We’re Here To Help

Dr Francois Muller is a General Practitioner that lives and co-owns a multidisciplinary clinic in Victoria BC, where he has served his local community for 15 years.

He completed his medical degree in South Africa in 1998. Francois has a breadth of medical professional experience from inpatient and outpatient settings in South Africa, England and Canada.  

Francois’s clinic serves all facets of the community in a broader patient medical home setting.  He has a passion for general practice and patient advocacy.

Dr Marlene Muller is a Family Physician in Victoria, BC. She completed her Medical Degree in South Africa in 1996.  She has lived and worked in South Africa, England and Canada.  She has been proudly Canadian since 2001.

She has been working in a multi-disciplinary clinic in Victoria BC since 2007 and has been part of a group of physicians delivering high quality care to the community.  She has a special interest in Psychiatry and worked in a psychiatric hospital in Chertsey, England.

She strives to give evidence based, kind and compassionate care to each of her patients. She is a mom of 2 busy teenagers.

Bhavan is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a diverse professional background and over a decade of health care experience in direct patient care and administrative roles throughout British Columbia and  the UK. She received her Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Practitioner from the University of Victoria in 2014 and has practiced across various settings including family practice, urgent care and seniors consultative care.

She is passionate about providing person-centered care and committed to developing collaborative care partnerships while striving to meet a patient’s health care goals.

Bhavan is an avid basketball fan and loves spending time with her French Bulldog, Mamba.

Bhavan is currently on maternity leave.

Dr. Comeau is a psychiatrist practicing in Medicine Hat, AB who completed his Medical Degree at the University of Alberta and graduated from the Psychiatry Residency Program at the University of British Columbia. He is a fully accredited rTMS provider through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC and completed his rTMS certification and training through Duke University.

In addition to specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, his clinical expertise also includes working with individuals with chronic and persistent mental illness, shared-care for young adults and group psychotherapy.

Dr. Comeau is passionate about helping his patients restore balance in their lives through his patient-centered approach and developing treatment plans tailored to an individuals circumstances and unique needs.

He completed his Bachelors in Nursing with a specialty in Critical Care at BCIT/Thompson River University in BC. His Masters of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner through Athabasca University in Alberta. He holds two Doctorate degrees. A Doctor of Medicine from USAT – Florida/Montserrat, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Aspen University in Colorado – both with distinction.

Through his own significant critical illness/life event in 2015 resulting in hospitalization for a period of time, John has gained deeper insight into what good looks like in health care practice and treats others with respect, dignity, empathy and compassion.

He has over 15 years of experience in a wide variety of healthcare fields in primary care, telemedicine, pharma and medical with an emphasis in health promotion and disease prevention.

Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she specialized in Emergency Nursing but also worked in other areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, and virtual care as a Registered Nurse.

Christelle was also a clinical nursing instructor as she has a passion in teaching and mentorship. As a Nurse Practitioner, her areas of practice include urgent care, immigrant and refugee care, and primary care. Her special interests include disease prevention, health promotion, chronic disease management, metal health care, and quality improvement work.

Christelle’s patient-centred approach in mental health is rooted in the mind-body connection ideology, which emphasizes that physical and emotional health are not two separate systems but are intimately intertwined. Her care management and evidence-based treatment recommendations are adapted to each patient based on their personal goals and individual preferences.

Outside of work, Christelle enjoys working out, spin classes, and going for walks and hikes with her English Staffy, Nora.

She worked previously as an ER Nurse at a downtown trauma hospital and in oncology at SickKids Hospital in Toronto.

She has a background in research and program development, as she helped pioneer the development of the Adolescent and Young Adult Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Center in 2014. During the pandemic she also worked virtually, and started travel nursing in BC, where she continued to fall in love with the nature and mountains, with plans to move there in the near future.

Outside of healthcare, she practices ashtanga yoga most days of the week and teaches yoga at multiple yoga studios in Toronto, as well as holds private and group classes online. She believes in the importance of finding awareness in the self, and utilizing the mind-body connection in helping individuals optimize their health, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Ms. Claudia Guillen is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in patient care with a special interest in Primary Care, Mental Health, and ADHD.

Ms. Guillen obtained her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Athabasca. She holds a Bachelor in Nursing from the University of Victoria and Critical Care certification from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Ms. Guillen is trained to provide health care across the lifespan. She has over 14 years of hospital and community experience working in various specialties, including neurosurgery, cardiac, emergency, intensive care, post-operative care, orthopedics, family practice, urgent care, medical aesthetics, and community mental health. In addition, she has held leadership roles in critical care outreach programs and as an educator for the critical care program.

Ms. Guillen is particularly interested in working with underserved, marginalized communities, and desires to deliver care with a holistic approach. Her goal is to facilitate an environment that allows patients to achieve their optimal selves and feel empowered in a safe, supportive, and therapeutic manner contributing to long-standing outcomes.

Laura is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a diverse professional background that includes a concentrated focus in mental health, emergency care, obstetrics and perinatal care, sexual health care and rural primary care settings since her graduation from her BScN in 2009 at the University of Alberta. Laura received her Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2021. Since graduation with her Masters, Laura is currently practicing in varied practice settings that include a longitudinal in-person family practice as well as with virtual care clinics. She is active as an NP not only by providing direct patient-care but by attending various healthcare panels to ensure larger system changes and participating in quality improvement research projects with the goal of improving the future of inclusive and timely health care.

Laura is excited to provide person-centered mental healthcare and is committed to developing a collaborative care partnership with clients of Cognito. Laura spends her free time on and around the ocean of the West Coast with her partner and three children. When not working, she can be found hiking, paddleboarding and gardening on her small-scale farm.

Atit is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a diverse professional background and about 19 years of health care experience in direct patient care, leadership, faculty of health sciences, and surgical quality improvement roles in lower mainland. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (2010), and Post Masters: Advance Nurse Practitioner from the Athabasca University in 2019 and practicing in community chronic complex health management clinic.

She is passionate about providing diverse, person-centered care, and committed to developing collaborative care partnerships while striving to meet a patient’s health care goals. She is passionate about increasing access to primary care at all levels in the community including virtual care services within her scope of practice.

Atit loves singing, meditation, activities that involve spiritual contentment, and loves spending time with her family including her dogs German Shepard and Maltese, her friends are vital to her overall health and well-being, and she is thankful for everything in her life.

Sherry is a registered Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 25 years of experience in the area of Mental Health. She has practiced in various areas, including Mental Health and Substance Use, Primary Care, Sub-Acute Medicine, and as a clinical instructor with the University of British Columbia. Sherry completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon, in 2015 and her Master of Nursing in 2008 from the University of Victoria. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Psychiatric Nursing) from Thompson Rivers University.

Outside of work, Sherry enjoys hiking, and yoga, and is working towards a certification in Functional Medicine, an approach that focuses on lifestyle practices that can augment wellness.

Payal Patel is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a focus on mental health, bringing extensive experience in diagnosing and managing conditions such as ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and PMDD. With a foundation in healthcare and advanced degrees from University of Toronto and York University, she is well-equipped to offer exceptional care. Fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Urdu, Payal's multi-lingual skills ensure comprehensive care for our diverse clientele. Her commitment to ongoing education and proficiency in electronic medical records enhance her ability to provide efficient, patient-centred treatment. Payal demonstrates a versatile and patient-first approach to mental health care. When not working Payal enjoys doing woodworking projects around the home and learning new skills

Sadie holds a BA in Professional Communications and certification in eating disorder coaching, demonstrating her commitment to empowering individuals and driving positive change. Her transformative journey through mental health challenges has fueled her unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy. Drawing from her experience in client-facing roles and operations within the tech industry, she offers a unique perspective, deeply understanding client needs. Inspired by her personal growth, she emphasizes effective communication, guided by compassion and curiosity.

Outside of work, you’ll find Sadie adventuring with her husband, dog sitting (until she has her own), going on coffee dates with friends, binge reading books and soaking up the sunshine.

Lily attended McGill University and graduated with a BSc Pharm from the University of British Columbia in 2015. She has a special interest in addictions, mental health and infectious diseases.

Outside of work Lily enjoys overnight hikes, reading and running.

Maddie completed her BSc in Psychology in 2016 in the UK, and later studied a Postgraduate Certificate, focusing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Through her work, Maddie values having a front row seat in supporting individuals reach their goals to better manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and ADHD. This is an opportunity she continues to find great fulfillment in. She is passionate about empowering others to cope with life's inevitable transitions and challenges.

Outside of work, she enjoys unwinding by spending time baking in the kitchen or enjoying the beautiful outdoors with her partner.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan.

She's always had a passion for helping others, both locally and internationally. Her travels have led her to work in orphanages in both Africa and Central America. Her time abroad coupled with personal experience motivates her to pursue a career within the mental health field.

During university, she was involved in a number of research projects that focused on ADHD and the executive functioning of university students--aiding in the understanding of study skills, time and project management. With a concentration in neuropsychology, she loves to spend time researching the brain and how mental health intervention can lead to positive change in plasticity.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting, reading, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Brittany is a graduate of Rhodes Wellness College. She graduated with a Wellness Counseling and Coaching Diploma. Her own life experiences inspired her to pursue a career path of wellness, mindfulness, ADHD Support and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Brittany is a passionate and empathetic individual, who holds space for clients to heal, grow, and progress towards their personal goals.

Brittany’s free time is spent with her husband, three children, and pets outdoors exploring nature. She also loves to sing as a form of meditation and relaxation.

Amanda holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Counselling from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and is currently working toward a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Concordia University of Edmonton.

As a certified CBT practitioner, Amanda is empathetic, curious, compassionate and always brings a tone of kindness to conversations. Over the last 4 years, Amanda has been dedicated to volunteer work, providing safe spaces for emotional exploration and helping others achieve their goals.

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys walking in nature, spending time with her partner, cuddling with her cats or looking for new foods to try.

Sarah completed her BA CYC in 2010, and has since been working directly with individuals to support their mental wellbeing. She has also had additional training in Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Sarah has enjoyed supporting clients with their mental health journey, both individually and in group settings. Her approach to working with clients can be described as client centred, compassion focused, and goal oriented. Sarah's warmth and openness allows her to meet her clients where they are at, in a kind and gentle manner. Her areas of special interest include whole person wellness, emotional regulation, and ADHD.

Outside of work Sarah enjoys spending time with family, being in the forest, exploring, hiking, cycling, and always having a furbaby by her side.

Izzy is a motivational, caring, and open-minded individual excited to contribute her skills and experiences as a CBT care provider. She graduated form the University of Toronto in 2023, with an Honours B.Sc. in Psychology and Cognitive Science. Since then she has obtained a post-graduate certificate in Clinical CBT Training from McMaster University and is working towards completing another post- graduate certificate in CBT for Depression and Anxiety from Wilfrid Laurier University . She has over 6 years of experience coaching and counselling high school students who have individualized education plans and require both academic and mental health support to set and reach their goals.

Izzy has ample experience helping and working alongside individuals needing support with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. As an aspiring psychotherapist, she is thoroughly committed to the mental health field and eager to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others! She hopes to learn from others while supporting them on their mental health and wellness journeys!

In her free time, Izzy loves to be around her friends, family, and dog. She loves travelling, bowling, cooking, and skiing. She comes from an artistic background in both dance and music and is always open to trying new and fun things!

Jo has huge inclination toward person-centered approach where she places empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuine care at the forefront in therapy. In addition, she upholds "respect" at the centre in her profession as she believes in treating every human being with utmost veneration . She values the importance of creating therapeutic alliance with clients honouring their autonomy and choice.

As a woman with multi-layered identities, she aspires to work from a space of cultural sensitivity , diversity and inclusion. She understand the role culture plays in shaping client's worldviews. Hence, she places great emphasis on working from a trauma- informed care and culturally responsive approach.

In her leaisure time, you will find her taking refuge in words and reading her heart away.

‍

Anna completed her social work degree from Thompson Rivers University and has since taken a strong interest in mental health both personally and professionally. Her background has primarily been working with youth and families, helping them to navigate the challenges of life and accomplish their goals with a focus on supportive counselling and group facilitation.

She takes a compassionate and supportive approach to helping those who are dealing with mental health issues, recognizing that in today's world, we all struggle sometimes but there are skills we can learn to cope in healthy and helpful ways. Anna offers a safe and accepting space for clients to show up as they are and learn how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can empower them to effectively manage their mental health.

In her downtime, Anna loves to be creative through sewing, art and design, as well as doing fun crafts with her kids. Anna also enjoys spending time outside with her family and their three dogs, soaking up as much sunshine and fresh air as possible.

‍

Alyssa has worked in the healthcare system, in hospitals, for the past four years. Prior to working in healthcare, she sought out opportunities to go abroad on humanitarian trips to volunteer in orphanage's, schools, and within different communities. She discovered early on her passion for mental health and looks forward to creating a safe space as her clients embark on this journey. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys traveling, paddle boarding, hiking, gardening, reading new books and spending time with her family and two dogs.

‍

‍

Danial completed his bachelor of psychology at the University of Victoria in 2023. He spent years in research labs, reading, writing and presenting at research conferences. Danial is enthusiastic about sharing evidence-based tools from peer reviewed articles to the public. While studying, his area of focus was motivation, emotion and well-being. He believes the first step of healing is self-awareness.

‍

Katelyn completed her BSc in Psychology in 2020 at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. Her passion for mental health and personal development stems from witnessing the devastating effects of untreated mental illness. These experiences taught her the importance of mental health care and inspired her dedication to helping others and making mental health care more accessible. Employing a compassionate and supportive approach, Katelyn strives to foster an environment where clients feel safe, validated, and heard. Outside of work, Katelyn is likely pursuing one of her many hobbies. From reading to painting, camping, hiking, and crocheting, Katelyn loves being outside, getting creative, and trying new things.

Vanessa completed her diploma in Registered Therapeutic Counselling in 2021. She is enthusiastic about helping others through their personal growth, awareness, navigating difficult times, all while implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to improve her clients anxiety, depression, insomnia, and ADHD.

Vanessa finds joy in spending time with her family, friends, mindful practices, and overall health and by doing so it helps her be attentive and empathetic when interacting with her clientele.

Since her youth, Rhiannon has had a passion and enthusiasm for learning about the human experience – how our emotions, motivations and behaviours influence who we are and how we move about the world.

Over time, these factors inspired Rhiannon to naturally gravitate toward the counselling profession. In keeping with this mindset, Rhiannon's aim is to provide clients with a supportive, compassionate, validating, and non-judgmental space that facilitates healing and fulfillment. Rhiannon works collaboratively with her clients to build a trusting relationship where they can develop strategies that “fit,” are effective, and create positive patterns that move them toward growth and wellness. Rhiannon has sustained several years of experience working with adolescents and their parents, individual adults, neurodivergent persons, and in support groups as a co-facilitator for LGBTQ+ identifying folks.

When it comes to technique, Rhiannon utilizes an integrative counselling approach that is rooted primarily in person-centered, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, strengths-based, solution-focused, and mindfulness techniques. Beyond the technical approaches, she believes deeply in the power of one’s personal strength and resilience to create positive change. Rhiannon is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.

She received her Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2022, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria in 2018.

As an ADHD specialist, Rhiannon specializes in supporting individuals with ADHD by helping them cultivate a life that works best for their brain, while moving away from the systems that don’t work, are unhelpful, or keep them “stuck.” In combination with traditional forms of counselling, Rhiannon works to help clients with ADHD develop systems, tools, and skills to achieve success and balance in their life. This can include time, task, and space management, goal-setting, increasing motivation and focus, building capacity to follow-through with non-desirable tasks, regulating mood and emotions, and developing skills to improve everyday structure.