Greetings! My name is Wayne and I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout Sub-Saharan Africa; an adventure that brought me into contact with individuals who held different world-views and observances. During my youth I saw the abolition of apartheid, witnessed South Africa’s transition to democracy, and beheld a proud nation emerge as a formidable contender on the international stage. My experiences in Africa have endowed me with a deep appreciation for the complexity, and fragility, of the human condition. In 2001 my family and I immigrated to Canada and settled here in beautiful British Columbia.

My interest in the manner in which cultural norms and societal dynamics impact human behaviour led me to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Simon Fraser University. While completing my undergraduate studies at SFU a family member became terminally ill; this wrenching experience set me on a new path, and occasioned me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology at Adler University.

Towards the end of my graduate studies I completed a clinical practicum in a pain management clinic in Vancouver; where I was part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. During my tenure at the pain management clinic I provided individual and group counselling, and had the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of clinical issues. One aspect of my practicum entailed helping clients to develop emotional resiliency in order that they could return to their employers and effectively re-engage with their work and colleagues.

Shortly after graduating from Adler University I became a Registered Clinical Counsellor and joined Oak Counselling Services Society (OCSS). My experience at OCSS was immensely rewarding and solidified my conviction that the human spirit has the capacity for forgiveness, the ability to heal, and the courage to emerge from tragedy and personal setbacks. Indeed, I have been privileged to walk alongside my clients and witness their remarkable journeys.

Although I utilize a variety of techniques, I work primarily from a model known as Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). This approach was developed by Dr Albert Ellis and is considered a constructivist approach. REBT places an emphasis upon choice, responsibility and agency. The underlying constructs of REBT resonate strongly with both Western and Eastern philosophies, and therefore hold a great deal of cross-cultural appeal. REBT shares much in common with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as other behavioural approaches, and has generated an impressive body of research.

In addition to utilizing REBT, I have received specialized training in treating Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specifically, I have advanced training in Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, which was developed by Dr. Edna B. Foa, as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which was developed by Dr. Kathleen Chard. Both PE and CPT are supported by more than 20 years of research and are recognized by the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association as effective treatment for PTSD.

I believe that, regardless of the techniques or theoretical orientation employed, establishing an authentic relationship is of paramount importance within a counselling setting. Moreover, I believe that it is important to honour my clients’ innate wisdom, and create an environment wherein my clients can feel safe, accepted and understood.