Halfmoon Counselling Services was established with the intention to provide evidenced-based clinical approaches to therapy, while also connecting with our clients through warm and empathetic relationship building.
Our Therapists
Leah Pagels MSW RCSW
About Me
I believe that every person and family is unique, and that therapy should reflect that individuality. My practice draws primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Solution-Focused approaches.
I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) with the BC College of Social Workers and hold a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia, along with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. As an RCSW, I am licensed under the Health Professions Act to provide assessments and diagnoses using the DSM-5.
Over the past 15 years, I have worked in the mental health and addictions field supporting children, youth, adults, and families through a wide range of challenges and life transitions. I have extensive experience helping individuals manage depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and difficulties related to work, school, or relationships. I also have specialized experience supporting clients with ADHD, ASD, OCD, and psychosis-related disorders.
Throughout my career, I have facilitated workshops focused on parenting strategies, ADHD, and crisis intervention. I am also a certified facilitator of the Circle of Security program—an early intervention approach that strengthens parent-child relationships. Much of my professional background includes work on multidisciplinary Mental Health teams serving children, youth, and adults, as well as providing therapy and consultation within school settings.
My practice is grounded in trauma-informed care and guided by an attachment-based perspective, emphasizing the importance of connection and relationships in mental health and well-being. I often integrate play and expressive tools to help clients explore and express their strengths, challenges, and experiences.
On a personal note, I bring warmth, humor, and empathy into each session, and I view therapy as a collaborative process between myself and my clients. As a mother of two, I deeply value connecting with children and youth in ways that feel genuine and relatable, while also supporting parents with understanding and compassion for the many challenges of raising children.
Areas of Practice:
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Behavioural Issues
Family Conflict
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Suicidal Ideation/Self Harm
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Therapeutic Approaches:
Attachment Based
Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Feminist
Interpersonal
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative
Play Therapy
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Strength-Based
Trainings and Certifications
Play Therapy Training: Innovative Interventions to Meet the Needs of Young Clients - Pesi Canada, 2025
Trainings and Certifications Addiction Care and Treatment Certificate – UBC, 2024
EPI Clinician Training (Early Psychosis Intervention) – EPI Canada, 2023
ACT Essentials – Association of Psychological Therapies, 2022
Circle of Security Facilitator Training- COS International, 2019
DBT Skills Training – DBT Centre of Vancouver, 2018
Recognizing & Responding to Suicide Risk – American Association of Suicidology, 2017
The Community is Wellness (3-day) – Thira Consulting, 2013
The Circle is Courage (2-day) – Dr. Martin Brokenleg, Vancouver, 2012
Geoffrey Argue MSW RSW
I received my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia, along with my Bachelors of Education degree. Since 2009, I have been working in the mental health and addictions field, as well as the public and private school systems. As both a fully licensed social worker and teacher, I have spent the majority of my practice working with youth and young adults and helping them overcome a variety of issues related to their mental health. I have worked in both inpatient and community mental health settings and have a deep knowledge of the inner workings of public and private systems.
I draw my practice largely from a combination of CBT as well as mindfulness-based approaches that have proven benefits within the psychotherapeutic setting. I hold a special interest in working with young men age 10-30 who struggle with depression and addiction-based issues. As a male clinician, I have become aware of the particular struggles faced by young men in our society today and have tailored specific areas of my practice towards supporting struggling men.
I also have extensive experience working with people experiencing concurrent disorders, as well as families with a particular member who is struggling with problematic substance use. I make sure to keep up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices and attempt to offer a warm therapeutic environment, offering practical support for change.
I look forward to working with you.
Areas of Practice:
Addiction/Substance Use
Dual Diagnosis
Anxiety
Depression
Behavioral Issues
Life Transitions
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Existential
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Interpersonal
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Narrative
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Strength-Based
Structural Family Therapy
In addition to children and their families in general, here are some specific demographics our therapists are qualified to serve:
Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) and other marginalized groups
LGBTQ2S+ human beings
Neurodivergent children and adults (Autism, ADHD, ODD, demand-avoidant, ID etc.)
Children with complex diagnoses (Reactive Attachment Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Type I Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and many more)