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Our Story, Our Purpose & Our Community Impact

Our clinic was born from a deeply personal understanding of mental health. Having experienced mental health challenges, we have all witnessed firsthand how difficult it can be to recognize that something is wrong, find the courage to ask for help, and know where to turn. We also see how mental health challenges affect entire families—not just the person experiencing them.

Those experiences shaped our belief that one of the most important things we can do for our mental health is talk about it.

Our clinic wants to create a practice that goes beyond simply providing counselling. Our goal is to make seeking support feel normal, approachable, and empowering. We want people to feel that they do not have to wait until they are in crisis to reach out, and that talking to someone about what they are experiencing is a sign of strength—not weakness.

Our practice provides a safe, welcoming environment where individuals can speak openly about the challenges they are facing without judgment. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, relationships, life transitions, work stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed, we aim to help them take that first step toward support.

Our community impact is rooted in early intervention and reducing the stigma around mental health. We encourage people to have conversations about their mental health before problems become overwhelming. By making professional support approachable, we hope to help individuals develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen their relationships, and improve their overall quality of life.

We also recognize that when one person receives support, the impact often extends to their family, workplace, and broader community. Helping one individual feel more capable, connected, and hopeful can create a ripple effect that benefits the people around them.

Ultimately, our mission is simple: to make it easier for people to say, “I'm not okay, and I need someone to talk to.”We want to help create a community where reaching out for mental health support is viewed as a normal part of taking care of yourself—just like seeking help for your physical health.

Through our business, we are building more than a counselling practice. We are working toward a community where people feel comfortable talking about their struggles, asking for help, and knowing that they do not have to face difficult times alone.

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Meet the Team

Focused on change, acceptance, forgiveness, and hope

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Karen Aujla

Registered Psychologist

I am a strong believer that the mind is everything, and what you think, you can become. With the right tools one can make significant, and positive changes in personal growth. I believe seeking help is not a weakness, but a strength. I understand the complexities that people face in stressful situations, and work with clients to help resolve them whether that is your mood, thoughts, motivation, relationships, work, career or anything else that is important to you. I have a vast range of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, domestic violence, custody and access issues, cultural, and intergenerational issues. 

I am registered in both British Columbia and Alberta as a Psychologist. I have worked in different front-line positions with those suffering with mental health problems related to trauma, family, relationships, substance misuse, parental and intergenerational trauma. This experience has informed my practice which uses a trauma and strength-based approach, cognitive-behavioural Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavioural therapies, as well as an incorporation of mindfulness practice.

The ability to reach out shows resiliency to the temporary problem that one is enduring. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them establish and achieve their goals.

 

Therapy can be provided in English, and Punjabi.

Direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, ICBC, WorkSafeBC, CVAP, and Veterans Affairs.

Registered in British Columbia and Alberta

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Armaan Ratra

Registered Clinical Counsellor 

Hello Everyone! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I understand, and respect, the vulnerability affiliated with engaging in the counselling process. I aspire to create a therapeutic space that is warm, compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative. Everyone brings a unique, and complex, narrative into therapy, and they will always be the experts of their lived experiences. I view counselling as a relational process, and I value client collaboration to facilitate sustainable change. 

 

Operating from a client-centered, biopsychosocial, and culturally-informed framework, I draw from the following modalities to provide support to clients: 

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) 

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Solution Focused (Brief) Therapy (SFT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

 

I consider myself an eclectic therapist, as I draw from a combination of therapeutic modalities to address the individualized needs of clients. As a BIPOC male counsellor, of Indian descent, I am passionate about incorporating cultural components into my counselling process (where appropriate). Some of my areas of interest include: 

  • Anxiety

  • Mood Disorders

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  • Men’s Health

  • Adolescent & Youth Counselling

  • Geriatric Counselling 

  • Perfectionism

  • Complex Life Transitions 

  • Trauma

  • Multicultural Counselling

 

I have experience working in both public, and private, mental health, and I have worked with Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, & Inuit) youth. I look forward to serving my clients, and embarking on a path towards well-being, tranquility, and joy with you. 

 

I am currently accepting new clients.

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Deepak Nijjer

Registered Clinical Counsellor

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who works with adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationship difficulties, emotional dysregulation, low self-worth, and significant life transitions. I provide a thoughtful, respectful, and non-judgmental environment in which these concerns can be explored with openness and care.

 

My approach is collaborative, individualized, and clinically grounded. I work to help people understand the relationship between their past experiences, emotional responses, beliefs, behaviours, and interpersonal patterns. Alongside meaningful conversation, I incorporate psychoeducation, practical skill development, and evidence-informed interventions that can be applied beyond the counselling room.

My work draws from the following therapeutic modalities:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy

I integrate multiple approaches according to each person’s presenting concerns, strengths, cultural background, lived experience, and goals for counselling.

Ultimately, my goal is to support people in developing greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, confidence, and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others, so they can move forward with greater clarity, connection, and purpose.

I am currently accepting new clients.
 

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Halle

Patient Care Coordinator

 

I am a recent university graduate, obtaining my Bachelor’s of Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia. I have a passion for holistic health care and I believe that supporting both mental and physical wellbeing is essential.

 

As a patient care coordinator, I am committed to supporting patients on their health and wellness journeys and I am dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all!

You can email me directly at: admin@synergywellnessbc.ca
 

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Services

If you like my work and you'd like to su

Individual Therapy

We believe that every single human being has a bit of healing to do. Improving your self-awareness and your outlook of troubling situations are just two of the ways in which individual therapy can dramatically change your life.

We use different therapeutic approaches and interventions that satisfy the need of each individual client. The practice is trauma-informed. The main treatment modalities include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. 

Areas of specialization included:

Depression 

Anxiety

Trauma (physical, emotional, sexual) such as PTSD, childhood trauma, intergenerational, first-responders and motor vehicle

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

Borderline Personality Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Emotional Eating issues

ADHD

Relationships

Addictions

Emotion regulation

Addictions

Family

Children 

Divorce

Infidelity

Institution syndrome

Psychological and ADHD Assessment

Struggling to figure out why you're feeling this way. Start by discussing how formal and informal assessment can help you. 

Currently accepting clients for psychodiagnostic and ADHD assessments. 

Trauma Therapy

You’ll never know your full potential until you give yourself a chance. Trauma-informed Therapy is only one way in which we can work together so you can have the peaceful and happy life you’ve always dreamed of. More specifically EMDR, a robust technique to alleviate and reprocess unresolved trauma can help immensely. EMDR has existed for over 30 years and extensively researched of many psychological problems. Book today to find out more.

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“The natural healing force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well”

Hippocrates

FAQ

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How long will the process take?

The length of treatment varies from client to client based on several factors including severity of symptoms, number of presenting concerns, frequency of treatment, and commitment to therapy.


We believe in short-term therapy which consists of teaching clients skills to use on their own to live a healthier and happier life. Many clients see significant improvements within 8-12 sessions; however, some clients only require a few sessions and others require more long-term therapy.

What if I am unsure if I need therapy?

You can book a brief 10-minute, free consultation with a therapist to discuss this further, and ask any other questions.

Will my health insurance cover therapy?

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia does not cover private psychological services such as therapy/counselling. However, you may have extended benefits (e.g., Pacific Blue Cross, Canada-Life, Manulife, Sunlife).  If so, you would have to contact your provider to inquire about coverage. 

Our office can bill directly to Pacific Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, Manulife, Sunlife, Greenshield, Canada Life, Veterans Affairs, ICBC, and WorkSafeBC.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Please click on the Contact Tab of the website for contact details and to book an appointment. You do not need a doctor's referral.

What if I miss an appointment?

We are happy to reschedule your appointment if you are unable to attend. In order to provide appointments to other clients, 48-hour notice is required when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment.

 

Missed appointments without 48-hour notice will be charged at the regular rate.

What is the fee for each session?

The fee is consistent with the British Columbia Psychological Association’s recommended rate. The current rate is $245 for each 50-minute session for a Registered Psychologist.

The fee for each 50-minute session for a Registered Clinical Counsellor is $165 for an individual session and $190 for couples/joint sessions. 

The fee for assessment and reunification therapy services differ based on length of services and complexity. Please contact the office for more details.

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Mental Health Information & Resources

What is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)?

What is EMDR?

After a bad experience, the brain can get “stuck” on the memory, making it feel like it’s still happening. EMDR helps the brain store the memory in a healthier way, so you can remember what happened without feeling overwhelmed.

Simple way to think about it

EMDR helps your brain file away painful memories properly, so they don’t keep bothering you in the present.

What it’s used for

EMDR is most often used to help with:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Stress from scary or overwhelming experiences

  • Phobias

  • Grief

  • Low self-esteem linked to past experiences

What to expect?

EMDR is a type of therapy that helps people process and heal from upsetting or traumatic memories.


During EMDR, a therapist helps you think about a difficult memory while you do something that gently moves your attention back and forth—like following the therapist’s fingers with your eyes, listening to alternating sounds, or feeling light taps.

This back-and-forth activity helps your brain reprocess the memory, so it becomes less intense and less upsetting over time.

EMDR is different from talk therapy:

Talk Therapy

  • You mainly talk about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences

  • You often explain events in detail and discuss them over time

  • Healing happens through insight, understanding, and coping skills

  • You may revisit the same issue many times to work through it

In short: Talk therapy helps you understand why you feel the way you do and how to manage it.

EMDR

  • You don’t have to talk in detail about what happened

  • You briefly focus on a difficult memory while doing guided eye movements, sounds, or tapping

  • Healing happens through how the brain processes the memory, not through discussion alone

  • The emotional charge of the memory often fades faster

In short: EMDR helps your brain reprocess the memory so it stops feeling overwhelming.

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Anti-discrimination Statement

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is respected, valued, and heard. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion of any kind has no place here.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, disability, neurodiversity, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Inclusion is central to our mission. We strive to ensure that all individuals—employees, clients, partners, and visitors alike—feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to participate fully and authentically.

If you experience or witness conduct inconsistent with these values, we encourage you to speak up so we can address concerns promptly and respectfully.

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Get in Touch

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