Achieve Balance Counselling

About Paula Collins

Meet Paula, Counselling Intern

Hello and welcome! My name is Paula, and I’m truly excited to be here as a counselling intern at Achieve Balance Counselling. I have a strong passion for helping people navigate life’s challenges, which has inspired me to pursue a career in Couples and Family Therapy, building on my background in Social Work.

My approach is grounded in Emotion-Focused Therapy, a framework that emphasizes empathy, compassion, and a deep commitment to care as we navigate the complexities of life together. I recognize firsthand, both as a counselling intern and as someone on my own healing journey, that exploring our emotions can often feel overwhelming, and that’s entirely natural. In moments of profound solitude and despair, when the weight of the world feels unbearably heavy, it may suggest that hope is a lie. Yet, imagine this for a moment: what if every tear you shed nurtures the ground for hope to awaken and take root once more? It is often from the deepest wounds that the most radiant beauty emerges, finding its way to blossom in the most unexpected places. If you find the path ahead uncertain right now, remember that I’m here to support you. I believe that stepping into the unknown of our feelings, while daunting, can also lead to profound growth and transformation.

I take great honour in working with people of all ages, especially families and couples. I have a special interest in helping children express their feelings, which strengthens family bonds and equips them with essential skills to face current challenges and navigate the complexities of life ahead.

 

My commitment to this work is both deeply personal and professional. During a challenging season, I found profound healing when I finally allowed myself to be supported by the incredibly caring community at my previous university. Their presence reminded me that even the tiniest step toward healing can begin with the beautiful act of letting ourselves be supported by others. That experience had a lasting impact on me and continues to shape how I show up for others. I believe with all my heart that we’re not meant to do this alone and that caring for one another is at the core of what makes healing possible.

Outside my studies and internship, I find immense joy in the moments shared with my husband and our daughter. I also enjoy exploring my creativity through drawing and journaling my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, a practice I’ve cherished for over ten years.

Training | Education

Professional Affiliations

  • The Canadian Association for Couples and Family Therapy – Student Member

Education

  • Master of Couples and Family Therapy, Trinity Western University (Anticipated Completion Date: Fall of 2026)
  • Master of Programs and Community Projects in Social Work, Emanuel University of Oradea – 2019

Additional Training

  • Introduction to Sand Tray Therapy – 2025
  • Workshop on Grief Facilitation – 2025
  • Neufeld Institute Intensive 1: Making Sense of Kids – 2024
  • Indigenous Canada Online Course – 2024
  • Prepare/Enrich Premarital and Marriage Assessment Tool Training – 2024
  • Workshop in Play and Art Therapy – 2025
  • Workshop on Playful Therapy: Matchmaking Play and Emotion – June 2025