Suite 309 - 46167 Yale Road, Chilliwack BC.
Phone/Text (604) 220-6572 & Fax (604) 792-9388
Meet Our Counsellors
Shannon Petovello, MA, RCC (#3801)
Welcome to Chilliwack Counselling. My name is Shannon and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#3801) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Owner of Chilliwack Counselling and Mapleridge Counselling. I was born and raised in Vancouver and I received both my Bachelors Degree in Psychology (Hons.) and my Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Simon Fraser University. I specialize in the treatment of mood disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, seasonal affective disorder, PTSD, stress-related problems, and grief and loss. I also specialize in Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy for couples who are contemplating separation/divorce, facing a betrayal (infidelity, jealousy, breach of trust), lacking communication and intimacy, or who are feeling overwhelmed by stress and family responsibilities.
Additionally, I am registered with the First Nations Health Authority to provide counselling services to people who are eligible for funding through the First Nations Health Benefit. I am also registered to provide counselling services through the Crime Victim Assistance Program and ICBC. I also have extensive knowledge and experience working with The Mental Health Act, Forensics and Corrections and I am available for private consultation.
*Shannon is not currently taking new clients. If you are currently seeing Shannon, you can book your next session with her directly by calling or texting 604-220-6572
Nicole Klix, MA, RCC (#18553)
I have a Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Athabasca University and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#18553). I believe that each individual is both inherently valuable and capable of growth and increased hope, and I am privileged to offer witness and support in that process. I approach my work from the viewpoint that everyone can benefit from counselling at different points in their lives. Life, relationships, and changes can all be rich and rewarding, but they can also be intimidating, overwhelming, and even frightening. Stress, challenging family dynamics, fear of the unknown, and depression and anxiety can all reduce our ability to cope with day-to-day experiences.
When a counsellor provides support and perspective in a warm, welcoming, and accepting atmosphere, clients can begin to see their experiences in a new light, and to choose more adaptive responses that align with their values.
While I believe that holistic change involves self-reflection and understanding the reasons behind our behaviours and emotional responses, I also understand the reality of time and financial constraints, and work with clients where they are. For some, this will involve a focus on future behaviour and change tasks; for others, this will involve a focus on the present and mindfulness practices. For still others, this will involve coming to see past experiences in a new light. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the client’s unique needs.
Kirsten Sudbury (formally Graham), RCC (#16708)
You might feel stuck, alone, or overwhelmed. I’ve been there too—and I know that change can feel urgent and terrifying. Therapy helps you find a way through.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#16708) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a PhD student in Clinical Psychology. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families aged 16 and older. I bring clinical insight and experience to our work together, but meaningful change happens when therapy is grounded in your perspective, values, and goals. My role is to help you understand what’s happening and support you in making changes that move you forward.
My therapeutic work draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and systems-informed approaches. Regardless of the approach we choose, I recognize that we all come with our own history, traumas and fears. Together, we will find strategies that are meaningful and effective for you.
In addition to working with a broad range of mental health concerns and life challenges, I have specialized training and experience in:
Neurodivergence: I support neurodivergent individuals—particularly those with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and learning differences—alongside co-occurring challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. My neuro-affirming approach fosters self-understanding, emotional regulation, and improved functioning in school, work, and relationships.
Substance Use and Compulsive Behaviours: I work with individuals exploring the roots of substance use and behaviours such as gambling, disordered eating, compulsive sexual behaviour, or digital overuse. I take a curious, non-judgmental approach that sees these behaviours as adaptations to distress, shaped by both neurobiology and life experience. Together, we build insight and develop more sustainable ways of coping.
Psychological Injury and Workplace Stress: I support individuals navigating psychological injury, burnout, and return-to-work challenges. With a background in human resources and disability management, I bring a practical, systems-informed lens to the intersection of mental health and occupational functioning.
Aman Bains, RCC (#20111)
Hi my name is Aman and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. My counselling experiences include extensive educational and practical background in the mental health field. I graduated from City U University with my Master of Counselling Degree.
Therapy can be beneficial for any individual throughout different times in their lives. I work with helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders and grief and loss. I am also trained in EMDR which is an intensive neurological therapy to help address trauma and PTSD. I also work with couples and have Gottmans level one training.
Whether it is dealing with a crisis event or just overall mental wellbeing maintenance, I use a mix of clinical approaches and some old genuine human connection. I truly believe my clients know what is best for them and I strongly believe in a strengths-based approach. I have experiences working with individuals from all walks of life and would love to walk alongside you in your journey of self-exploration, growth, and healing.
Hanna Tontsch, RSW (#15315)
I am a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Social Work. I started my career by providing support to children, youth, and parents navigating complex challenges including family conflict and parenting issues by supporting the
development of life, communication, and parenting skills. I am passionate about working with individuals with concerns related to: relationships, parenting and attachment, life transitions, grief, trauma, and anxiety. As your counsellor, I will work alongside you to support you in
unearthing your strengths, recognizing unhelpful patterns, and developing your skills to guide your path to connection and healing. I utilize an eclectic approach centered on mindfulness and empowerment, drawing from solution-focused, cognitive-behavioural, emotion-focused,
and narrative modalities. I view mental health as an important component in our overall
wellbeing and counselling as a tool that can provide support in moments of crisis but also throughout our everyday lives. By integrating mindfulness with psycho-education, I will support you in navigating life’s ebb and flow.
Donna Hutchinson, RCC (#18691)
I specialize in working with people who have suffered trauma or who find themselves amid a life transition. I believe anxiety and depression can be symptoms of trauma, along with low self-
worth and self-esteem. As you might already know through your own experiences, trauma responses can show up in many areas of life that can inadvertently affect our relationships - not only with others but with ourselves as well. My philosophy is based on the belief that you are the expert in your own life and truly know what is best for you. You came equipped with all you need to thrive in this life. Counselling can help you to uncover what is already there, especially
when you hit inevitable bumps in life. Healing comes from within, when we are in connection with our selves. Being seen and heard by a caring person can help to renew that connection. Therapy is a collaboration. It would be my honour to collaborate with you to get your mental health back on track. I hold a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from Simon
Fraser University. I welcome diverse clients of all ages, cultures, genders, sexual orientations and abilities. My integrative and client-specific approach to counselling includes the following education and approaches: Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness and Yoga Based Techniques, and Somatic Based Therapy