Counselling in Abbotsford, BC

Registered therapists serving Abbotsford,
Mission, Langley, and the Fraser Valley

Finding the right counsellor in Abbotsford takes more than a Google search. It takes a practice you can trust — one with the credentials, experience, and genuine commitment to walk alongside you through whatever you’re facing.

Charlaine Robinson & Associates has been supporting people through some of life’s most difficult chapters for over a decade. Our Abbotsford therapists are registered clinical counsellors and social workers with specialized training in trauma, EMDR, abuse recovery, and a wide range of mental health concerns. We offer in-person sessions at our Abbotsford office and virtual sessions for clients throughout BC.

Our Approach to Counselling

No two people come to therapy with the same story, and no two people leave it the same way. That’s why we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our therapists draw on a range of evidence-based methods — including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, somatic integration, and emotion-focused therapy — and tailor each treatment plan to the individual in front of them. What guides all of it is the same core belief: that every person has the capacity to heal, and that the right therapeutic relationship makes that possible.

We offer a client-centred, strength-based approach in a safe, confidential environment — where your integrity, autonomy, and pace are always respected.

Man's silhouette with ocean sunset — representing reflection, inner calm, and the healing process through counselling in Abbotsford, BC
Woman with a warm, open expression outdoors — representing adults seeking counselling and mental health support in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley

Who We Help

Our Abbotsford therapists work with a wide range of people across many different life circumstances.

  • Adults

    Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, or the weight of past experiences, our adult counselling services are designed to meet you where you are — and help you move forward.

  • Youth and Adolescents

    We support young people aged 16–19 dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parent-teen conflict, trauma, and other challenges. Adolescence is hard enough — having the right support makes a difference.

  • First Responders and Veterans

    We have deep, specialized experience working with RCMP members, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, military veterans, and their families. Our therapists understand occupational trauma, OSI, and the unique pressures of life in emergency services — and are trained specifically to work with this community.

  • Families

    Relationship stress, family breakdown, domestic violence, and communication breakdown affect the whole household. We offer family counselling services that address the dynamics at the root — not just the symptoms.

  • Indigenous and First Nations Clients

    We offer trauma-informed, culturally sensitive counselling for First Nations and Indigenous individuals, including support tailored to experiences of systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and community loss.

Our Abbotsford Counselling Services

We offer a broad range of therapeutic services at our Abbotsford office, all delivered by registered counsellors with specialized training in their areas of practice.

  • Adult Counselling

    Individual therapy for adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, burnout, and life transitions. Sessions are available in 50 or 80-minute formats, in-person or online. → View all adult counselling services

  • EMDR Therapy

    EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is our clinical specialty and the foundation of our trauma work. All of our Abbotsford therapists are EMDR trained, offering one of the most evidence-based treatments available for PTSD and trauma. → Learn more about EMDR trauma counselling in Abbotsford

  • Trauma and Abuse Counselling

    Specialized support for survivors of childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and complex trauma. Our therapists create a careful, paced, non-judgmental space to work through what you've experienced. → Explore our trauma specializations

  • Youth and Adolescent Counselling

    Therapeutic support for young people aged 11–19, addressing anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, suicidal ideation, and family conflict. View all counselling services

  • Family Counselling

    Support for families navigating relationship breakdown, communication difficulties, domestic conflict, and the challenges of major life transitions. View all counselling services

Hands gently cradling a small plant — representing growth, care, and the nurturing approach to counselling services at Charlaine Robinson & Associates in Abbotsford

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."

— Helen Keller

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Getting Started

Is Simpler Than You Think

Deciding to reach out is often the hardest part. Once you do, we make the rest as easy as possible.

  • Step 1: Reach out.

    Call us, email, or use our online booking form. Our office assistant will take the time to understand your situation and match you with the right therapist.

  • Step 2: Your First Session.

    Your initial session is 50 or 80 minutes depending on your therapist. It's a chance to share what's brought you in, ask questions, and get a feel for the fit — with no pressure to commit to a full treatment plan right away.

  • Step 3: Begin your work.

    Sessions are available in-person at our Abbotsford office or online throughout BC, with morning, afternoon, and evening availability depending on your therapist.

Meet Your Abbotsford Therapists

Our Abbotsford team are registered clinicians with diverse training and genuine expertise across a wide range of concerns.

Shawnda Johnston, MA RCC - Certified EMDR therapist in Abbotsford BC

Shawnda Johnston

MA, RCC, Certified EMDR Therapist

Shawnda has over 20 years of experience supporting people through some of the most challenging chapters of their lives. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist with advanced training in complex trauma, dissociation, somatic integration, and domestic violence. Warm, collaborative, and deeply experienced, Shawnda's approach puts you in the driver's seat of your own healing.

Rajvinder Heer, RSW - EMDR therapist in Abbotsford BC

Rajvinder Heer

MSW, RSW, EMDR Therapist

Rajvinder brings over a decade of social work experience and specialized training in EMDR, complex trauma, and emotion-focused therapy. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, she offers culturally sensitive care and a deeply held belief in every person's capacity to heal.

Melissa Michaud, RCC - EMDR therapist in Abbotsford BC

Melissa Michaud

M.Ed, RCC, EMDR Therapist

Melissa began her counselling career in the mental health and addictions field, and brings that grounded, practical experience to her work with trauma clients. Trained in both EMDR and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), she approaches each person with skill, care, and genuine respect for their journey.

Our practice is founded and clinically overseen by Charlaine Robinson, MA, RCC — an EMDRIA Approved Consultant with over 30 years of experience. Charlaine is available for online sessions with Abbotsford and Fraser Valley clients. Learn more about Charlaine

Abbotsford counselling office at Charlaine Robinson & Associates - 2469 Pauline Street

In-Person in Abbotsford — and Online Across BC

Our Abbotsford office is conveniently located at:

We see clients from across the Fraser Valley, including Mission, Langley, Aldergrove, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, and Surrey. Virtual sessions are available for clients throughout British Columbia.

Prefer to meet online? All of our Abbotsford therapists also offer virtual sessions — same quality of care, from wherever you are in BC.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. You can refer yourself directly — just reach out by phone, email, or through our online booking form. A family doctor’s referral is not required, though some extended health plans may ask for one for reimbursement purposes.

Our team works with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief, relationship difficulties, burnout, low self-worth, domestic violence and abuse, and more. If you’re not sure whether your situation is something we work with, reach out and ask — we’re happy to help you figure out the right fit.

Individual therapy sessions are $170 for 50 minutes or $235 for 80 minutes. We provide official receipts for submission to extended health benefit plans — many plans cover registered clinical counsellors and social workers.

EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — is a specialized trauma therapy that all of our Abbotsford therapists are trained in. It’s particularly effective for PTSD, trauma, and abuse recovery, but it’s one of several approaches we use. Your therapist will work with you to determine what’s most appropriate for your situation.

Yes. All of our Abbotsford therapists offer secure virtual sessions for clients throughout BC. If you’d prefer to meet from home or aren’t able to travel to the office, online sessions are available.

That’s a very normal feeling. There’s no obligation to commit to anything upfront. Reach out, ask a few questions, and take as much time as you need. We’re here when you’re ready.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whatever brought you here, we’re glad you found us. Reaching out is the hardest part — and you’ve already done it.

 OR CALL 250-507-9527

OFFICE HOURS

Charlaine Robinson

Monday – Wednesday
9:30 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday (online)
9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Shawnda Johnston

Sunday
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Monday – Wednesday
9:30 am – 7:00 pm

Melissa Michaud

 Every other Tuesday/Thursday 
3:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Rajvinder Heer

Wednesday
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Administrative Hours

Monday – Thursday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm