Joel Bell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Saint Francis Xavier University and is currently completing graduate studies in counselling at Yorkville University. With a deep interest in person-centred and culturally sensitive approaches, Joel is committed to fostering therapeutic relationships built on empathy, collaboration, and meaningful change. Drawing on personal and professional experiences, he values the integration of theory with practical skills and continuously reflects on how to best support clients’ mental health journeys. Joel’s work is guided by respect, curiosity, and a belief in the resilience of the human spirit.

Joel Bell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Saint Francis Xavier University and is... Read More

Pete brings a calm, grounded presence to his counselling work and is passionate about supporting individuals through life’s most difficult and meaningful moments. With a strong foundation in psychology and a deep respect for the resilience of the human spirit, Pete believes that healing begins in the context of a safe, respectful, and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Pete holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Brunswick and is currently completing his Master of Education in Counselling at UNB. Throughout his graduate training, Pete has developed competencies in counselling theory, skills, research, assessment, and group facilitation. He has also completed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and nonviolent crisis intervention (CPI) programs.

With more than seven years of experience working with people in care and community-based settings, Pete has supported individuals navigating trauma, emotional regulation challenges, neurodiversity, and justice-involvement. He brings an informed and compassionate lens to crisis intervention and emotional safety planning, and he is committed to honouring the uniqueness of each client’s story and strengths.

Pete’s Approach: Pete values a person-centered, meaning-oriented approach to counselling. He is particularly drawn to existential and humanistic frameworks, which emphasize self-awareness, responsibility, and finding purpose through adversity. Pete also integrates cognitive and strength-based strategies when appropriate, tailoring sessions to meet each client’s goals. He believes that therapy is most effective when the client feels truly seen and heard and works collaboratively to create a space where that connection can take root.

Pete will be completing his practicum placement at our Saint John office and is expected to finish his internship in April 2026.

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Kayla Downey holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Saint John and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Following university, she took on a role as a Family Service Worker, providing direct support and advocacy to individuals and families facing life challenges such as financial stress, health concerns, and disability. This work deepened her understanding of the systemic barriers many people face and sparked her passion for mental health. That experience ultimately led her to pursue counselling to foster meaningful, lasting change in people’s lives. Kayla takes a compassionate, holistic approach, drawing from CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapies to tailor support to each person’s unique needs. She believes in meeting clients exactly where they are, offering a space free from judgment and pressure. Kayla is especially passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, and more. Her goal is to foster a safe, empowering environment where clients feel truly heard, supported, and equipped to move forward in their healing journey.

Kayla Downey holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Saint John and is c... Read More

He/Him

Justin gained interest in the helping profession after a career pivot motivated him to pursue a university degree as a mature learner. During that journey Justin gained a passionate interest in helping people navigate life’s stresses, leading to the counselling field. He is currently completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Justin strongly believes that becoming a counselling therapist is his purpose as he combines his lived and professional experiences to help people who are walking the paths he once walked. His experience of being a crisis survivor and late-diagnosed neurodivergent contributes to his passion for helping others find their peace, internal love, and internal validation.

Justin Approach: Justin strives to be a culturally responsive, queer, and neurodivergent community ally and accomplice in the everyday battles for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. His framework is humanistic person-centered, and he integrates therapeutic approaches to meet the direct needs of every client. Justin also relies on a trauma-informed lens when practicing and integrating approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Existential Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, among others. However, Justin acknowledges that each client is unique and compassionately tailors his approach to the client’s therapeutic goals.

Justin will be located at our Saint John office and will finish his internship in December 2025.

He/Him Justin gained interest in the helping profession after a career pivot motivated him to pu... Read More