About us

I am Dr. Jennifer Acheson, a registered psychologist specializing in helping adult clients facing a broad spectrum of challenges including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress / burnout, life transitions (including physical changes and career shifts), chronic illness, grief & loss, and trauma. I am deeply committed to aiding individuals on their journey of self-discovery and healing. I consider it an honor to accompany them along their path, recognizing the courage it takes to initiate change in oneself and one’s life.

In my clinical practice, I employ an integrative approach, rooted in strength-based, client-centered principles. This means creating a safe and respectful space for collaborative work with you, as I hold the belief that you are the expert on your own life and possess the inherent capacity for growth and healing. My therapeutic approach combines elements of solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. This allows us to not only address the challenges you bring to therapy but also to emphasize moments when these challenges are less present, leveraging your existing strengths and resources to help you move towards your desired future.

Drawing from my personal experiences, including growing up in a household with a parent with a disability, I understand the significance of context and external influences in shaping our internal experiences. I place great importance on exploring your life context, delving into both barriers and resources across various spheres of your life. Throughout our collaboration, we will examine how factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, ability, family background, and cultural context influence your daily experiences and worldview. My aim is to provide insight into how these forces have operated in your life, fostering new perspectives on past and present experiences, and ultimately, empowering you to develop narratives that align with a brighter future.

I hold a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology and a master’s degree from McGill University. As a registered psychologist with the Order of Psychologists of Quebec since 2021 and the College of Psychologists of British Columbia since 2023, I am qualified to provide receipts for insurance purposes.

My name is Vena, and I am a Master’s level practicum student practicing under the clinical supervision of Dr. Jennifer Acheson.

My areas of interest include helping clients with mood and anxiety disorders, grief, relationship issues, stress, academic and career concerns, bereavement, and existential isolation, particularly in cross-cultural settings.

I am passionate about addressing existential challenges faced by individuals in cross-cultural contexts. Drawing from my personal experiences of growing up in a cross-cultural environment and balancing diverse cultures, I understand the significant impact socio-cultural factors can have on an individual’s life. Consequently, in sessions I emphasize the importance of examining and exploring an individual’s socio-cultural context to help them overcome barriers and leverage personal, social, and cultural resources for a more fulfilling life.

I am committed to understanding the experiences of bereaved individuals, especially regarding existential isolation and its impact on post-loss adaptation. I focus on cultural and gender-based differences in these experiences to provide appropriate support and resources, aiding individuals in their coping journey and alleviating prolonged grief symptoms.

I employ evidence-based practices such as Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Humanistic and Existential approaches. I emphasize empathy, understanding, and personal growth, fostering a supportive and compassionate environment. My therapeutic approach combines traditional techniques with mindfulness practices, encouraging clients to be present with their emotions and experiences, facilitating a deeper understanding of themselves.

Before joining AWG Wellness group, my experiences included working in clinical health care settings serving BIPOC and marginalized communities, owning and operating a business and as a hospice volunteer. Currently I am continuing my journey of knowledge and pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.