Counselling Interns
Our counselling interns are completing Master’s or PhD level courses in counselling programs and are on their journey to become Registered Clinical Counsellors. Our interns are under ongoing supervision by Stephen Roberts, RCC. As their supervisor, services provided by Counselling Interns may* be claimed under the provincial registration number for Stephen Roberts. Counselling Intern services are offered at a discounted rate to standard counselling rates.
Counselling Interns learn evidence-based treatment methods, standard interventions and counselling modalities. They work alongside our many clinicians and staff to gain hands-on experience, tools and knowledge in preparation for their chosen careers.
Counselling Interns offer online and in-person appointments at our Parkside and Westshore locations**.
Interested in booking in? Contact our Counselling Manager to book a free initial consultation with the counsellor who suits you best!
*Please check with your insurance for claim eligibility for supervised counselling
**In-person availability varies amongst Counselling Interns
Keeley Sponton
Counselling Matching Manager, Counselling Intern
Keeley Sponton
Counselling Matching Manager, Counselling Intern
Currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University, Keeley’s therapeutic journey has involved an extensive history of working with children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This background has provided her with a deep appreciation for the nuances of working with diverse populations, highlighting patience, flexibility, and creativity in her practice.
As a counselling intern, Keeley brings a blend of empathy, warmth, and compassion to her therapeutic journey. By understanding that each individual is unique, she tailors her approach to fit the specific needs of clients, drawing from various therapeutic modalities including person-centered, strengths-based, cognitive and behavioural, and solution-focused techniques. Her goal is to foster a safe environment for clients to feel heard, valued, and empowered in navigating life challenges whether it be through exploring thoughts and feelings, developing coping skills, or identifying strengths and resources.
During her practicum, she aims to gain opportunities to expand her skills by working with diverse populations of all ages. Each interaction provides a chance for her to support others and continue to learn and evolve as a counsellor. She values the privilege of learning from each client, recognizing the ongoing potential for mutual growth and understanding through a collaborative framework.
In her spare time, you’ll find Keeley outdoors with her 5-year-old rescue dog, Maya. Whether it be hiking, camping, or exploring and adventuring the island, she finds comfort and relaxation in being with nature (and in being with her furry companion!)
Alexis Petrunia
Counselling Intern
MACP (in progress)
Alexis Petrunia
Counselling Intern
Alexis is a passionate and dedicated counselling intern committed to helping her clients address mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges. With a profound appreciation for the importance of access to quality support, Alexis is pursuing a career in counselling and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University.
Having previously worked as a CBT Practitioner, Alexis has supported individuals in addressing mental health and ADHD-related issues by applying evidence-based techniques like cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, and mindfulness in a goal-oriented and collaborative manner.
Offering a calm, empathetic, and personalized approach to mental health care, Alexis prioritizes the development of strong working relationships with her Mindkey Health clientele and aims to honour the lived experiences of all individuals and families through carefully tailored interventions. While considering each person’s unique needs, Alexis draws from frameworks such as Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Structural Family Therapy (SFT).
In her spare time, Alexis loves to venture out with her dog and explore the beaches and parks of southern Vancouver Island — the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Esquimalt and Songhees), Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Sou-ke and W̱SÁNEĆ (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) peoples.
Mia Vinčić
Counselling Intern
BA, MACP (in progress)
Mia Vinčić
Counselling Intern
Mia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from Western University, a diploma in Applied Holistic Nutrition, and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University. Her extensive background as a clinical nutritionist aiding clients through eating disorder recovery has deepened her understanding of the intricate connections between mental health and physical well-being.
In her work with clients, Mia brings a compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental approach. She creates a safe environment where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings openly. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, incorporating techniques from person-centred therapy, strength-based therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), personalized to each client’s unique needs and goals. Mia’s ultimate goal is to help clients build resilience and discover their inner strengths. She firmly believes that these tools will serve them well as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions.
In her spare time, Mia loves taking seaside walks, discovering new teas, and adventuring around Vancouver Island.