Halfmoon Counselling Services was established with the intention to provide evidenced-based clinical approaches to therapy, while also connecting with our clients through warm and empathetic relationship building.
Our Therapists
Throughout my career, I have facilitated workshops focused on parenting strategies, ADHD, and crisis intervention. I am also a certified facilitator of the Circle of Security program—an early intervention approach that strengthens parent-child relationships. Much of my professional background includes work on multidisciplinary Mental Health teams serving children, youth, and adults, as well as providing therapy and consultation within school settings.
My practice is grounded in trauma-informed care and guided by an attachment-based perspective, emphasizing the importance of connection and relationships in mental health and well-being. I often integrate play and expressive tools to help clients explore and express their strengths, challenges, and experiences.
On a personal note, I bring warmth, humor, and empathy into each session, and I view therapy as a collaborative process between myself and my clients. As a mother of two, I deeply value connecting with children and youth in ways that feel genuine and relatable, while also supporting parents with understanding and compassion for the many challenges of raising children.
Leah Pagels MSW RCSW RCC
I believe that every person and family is unique, and that therapy should reflect that individuality. My practice draws primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Solution-Focused approaches.
I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) with the BC College of Social Workers and hold a Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia, along with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. As an RCSW, I am licensed under the Health Professions Act to provide assessments and diagnoses using the DSM-5. Additionally I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
Over the past 15 years, I have worked in the mental health and addictions field supporting children, youth, adults, and families through a wide range of challenges and life transitions. I have extensive experience helping individuals manage depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and difficulties related to work, school, or relationships. I also have specialized experience supporting clients with ADHD, ASD, OCD, and psychosis-related disorders.
Areas of Practice:
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Behavioural Issues
Family Conflict
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Suicidal Ideation/Self Harm
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
Therapeutic Approaches:
Attachment Based
Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Feminist
Interpersonal
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative
Play Therapy
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Strength-Based
Trainings and Certifications
Play Therapy Training: Innovative Interventions to Meet the Needs of Young Clients - Pesi Canada, 2025
Trainings and Certifications Addiction Care and Treatment Certificate – UBC, 2024
EPI Clinician Training (Early Psychosis Intervention) – EPI Canada, 2023
ACT Essentials – Association of Psychological Therapies, 2022
Circle of Security Facilitator Training- COS International, 2019
DBT Skills Training – DBT Centre of Vancouver, 2018
Recognizing & Responding to Suicide Risk – American Association of Suicidology, 2017
The Community is Wellness (3-day) – Thira Consulting, 2013
The Circle is Courage (2-day) – Dr. Martin Brokenleg, Vancouver, 2012
Because each person’s story is unique, I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gestalt, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness for Addiction Therapy, and expressive arts‑based practices. This allows me to tailor our work together to what feels most supportive and effective for you or your child.
Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is an important part of the healing process. In our work together, you will be met with respect, warmth, and genuine care.
I hold a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia and am a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I am actively involved in supporting the growth of fellow career practitioners, presenting for four consecutive years at British Columbia’s Career Educators Conference on trauma‑informed practices in career education. Alongside my counselling practice, I teach in the Career Development Practitioner Program at Douglas College and with Life Strategies, where I facilitate courses in areas such as assessments, program development, and work‑search strategies.
Outside of my professional life, I am a wife, daughter, and proud mother of three young children. I find joy in running, dancing, reading, gardening, and creating art. Before becoming a counsellor, I trained as a competitive dancer and worked as a dance teacher, elementary school teacher, and high school Careers and History teacher—experiences that continue to shape my understanding of people and the many paths their lives can take.
Jennifer Sumner RCC MEd
Major life events can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well‑being. Even positive transitions can stir up feelings of anxiety, sadness, or isolation. My work is grounded in the belief that no one should have to navigate these moments alone. I am deeply committed to supporting women, children, adolescents, neurodiverse individuals, and families as they move through life’s challenges and toward a greater sense of security, clarity, and fulfillment.
A significant part of my practice involves working with children and youth through developmentally attuned, expressive approaches such as art and play therapy. These modalities allow young people to communicate in ways that feel natural and safe—through creativity, imagination, and movement—while offering space to explore emotions, build coping skills, and strengthen their sense of identity.
My years of experience working in high schools have given me a deep appreciation for the unique pressures adolescents face. I am skilled at connecting with teens, including those who may be hesitant or reluctant to engage in counselling. I prioritize building trust and meeting youth exactly where they are, knowing that meaningful therapeutic work only unfolds once a genuine relationship is established.
In addition to my work with children, teens, and families, I support individuals navigating substance‑use concerns, harm reduction, recovery, and relapse‑prevention. I also work with adults experiencing career transition, workplace stress, or uncertainty about their next steps. Whether someone is facing a major life change, rebuilding after loss, or seeking a renewed sense of direction, I strive to offer grounded, compassionate guidance.
Areas of Practice:
Grief
Depression
Anxiety
Self Esteem
Parenting Issues
Prenatal and Postpartum
Self Harming
School Issues
Conflict Resolution
Complex Familial Relationships
Life Transitions
Addiction
Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness
Art Therapy
Play Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Bowen Systems Family Therapy
Gottman Method of Couples Therapy
Geoffrey Argue MSW RSW BEd
I received my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia, along with my Bachelors of Education degree. Since 2009, I have been working in the mental health and addictions field, as well as the public and private school systems. As both a fully licensed social worker and teacher, I have spent the majority of my practice working with youth and young adults and helping them overcome a variety of issues related to their mental health. I have worked in both inpatient and community mental health settings and have a deep knowledge of the inner workings of public and private systems.
I draw my practice largely from a combination of CBT as well as mindfulness-based approaches that have proven benefits within the psychotherapeutic setting. I hold a special interest in working with young men age 10-30 who struggle with depression and addiction-based issues. As a male clinician, I have become aware of the particular struggles faced by young men in our society today and have tailored specific areas of my practice towards supporting struggling men.
I also have extensive experience working with people experiencing concurrent disorders, as well as families with a particular member who is struggling with problematic substance use. I make sure to keep up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices and attempt to offer a warm therapeutic environment, offering practical support for change.
I look forward to working with you.
Areas of Practice:
Addiction/Substance Use
Dual Diagnosis
Anxiety
Depression
Behavioral Issues
Life Transitions
Parenting
Relationship Issues
Trauma and PTSD
Therapeutic Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Existential
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Interpersonal
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Narrative
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Strength-Based
Structural Family Therapy
In addition to children and their families in general, here are some specific demographics our therapists are qualified to serve:
Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) and other marginalized groups
LGBTQ2S+ human beings
Neurodivergent children and adults (Autism, ADHD, ODD, demand-avoidant, ID etc.)
Children with complex diagnoses (Reactive Attachment Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Type I Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and many more)