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
Leah Pagels MSW RSW
I believe that each person and family is unique and deserves a unique approach to therapy. My practice is primarily informed by cognitive behavioral therapy (including mindfulness and acceptance, and commitment), as well as dialectical behavioral, interpersonal, and solution-focused therapy. I am a registered social worker with the BC College of Social Workers, and received my Master of Social Work from the University of British Columbia, as well as an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
I have been working within the mental health and addictions field for the past 10 years. My experience has been primarily working with children, youth, young adults and their families to overcome a range of difficulties and life transitions. I have extensive experience working with children and youth who are facing challenges with depression, anxiety disorders, and emotional regulation, in addition to school and relationship issues. Additionally, I have experience treating individuals who have been diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and psychosis related disorders. Throughout my career, I have facilitated workshops for parenting support and strategies, ADHD, and crisis intervention. I am also a certified facilitator of the Circle of Security program, an early intervention program for parents and children.
The foundation of my therapy practice is guided by trauma-informed care. From a theoretical standpoint, I take an attachment perspective, emphasizing the importance of connection and relationships in our overall health and wellness. I enjoy using play and expressive tools with my clients to help them discover and communicate strengths and challenges, both within themselves and in their lives outside of our sessions.
On personal note, I am a therapist who enjoys bringing warmth, humor and empathy into each session and strongly believe in a collaborative approach between myself and my clients. I am also a mother of two children, and enjoy connecting with children and youth in a way that they find relatable, while also being able to support parents and empathize with the challenges of raising children.
Geoffrey Argue MSW RSW
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
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