Hayley Winter, RPCC, CPCA

 Hi, I'm Hayley Winter, RPC-C Clinical Counsellor, at Cypress Tree Counselling.  I am originally from New Zealand and offer solution-focused mental health counselling and therapy to individuals, teens and couples and families who may be experiencing a variety of struggles. This may be due to loss, grief or stress management. which results in the impairment of daily functioning.

 I am a Registered Professional Counsellor Candidate (RPC-C) which means that I have met specific educational training and commit to on-going training to ensure that I adhere to the stringent professional and ethical standards set out by the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association.  Health insurance companies may cover part or all of the cost of my services when counselling is a part of your benefits package. 

With a background in the corporate world having previously worked for global companies in addition to having been involved in the health and wellness industry for the past 20 years, I have acquired extensive knowledge and skills that help me better understand the struggles faced in today's world.  I personally struggled with stress and anxiety for many years, and understand just how debilitating it can be.  I often noticed there was a deeper level in which I could offer support therefore, I completed my Diploma in Applied Psychology  specializing  in Counselling, to become a Clinical Counsellor. I am also a Certified Meditation teacher and work with some of my clients using mindfulness based therapies.

After the separation from my then husband in 2012, and with a 18 month old baby in tow, then a skin cancer diagnosis shortly after, the years that followed were some of the most challenging years of my life.  It was from this darkness, that I was able to explore, learn and create resiliency, hope and the development of a plan that would help me rise up back into the light.

At the start of the pandemic I recognized the need for greater mental health support for adults and children so I launched Positive Mental Health workshops in a variety of schools and community groups.  These workshops proved very successful and  I still facilitate them today. 

For hobbies, I enjoy keeping active by hiking with my son, being in nature, meditating, working out and practicing yoga.  

In my practice, I offer a blend of therapeutic approaches that include cognitive behavioural therapy, humanistic, mindfulness based stress reduction, positive psychology and client-centred therapies.  My integrative approach follows a trauma-informed model that considers both our physiological responses and our need for healthy connections and attachment.

The evidence-based therapies and modalities that I use provide a space to move from struggle to positive change and the ability to thrive.  It is also an opportunity for you to build coping skills, resilience, and problem solving skills so that you can learn from life’s events.  Life is full of peaks and valleys and I will support you to build on your inherent strengths and values as you overcome challenges and feel empowered to move forward.