Hi, I’m Carissa — and I’m so glad you’re here.

Starting a counselling journey, whether for yourself or your child, is an act of courage and care. My hope is that Panthera Counselling can become a safe, grounding space where you feel supported, understood, and gently guided toward growth and healing.

This practice was created with a simple intention:
to nurture emotional strength and connection through compassion, playfulness, and nervous-system–informed care.

Who I support

I work with:

• Children & youth navigating big emotions, anxiety, overwhelm, trauma, or neurodivergent experiences
• Parents wanting to deepen connection and support their child’s emotional world
• Adults seeking understanding, healing, and regulation in their own nervous system

All bodies, brains, identities, and stories are welcome here.

How I support

My approach is:

✨ Attachment-focused — because relationships are where we heal
✨ Trauma-informed — honoring safety, pacing, and the wisdom of the body
✨ Play-based & experiential — especially with children and youth
✨ Neurodiversity-affirming — celebrating diverse ways of thinking, feeling, and being
✨ Integrative — drawing from Synergetic Play Therapy, Theraplay principles, neuroscience, and somatic awareness

Whether through play, creativity, storytelling, mindfulness, or gentle conversation, we work together to build emotional resilience and a stronger sense of self.

What you can expect

When you walk into this space (or log in online), you can expect:

• Warmth, curiosity, and respect
• A non-judgmental, collaborative process
• A focus on nervous system regulation and connection
• Support that honors your strengths and lived experience
• A pace that feels safe and attuned

This is a place where authenticity matters more than perfection — and where every part of you or your child is welcome.

A note from me

Counselling is not about “fixing.”
It’s about supporting, empowering, and nurturing what’s already there.

Whether you’re here for yourself, your child, or your family — thank you for taking this step. I look forward to connecting and walking alongside you.

Warmly,
Carissa