Jennifer Sumner MEd RCC

Major life events can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well‑being. Even positive transitions can stir up feelings of anxiety, sadness, or isolation. My work is grounded in the belief that no one should have to navigate these moments alone. I am deeply committed to supporting women, children, adolescents, neurodiverse individuals, and families as they move through life’s challenges and toward a greater sense of security, clarity, and fulfillment.

A significant part of my practice involves working with children and youth through developmentally attuned, expressive approaches such as art and play therapy. These modalities allow young people to communicate in ways that feel natural and safe—through creativity, imagination, and movement—while offering space to explore emotions, build coping skills, and strengthen their sense of identity.

My years of experience working in high schools have given me a deep appreciation for the unique pressures adolescents face. I am skilled at connecting with teens, including those who may be hesitant or reluctant to engage in counselling. I prioritize building trust and meeting youth exactly where they are, knowing that meaningful therapeutic work only unfolds once a genuine relationship is established.

In addition to my work with children, teens, and families, I support individuals navigating substance‑use concerns, harm reduction, recovery, and relapse‑prevention. I also work with adults experiencing career transition, workplace stress, or uncertainty about their next steps. Whether someone is facing a major life change, rebuilding after loss, or seeking a renewed sense of direction, I strive to offer grounded, compassionate guidance.

Because each person’s story is unique, I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gestalt, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness for Addiction Therapy, and expressive arts‑based practices. This allows me to tailor our work together to what feels most supportive and effective for you or your child.

Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is an important part of the healing process. In our work together, you will be met with respect, warmth, and genuine care.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia and am a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I am actively involved in supporting the growth of fellow career practitioners, presenting for four consecutive years at British Columbia’s Career Educators Conference on trauma‑informed practices in career education. Alongside my counselling practice, I teach in the Career Development Practitioner Program at Douglas College and with Life Strategies, where I facilitate courses in areas such as assessments, program development, and work‑search strategies.

Outside of my professional life, I am a wife, daughter, and proud mother of three young children. I find joy in running, dancing, reading, gardening, and creating art. Before becoming a counsellor, I trained as a competitive dancer and worked as a dance teacher, elementary school teacher, and high school Careers and History teacher—experiences that continue to shape my understanding of people and the many paths their lives can take.

Areas of Practice

  • Grief

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Self Esteem

  • Parenting Issues

  • Prenatal and Postpartum

  • Self Harming

  • School Issues 

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Complex Familial Relationships

  • Life Transitions 

  • Addiction

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Mindfulness

  • Art Therapy

  • Play Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 

  • Bowen Systems Family Therapy

  • Gottman Method of Couples Therapy