Our mission is to enhance and support the quality of life for Cowichan Lake area residents. We will strive to do this through education, prevention, recreation, counselling and support groups. It is also our aim to work together with other service agencies in an integrated approach.

The Cowichan Lake Area is committed to being the best place to raise a child!

Our Counsellors

AMANDA SAWATZKY - B.A., M.Ed., S.E.P., C.C.C.

Amanda SawatzkyAmanda Sawatzky has worked as a counsellor for Cowichan Lake Community Services for the past 18 years, starting in early 1994. Amanda holds a Masters degree in Counselling from the University of Victoria, a BA in psychology from McMaster University, as well as a certificate in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

She is a certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner and also has certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Child and Youth Anxiety through the Anxiety Disorders Association of British Columbia. Amanda is also a Certified Canadian Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling Association.

Amanda was born in England, raised in Oakville Ontario, and is now a true converted west coast island girl who likes to migrate south in the winter. Along with trauma work, Amanda has extensive experience working with adults, children, groups and families using a variety of approaches. Amanda brings enthusiasm and a passion for healing to her work and uses a playful approach to learning.

Email Amanda directly - amanda@comserv.org

 

DARLENE TULLY - B.A., M.Ed., A.T.R.

Darlene TullyDarlene has a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria. Her training also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Art Therapy from the University of Western Ontario. She is a Registered Art Therapist. Darlene began her counselling career in 1995 and has been a counsellor at Cowichan Lake Community Services since 2004. She worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor at an open custody youth facility in Ontario in 1995 and went on to work as a Clinical Coordinator at Bayfield Children’s Residential Treatment Centre in Ontario from 1997 until 2003. Darlene moved to BC in 2003; she worked in Victoria at the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health, and at Victoria’s Specialized Youth Detox Program before moving to the Cowichan Lake area.

Darlene’s approach to life and her approach to counselling employs genuineness, creativity, and simplicity. She invites the sharing of stories and seeks to encourage individuals to explore and access their strengths as they strive for personal goals and a sense of well being and connectedness.

Email Darlene directly - darlene@comserv.org

BECCA SHEARS - B.A.

Becca ShearsBecca is the newest member of our counseling team. She has a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Simon Fraser University and half of a Masters of Counseling Psychology. Part way through her masters she got married and started her family - she never went back. Becca started working in mental health in the Lower Mainland in 1991. She’s worked in the community living programs; on the downtown east side in dual diagnosis; and was a crisis intervention counselor in Telegraph Creek on the First Nations reserve.

Becca was born in Squamish and raised in a number of small towns throughout BC but she is new to the island. Now that she’s found the perfect small community and the perfect job, she’s never leaving. She lives life out loud and is an energetic and playful spirit. Her passions are working with youth and families, finding the good in every situation and building connections that heal people’s lives.

She has a no-nonsense approach to counseling and has a great ability to teach people tools that they can access at any time in their lives.

Email Becca directly - becca@comserv.org

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The Cowichan Lake Area is committed to being the best place to raise a child!

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