Jennifer Chepil, RCC
Meet Jen Chepil
Hi, I’m Jennifer Chepil, and I’m passionate about working with children, youth, and families, including neurodivergent children and youth. I bring over nine years of experience supporting young people and caregivers in a variety of settings. My experience includes working with children and youth who have developmental delays, learning differences, and diverse ways of experiencing the world.
I approach counselling with curiosity, compassion, and respect for each person’s strengths, needs, and lived experiences. My goal is to create a welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported.
Seeking counselling can feel like a big step, especially when families are already feeling overwhelmed. Together, we explore challenges, build skills, and find approaches that fit each client’s individual needs.
Jen provides A Safe, Strengths-Based Space for Healing
Feeling safe and understood is an important part of counselling. I strive to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and supported.
My approach is trauma-informed, client-centred, and strengths-based. I recognize that every person has their own experiences, abilities, and ways of navigating the world. Rather than focusing only on challenges, I help clients recognize their strengths and existing coping skills.
Together, we explore what is working well and identify areas where additional support may be helpful. My aim is to support meaningful growth while respecting each client’s pace, preferences, and goals.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Support for Children and Youth
Supporting neurodivergent children and youth has been a particular area of interest for me, and I have worked with individuals with ASD since 2011. I enjoy working with young people who experience differences in attention, sensory processing, emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, or social relationships.
Neurodivergence is a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Rather than trying to change who a child is, my aim is to understand how each child experiences the world and help them develop skills that support their well-being.
Because every child has their own nervous system, communication style, and learning needs, I adapt my approach to their individual strengths and abilities. Collaboration with parents and caregivers is also important to me. Together, we can build understanding and explore practical strategies to help children feel supported at home, at school, and in the community.
Movement and Mindfulness in Child & Youth Counselling
My background in kinesiology and psychology, along with my training in children’s yoga, informs my work with children and youth.
I enjoy incorporating movement and mindfulness-informed practices when they suit a client’s needs. These approaches can offer children different ways to explore emotions, develop self-awareness, and practise regulation skills.
For example, sessions may include gentle movement, grounding exercises, breathing techniques, or mindfulness activities. These practices can be particularly helpful for children who find it difficult to express themselves through words alone.
I tailor activities to each child’s comfort, preferences, and abilities. My goal is to create opportunities for learning and self-expression in ways that feel accessible and supportive.
Sports Counselling for High-Performance Athletes
Competitive sport can offer opportunities for growth, connection, confidence, and achievement. However, high-performance athletes can also experience significant pressure to succeed. Balancing training, competition, expectations, relationships, and other responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming.
As a former competitive soccer player who competed at the university level in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), I have personal experience with the commitment and demands of competitive athletics. My degree in kinesiology and completion of the National Coaching Certification Program of Canada also inform my understanding of sport and athletic development.
I enjoy working with high-performance athletes who are looking for counselling support as they navigate the emotional demands of competitive sport. Counselling can provide a space to explore performance-related stress, confidence, expectations, setbacks, and the challenge of balancing sport with other areas of life.
Athletes may feel pressure to perform consistently, meet the expectations of others, or prove themselves after a difficult competition. They may also struggle with self-doubt or find it difficult to switch off from sport outside of training and competition.
Through counselling, athletes can explore these experiences, develop greater self-awareness, and consider healthier ways of responding to pressure. The focus is on supporting emotional well-being and personal growth alongside their athletic pursuits.
I recognize that athletes are more than their performance. Their identity, relationships, and well-being matter just as much as their achievements. My goal is to offer a supportive space where athletes can explore challenges without feeling that they always have to perform or have everything figured out.
Play and Experiential Approaches
Children do not always have the words to explain what they are thinking or feeling. Experiential approaches can offer additional ways for them to engage in counselling.
My training includes Introduction to Neuroscience and Satir in the Sand Tray. This learning informs my continued exploration of experiential approaches that support reflection, expression, and connection.
When considering counselling options for your child, I welcome conversations with caregivers about their child’s needs, interests, and preferred ways of communicating.
Partnering With Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play an important role in a child’s life. I value working collaboratively with families and creating space for caregivers to feel heard and supported.
Together, we can explore practical strategies, communication tools, and routines that fit your family’s needs and values. I also recognize the importance of respecting each child’s individuality and growing autonomy.
My aim is to strengthen understanding and connection while supporting the emotional well-being of the whole family. Small, meaningful changes can make a difference over time. With support, families can build on their existing strengths and develop new ways of navigating challenges together.
A Little About Me
Outside of counselling, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking and trail running in the nearby mountains. Being in nature helps me feel grounded and connected. I value how movement and fresh air can support overall well-being.
My interests in movement, personal growth, and meaningful connection influence how I approach both life and counselling. I am committed to continued learning so I can offer thoughtful, informed, and compassionate support to the children, youth, and families I work with.
Connect With Jen Chepil
If you are looking for counselling support for your child, youth, or family, or if you are an athlete navigating the pressures of competitive sport, Jen welcomes the opportunity to learn more about your needs.
Jen provides counselling through Achieve Balance Counselling in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Contact our team to discuss whether her approach may be a good fit for you or your family.
Jen Chepil: Education | Training | Experience
Professional Affiliations
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors: Registered Clinical Counsellor # 23563
Education
- Master of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
- BA in Kinesiology
Additional Training
- Introduction to Neuroscience and Satir in the Sand Tray – February 2025
- National Coaching Certificate Program of Canada
- Training in Children’s Yoga
Experience
- Clinical Counsellor
- Family Support Worker
Behavioural Interventionist