect in a session

Jen works collaboratively with you to understand your goals, comfort level, and boundaries. She has a particular interest in myofascial techniques and adapts her approach to your individual needs. There is always room to ask questions, request an adjustment, or pause.

Jen’s Professional Interests

Relaxation, stress-related muscle tension, myofascial techniques, and supporting people who experience the physical effects of ongoing stress. Jen is especially interested in helping clients feel comfortable, heard, and at ease throughout their care.

Education History

• Currently enrolled at West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) — clinical training in progress

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Éimear Hawthorne brings a love of plants, food, and community to her work in herbal medicine and holistic nutrition. Growing up on a rural hobby farm in Cavan, Ireland, she developed an early connection with the natural world that continues to shape her approach to care.

Éimear’s work brings together traditional herbal knowledge, nutrition science, and respect for each person’s relationship with their body. Her interests include digestive health, stress, sleep, reproductive and sexual health, fertility, and support across different stages of life. She also values food freedom and supporting people navigating disordered eating.

Her approach is client-centred, trauma-informed, and attentive to the wider conditions that shape health. Food access, reproductive justice, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, and the effects of colonialism are important parts of how she understands individual and collective well-being.

Éimear holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sociology, and Politics from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Her further studies at Pacific Rim College focus on Phytotherapy and Holistic Nutrition, combining traditional approaches with biomedical sciences and supervised student-clinic experience.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Sessions may include herbal recommendations, nutrition discussions, intuitive eating approaches, and flower essences. Éimear aims to help people explore their relationships with food, plants, and their bodies in ways that reflect their needs and circumstances.

Éimear’s Professional Interests

Digestive health, stress and sleep, nervous system support, food freedom, disordered eating, fertility, pregnancy, early childhood, sexual health, reproductive justice, food justice, and 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care.

Education History

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sociology, and Politics — National University of Ireland, Galway, 2018
• Studies toward a dual diploma in Phytotherapy and Holistic Nutrition — Pacific Rim College;

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Dr. Amy Kavanagh is a naturopathic doctor who believes good healthcare starts with being truly seen. She aims to offer a soft place to land in a medical system that can feel confusing and overwhelming, with care grounded in connection, curiosity, and compassion.

Amy works with people seeking support for mental and emotional wellness, skin health, hormonal and reproductive concerns, digestive health, allergies, and metabolic health. As a queer practitioner, she especially values providing affirming care for 2SLGBTQIA+ patients, including support with gender-affirming care, sexual health, fertility, and family building.

Her approach is evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and collaborative. She takes time to understand each person’s health history, lived experience, and goals before developing a plan that fits their life. Comfort, consent, and autonomy remain central throughout care, whether someone is navigating a new diagnosis or managing an ongoing concern.

Amy earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from the University of Guelph. She has also completed additional training in queer and trans inclusive healthcare and trans primary care.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Depending on your needs, Amy’s care may include nutrition and lifestyle support, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical prescribing, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and nutrient injections. Her offerings also include trauma-informed physical and cervical exams and environmental allergy testing, with appointment type and suitability discussed as part of your care.

Amy’s Professional Interests

Queer and trans healthcare, mental and emotional wellness, anxiety, burnout, ADHD, acne, eczema, rosacea, menstrual concerns, PCOS, PMS and PMDD, endometriosis, pregnancy and postpartum support, queer family building, iron deficiency, digestive concerns, allergies, metabolic health, and paediatric care.

Education History

• Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine — Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
• Bachelor of Science in Human Development — University of Guelph
• Rainbow Health Queer & Trans Inclusive Healthcare Certification
• Trans Primary Care Certification

Dr. Amy Kavanagh is a naturopathic doctor who believes good healthcare starts with being truly se... Read More

Ryn Malech, pronounced “Rin,” is a non-binary, neurodivergent Registered Massage Therapist who offers patient-centred care at Allies Integrated Health. They aim to create a safer, affirming space where clients feel heard, respected, and involved in their treatment.

Ryn enjoys working with people experiencing chronic pain, low back pain, stress-related muscle tension, headaches, and migraines. They also have an interest in supporting comfort and relaxation for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or difficulty feeling settled in their bodies.

Their approach integrates general Swedish massage, deep-tissue work, trigger-point release, myofascial release, and active and passive techniques. Ryn especially enjoys working with people who have several areas of concern and want to participate in developing a plan that responds to their individual needs.

Ryn trained at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria. Their practice places particular value on inclusive care for 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Depending on your goals, sessions may include deep-tissue techniques, trigger-point work, myofascial release, and active or passive movement. Ryn also lists hot stone massage among their additional techniques; suitability can be discussed when planning your appointment.

Ryn’s Professional Interests

Chronic pain, low back pain, disc-related concerns, neck tension, stress-related muscle tension, headaches, migraines, relaxation, and affirming care for queer and neurodivergent clients.

Education History

• Massage therapy training — West Coast College of Massage Therapy, Victoria

Ryn Malech, pronounced “Rin,” is a non-binary, neurodivergent Registered Massage Therapist who of... Read More

Janna Malo, BA, RAc Owner, Founder

Janna Malo is a board-certified registered acupuncturist and the founder of Allies Integrated Health. Some of her favorite patients are those who have never had acupuncture before and walk away surprised at how gentle, relaxing, and effective it can be.

Janna’s treatments weave together acupuncture, cupping, TuiNa (Chinese massage), QiGong, and practical lifestyle or herbal recommendations. She works with people experiencing a wide range of concerns including stress and anxiety, PTSD and trauma recovery, muscle and joint pain, digestive issues such as IBS, poor sleep, headaches and migraines, menstrual and hormonal concerns, chronic pain, fatigue, and more. Whether someone is seeking support for a specific condition or simply wants to feel more balanced and energized, Janna creates a space that feels safer, welcoming, and collaborative.

Grounded in a deep understanding of the nervous system, Janna’s approach is gentle yet effective. She believes in meeting people where they are, honouring each person’s unique story, and working together to build resilience, relief, and long-term well-being.

Janna holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Victoria, is a certified community herbalist from Pacific Rim College, and is a WPATH member with Level 1 GEI Foundations training. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine, continuing her lifelong commitment to learning and evidence-informed, compassionate care.

Extra tools you may see in the session

A visit with Janna may also include a discussion about accessible Western herbal remedies, Cupping, Massage, Energy work (QiGong), diet and lifestyle discussions, the use of smokeless moxabustion and GuaSha. Janna would like to remind her patients that booking a treatment labeled “acupuncture” doesn’t meant there has to bee acupuncture needles involved to have a very successful session.

Janna’s Professional Interests

Pre-operative and post-operative care, scar treatment, restoring blood flow and feeling post-operatively, chronic pain, Autism, CPTSD and other emotional challenges, chronic stress, chronic pain.

Education History

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — University of Victoria

• Community Herbalist Diploma — Pacific Rim College

• Diploma of Acupuncture — Pacific Rim College

• Doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine — in progress

• WPATH GEI Foundations course

• WPATH GEI and Neurodiversity workshop

• Facial Rejuvenation and Body-Sculpting Acupuncture certification

• Balance Method Acupuncture, Levels I and II

• Foundations of Social Equity in Healthcare

• Harm Reduction Fundamentals: The Foundation I

Janna Malo, BA, RAc Owner, Founder Janna Malo is a board-certified registered acupuncturist and ... Read More

Dakota McMillan is a Registered Massage Therapist who offers focused, affirming care for people experiencing pain, muscle tension, and post-operative concerns. They welcome gender-diverse people, people of all body sizes, sex workers, and people with a wide range of activities and lifestyles.

Dakota especially enjoys working with post-surgical scars, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, shoulder concerns, upper and lower back pain, headaches, and migraines. Their treatments are suited to people looking for targeted work on specific concerns and who appreciate an active role in their care.

Their approach brings together deep-tissue techniques, myofascial work, trigger-point therapy, and active stretching. Pressure and treatment choices are tailored to each person’s comfort and goals. Dakota’s practice focuses on therapeutic massage rather than full-body spa-style relaxation massage.

Dakota completed their massage therapy training at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in April 2025. Their interest in gender-affirming care includes a case study exploring myofascial therapy for top-surgery scars.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Sessions may include targeted myofascial techniques, trigger-point work, scar-focused treatment, and active stretching. Dakota works with you to choose the areas and techniques that best fit your treatment goals.

Dakota’s Professional Interests

Post-operative scar care, gender-affirming care, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, shoulder and rotator cuff concerns, back pain, headaches, migraines, and care for athletes and people with physically demanding hobbies.

Education History

• Massage therapy training — West Coast College of Massage Therapy, April 2025

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Rachel Ness, MA, RCC Registered Clinical Counsellor She/Her

Rachel Ness is a somatic counsellor at Allies Integrated Health. She supports people navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and self-criticism.

Her approach explores the relationship between physical sensations, emotions, and experiences. Through compassionate, collaborative counselling, Rachel helps clients develop awareness of their patterns and strengthen their connection with themselves. She brings creativity and warmth to therapy, with space to explore experiences that can be difficult to put into words.

Rachel also offers hormone and surgical readiness assessments for people seeking gender-affirming care.

Tools you may explore in a session

Rachel draws on somatic psychotherapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), expressive arts, and solution-focused brief therapy. Depending on your needs, sessions may involve conversation, movement, drawing, music, or sound.

Rachel’s Professional Interests

Eating disorder recovery, relationships with food and body image, anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, self-esteem, and supporting trans and gender-diverse people.

Education History

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Somatic Psychotherapy — Naropa University, 2022

• Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies — The Evergreen State College, 2016

Continuing Education — 2023

• Antisocial, Borderline, Narcissistic and Histrionic: Effective Treatment for Cluster B Personality Disorders

• Solution Focused Brief Therapy: An Evidence-Based Approach to Create Rapid, Sustainable Change with Any Client

Continuing Education — 2024

• Eating Disorders & Postpartum Mental Health: Staying Connected to Self and Recovery

Continuing Education — 2025

• “Body as Billboard” to “Body As Home”: Making Body Image Changes Stick

Continuing Education — 2026

• Grief and Trauma in the Bones: Mindfulness and Indigenous Ways of Healing

• Bringing Men to the Table: Effective Interventions for Eating Disorders and Body Image Concerns in Males

• Every Body Counts: Culturally-Attuned Care for Marginalized Individuals Struggling with Disordered Eating and Body Image

• Ask the Experts: The Intersection of GLP-1s, Body Size, and Eating Disorders

• Culturally Responsive Suicide Prevention: Helping Marginalized Youth Move from Risk to Resilience

• Gender Dysphoria and Disordered Eating: Talking with Gender Expansive Clients about Body Image

• Treating Anxiety in Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Clients Utilizing a Somatic Approach

• Unleashing the Power of Family Therapy: An Introduction to EFT with Families

Advanced Specialty Certifications — In Progress

• Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) — training in progress

• Complex Trauma Certified Professional (CCTP/CCTP-II) — training in progress

Rachel Ness, MA, RCC Registered Clinical Counsellor She/Her Rachel Ness is a somatic counsellor ... Read More

Em Postl is a queer, non-binary voice teacher and vocalist who helps people explore their voices in ways that feel connected to their gender and sense of self. They bring more than a decade of teaching experience and a particular interest in body-based, exploratory approaches to voice.

Em works with gender-diverse people aged 16 and older, including people navigating voice changes while taking testosterone and people who want to explore their voices without hormone therapy. Their work welcomes curiosity about speaking voice, singing, and the many ways voice can support gender expression.

As a non-binary person, Em understands what it can feel like when voice and identity do not quite align. Their approach is informed by anti-oppressive values, trauma-informed methods, and an ongoing commitment to learning. They aim to share tools that help people explore possibilities without prescribing a single way their voice should sound.

Em earned their degree in Vocal Jazz Performance from Capilano University in 2014. They have continued their education through training in gender-affirming voice, body-based voice pedagogy, and approaches including Estill and Fitzmaurice.

Extra tools you may see in the session

Sessions may include guided vocal exploration, body-based awareness, and exercises to explore speaking or singing qualities. Em draws on gender-affirming voice training and different teaching approaches to support your own goals and experience.

Em’s Professional Interests

Gender-affirming voice, speaking and singing, gender expression, voice changes while taking testosterone, voice exploration without HRT, and body-based approaches to learning.

Education History

• Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Jazz Performance — Capilano University, 2014
• Estill Method, Levels 1 and 2 — Anne-Marie Speed, 2017
• Trans Voice Teacher Training — Renee Yoxon, 2023
• Body Based Voice Pedagogy — Jeremy Mossman, 2025
• Gender Affirming Voice and Speech and Singing: Training for Teachers and SLPs — Liz Jackson Hearns, 2025

Em Postl is a queer, non-binary voice teacher and vocalist who helps people explore their voices ... Read More