Staff

Counselling Surrey

Registered Clinical Counsellor - Approved Clinical Supervisor, Marriage & Family Therapist

Jonathan Wieser MA-MFT, RCC-ACS, RMFT

Jonathan is the senior therapist at Sojourn with more than 15 years’ experience as a Registered Clinical Counsellor and having provided over 12,000 hours of therapy. He draws from a variety of models including Person-Cenetered Rogerian Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT), and neurofeedback.
Registered Clinical Counsellor

Tarnia Pickard MEd, RCC

Tarnia is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families through emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. Her approach is trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from EMDR, CBT, DBT, IFS, Expressive Therapy, and Family Systems to help clients build resilience, confidence, and connection.

Warm, compassionate, and collaborative in her style, Tarnia creates a safe and inclusive space where clients can process difficult experiences and develop practical coping skills. She brings deep expertise in areas such as anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum differences, attachment and relationship challenges, emotional regulation, grief, and trauma.

Before joining Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, Tarnia worked extensively within the Surrey School District and community programs supporting youth in the justice and mental health systems. This background gives her a strong understanding of the factors shaping a child’s wellbeing at home, school, and in the community.
Registered Clinical Counsellor

Loretta Thorgeirson MEd, RCC

Loretta is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 20 years of experience in both the education system and community, specializing in working with children, youth, and families. She holds a Master of Education in Counselling, a Bachelor of Education with a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care.

With 11 years of expertise in supporting neurodiverse individuals, Loretta has worked extensively with clients diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and developmental disabilities.Taking an attachment and trauma-informed approach, Loretta helps clients navigate the stages of Cultural Adjustment.

She incorporates a range of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, Mindfulness, Play Therapy techniques, and EMDR, to provide tailored care for her clients.
Registered Clinical Counsellor

Amandeep Brar MA, RCC

Amandeep is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a decade of experience in mental health and social services, including work in schools. She creates a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment that encourages open exploration of thoughts and feelings, using anti-oppressive and trauma-informed frameworks. As a woman of color, Amandeep values diversity and understands the impact of cultural and relationship dynamics on life decisions. She integrates Attachment, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness theories, supporting clients, especially those dealing with anxiety or trauma, and empowering them with emotional management tools and choice in therapy.
Registered Clinical Counsellor

Katherine Ouano MEd, RCC

Katherine Ouano is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 25 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families. She holds a Master’s in Counselling Education and a Bachelor’s in Child and Youth Care Counselling. Her extensive background includes decades of work in school and community settings, providing support for complex behavioural and emotional needs.

She is formally trained in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (Levels 1 and 2), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (Levels 1 and 2), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Levels 1, 2, and 3). Katherine integrates these approaches with a relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based perspective, always adapting to each client’s unique needs. She has also worked extensively with individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In her private practice, Katherine supports youth and adults with concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, grief, and life transitions. She values building authentic therapeutic relationships grounded in empathy, compassion, and trust. Katherine’s goal is to walk alongside you with care and presence as you move toward healing and growth.
Masters Level Intern Counsellor

Michael Murie MA-MFT (in progress)

Mike is a Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy student at Trinity Western University, training to support individuals, couples, and families. He brings a warm and empathetic presence that helps clients feel heard, understood, and supported. Grounded in systemic and emotionally focused approaches, Mike tailors each session to the unique needs, strengths, and values of his clients. He believes growth and healing happen best in safe, collaborative environments where clients can explore challenges and build stronger connections. Passionate about helping people 16 and older, Mike offers an affordable therapy option while bringing curiosity, care, and respect for every client’s story.
Masters Level Intern Therapist

Alexandra Defazio MA (in progress)

Alexandra is a counselling intern completing her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. She creates a warm, inclusive space where clients feel seen and supported as they explore their emotions, relationships, and personal stories. With a deep appreciation for cultural identity and lived experience, Alexandra brings a holistic, collaborative approach to therapy that encourages self-compassion and personal growth. She has supported women and families in community mental health settings and is known for her presence, insight, and gentle care. Drawing from Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Somatic, and Interpersonal approaches, Alexandra helps clients reconnect with themselves and others in meaningful ways.
Registered Nurse, Board Certified Neurofeedback Clinician

Hannah Kornelsen RN

Hannah is a Registered Nurse and certified Linear Neurofeedback Clinician passionate about holistic, non-invasive approaches to mental wellness. Drawing from her clinical background and personal experience with mental health, she supports clients in managing emotions, improving focus, and reducing stress. Her approach emphasizes empathy, individuality, and collaboration, fostering a safe space for clients to achieve self-regulation and growth. Committed to empowering others, Hannah is dedicated to guiding clients on their journey to better mental health through neurofeedback and personalized care.
Neurofeedback Provider

Megumi Serizawa RN, BA, BScN

Megumi Serizawa is a Registered Nurse and NeurOptimal Neurofeedback practitioner committed to promoting holistic health and wellbeing. Megumi’s dual educational background in sociology and nursing gives her a unique and comprehensive approach to healthcare and wellness.