Meet Alison Friesen, Registered Clinical Counsellor in Chilliwack

Whether you’ve been holding it together for a long or a short time, I’m here to support you.

A dense forest with tall evergreen trees extending across a mountainous landscape during daylight.

Professional background & experience

I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#20834) with a Master of Counselling Psychology. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I supported diverse populations within the school district, and non-profit social services as a support and outreach worker.

I have worked in community mental health as a clinician for children, youth, and families experiencing mental health crises. For over two decades, I have witnessed the incredible human strength, resiliency, resourcefulness, and perseverance people carry in the face of hardship, pain, and barriers.

From both my professional and personal experience, I have seen the relief and power that comes from the courageous step to seek support—and how connection with safe, supportive people can help heal and restore us.

Close-up of a rock surface covered in green moss with small green leaves or lichen growing on it.

My approach to counselling

I support from a foundation of hope and compassion, working within a trauma-informed and systems-focused lens. I believe each person’s story is shaped by the complexities of their unique physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual experiences—both past and present.

These elements influence who we were, who we are, and who we are becoming.

Therapeutic training

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
EMDR (Basic training)
Grief Care Professional Certificate
Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) – Level One

Sunset over a rocky beach with houses on a hillside and trees in the background.

Personal roots & values

Although I have lived in the Fraser Valley all my adult life, my roots are from Vancouver Island. I have a deep appreciation for the dark, mossy forests, the ever-changing yet constant ocean tide, and the slower pace of life.

I see these as inspiring my work—staying curious about the darker, mysterious (and sometimes unknown or scary) parts of ourselves and the world; learning to appreciate rather than fear the tides of life rising and falling; and valuing the practice of slowing down, which can bring grounding, clarity, and peace.

Faith-based counselling

If requested, I am happy to incorporate faith-based or Christian counselling into sessions if this would benefit you or align with your values and beliefs.