About Paula Collins
Meet Paula, Counselling Intern
Hello and welcome. I’m Paula Collins, a counselling intern at Achieve Balance Counselling, where I offer compassionate, relational support for individuals, couples, children, and families. I come to this work with a strong foundation in Social Work and a genuine passion for supporting people through life’s challenges with empathy, care, and respect.
I understand that reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step. You may be feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to begin. My goal is to create a welcoming and emotionally safe space where you feel comfortable being yourself and sharing your experiences at your own pace. I believe healing begins when people feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
My Counselling Approach
My counselling approach is grounded in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), a well-researched and compassionate framework that focuses on helping people understand, explore, and transform their emotional experiences. Emotions play a central role in how we relate to ourselves and others, and EFT helps bring clarity and compassion to these emotional processes.
I recognize that exploring emotions can feel overwhelming or even intimidating at times. I work gently and collaboratively, supporting you in approaching your emotions with curiosity rather than judgment. Together, we identify emotional patterns, explore underlying needs, and work toward creating meaningful and lasting change. Sessions move at a pace that feels safe and respectful for you.
Supporting Individuals Through Emotional Growth
When working with individuals, I focus on helping you deepen emotional awareness, build resilience, and develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Many people seek counselling during times of stress, transition, or emotional difficulty, and I aim to offer support that fosters insight, hope, and self-compassion.
I also work with couples and families, supporting them in strengthening communication, navigating conflict, and building healthier relationships. My work in Couples and Family Therapy emphasizes emotional understanding, collaboration, and connection. I strive to ensure that each person feels heard and valued, creating space for repair, growth, and renewed connection within relationships.
Paula Collins Working With Children and Families
I have a particular interest in supporting children and their families, helping young people learn to understand and express their emotions in healthy, age-appropriate ways. Children often communicate differently than adults, and I work in ways that honour their developmental needs while supporting emotional growth and regulation.
I collaborate closely with parents and caregivers, recognizing the vital role families play in a child’s emotional well-being. I offer guidance, education, and practical strategies that caregivers can use at home to strengthen emotional connection and support their child’s needs. I believe that when caregivers feel empowered and supported, children benefit greatly.
A Relational and Attuned Presence
I bring a relational, empathetic, and attuned presence into every counselling session. I understand how vulnerable emotional work can feel, and I strive to create a space that feels safe, non-judgmental, and supportive. I pay close attention to emotional cues, relational dynamics, and what feels most important to you in each moment.
My own life experiences have shaped my approach to counselling and deepened my appreciation for the power of connection and support. Having navigated challenging seasons myself, I approach my work with humility, authenticity, and compassion. I believe that vulnerability, when met with empathy, can lead to meaningful healing and growth.
Life Beyond the Counselling Room
Outside of my internship and studies, I value balance, connection, and creativity in my own life. I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter and find grounding and joy in family life. I’m also deeply passionate about creative expression, including drawing, journaling, and reflective practices, which I’ve cultivated for over ten years.
These creative practices support my own emotional well-being and deepen my understanding of emotional expression. They also influence how I show up in my counselling work, allowing me to bring mindfulness, creativity, and a holistic perspective into the therapy space.
Paula Collins: Training | Education | Experience
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
Paula’s 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