Brenda Zimmerman - MC, RCC, CCC

Supporting adults and teens navigating trauma, addiction, and emotional recovery

Waitlisting Patients

About Me / My Approach

Hello! My name is Brenda, and I am a compassionate and dedicated counsellor with years of experience helping individuals navigate mental health challenges and addiction. I believe deeply in the power of support, understanding, and healing.

My approach to counselling is grounded in empathy and focused on providing a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and struggles at their own pace. I work from a trauma-informed, client-centered perspective, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs.

Through counselling, I help clients understand their emotions, gain insight into their patterns, learn how past experiences influence the present, and develop healthy coping strategies. My goal is to create a safe environment where you can explore even the most difficult topics, find hope, and move toward lasting change.

Who I Support

I support men, women, teens (16+), and adult individuals who are navigating:

• Anxiety and depression

• Addiction and substance misuse

• Trauma, PTSD, and complex trauma histories

• Grief and loss

• Codependency and relationship patterns

• Relationship issues and communication challenges

• Stress management and emotional overwhelm

• Mood disorders

• Coping skills, self-esteem, and confidence concerns

• Life transitions or feeling uncertain about the next step

I welcome clients who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or weighed down by past experiences, and I work to help each person rebuild trust in themselves, regain stability, and move toward emotional recovery.

Education & Credentials

Degrees & Designations:

• Master of Counselling in Counselling Psychology, Athabasca University (2017)

• Bachelor of Science, University of Alberta

Key Trainings / Certifications:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Interpersonal Therapy

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• Motivational Interviewing

• Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

• Somatic Therapy

• Strengths-Based and Trauma-Focused Approaches

Professional Associations:

• Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (Member #23823)

• Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (Member #10004196)

Common Questions

What inspired you to become a counsellor?

I became a counsellor because I have always been drawn to understanding people on a deeper level.  It came very naturally to me to listen closely and notice what others struggled to put into words. I love having honest conversations with people and over time, I realized that supporting others through their emotional journeys is not just something I care about, it is part of who I am. 

What do clients often say feels different about working with you?

Clients often tell me that working with me feels calm, safe and refreshingly authentic. Many say they feel deeply understood and not only are they uncovering insights at a pace that feels natural and empowering, they are feeling lighter and they are building skills to address their issues, a piece that they haven't always found elsewhere. 

What small changes do you see make the biggest impact over time?

Some of the most powerful shifts come from the smallest changes over time such as learning to pause before reacting, speaking to oneself with a bit more compassion, engaging in small acts of self-care, realizing you can say 'yes' and still have limits, or gaining insight into a patter that no longer fits. These subtle changes create space for the development of stronger boundaries, healthier relationships and a clearer sense of self that can lead to lasting transformations.

How do you help clients feel comfortable opening up?

My goal is to create a space that feels safe, steady and welcoming at each session, where clients feel they can move at their own pace. I understand that opening up, especially about long held emotional pain can feel intimidating and that the presence of warmth and genuine curiosity about their experiences provides the support needed to feel comfortable sharing. Trust then grows naturally and as clients feel heard and respected, opening up becomes a little easier with each session.

By creating a compassionate, calm, and respectful space where clients feel safe to explore difficult emotions without judgment.