Mikaela Reay, C.C.C., R.C.C.
Clinical Counsellor
Mikaela Reay holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Addictions Counselling from the University of Lethbridge. During her time at the University of Lethbridge, she also competed as a varsity athlete on the Women’s Hockey Team—an experience that continues to inform her understanding of performance pressure, identity, and resilience.
Mikaela brings a strong foundation in addictions work, along with experience supporting children, youth, and families through her roles with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Okanagan Hockey Academy. She has worked with individuals navigating substance use, compulsive behaviours, anxiety (including OCD), trauma, depression, and significant life stressors.
She is particularly passionate about supporting youth, adults, and high-performing athletes as they navigate identity shifts, emotional challenges, and life transitions, both in and outside of sport.
Outside of counselling, I enjoy coaching at the rink, spending time with my dog, and reading
Mikaela’s approach is client-centred, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. She prioritizes building a strong therapeutic relationship, recognizing that safety, trust, and connection are foundational to meaningful change. Mikaela works alongside clients to understand their experiences, identify patterns, and develop practical strategies that support both immediate relief and long-term growth.
She primarily draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches to support clients in building insight, strengthening emotional regulation, and navigating complex thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
Mikaela has completed specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), an evidence-based approach for treating OCD and anxiety-related disorders. In addition, she has completed Four Blinks Flash Training with Thomas Zimmerman, further supporting her work with trauma and trauma-related experiences, including PTSD.
Mikaela works with clients navigating a range of concerns, with a particular focus on:
- Addictions (substance use and behavioural)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety-related disorders
- Trauma and trauma-related experiences
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Emotional regulation and feelings of overwhelm
- High-performing athletes (performance pressure, identity, and transitions)
- Youth (14–18) counselling
- Adults and life transitions
- Retired athletes and identity transitions
- Family conflict and relationship challenges
