THE HEArt behind the therapist collective

Private practice was the route I always knew I wanted to take in my career as a therapist. After graduating with my master's and stepping into private practice, the path felt right. I was fortunate to have made incredible therapist friends here in Squamish and to continue working alongside the wealth of knowledge that is Jill Koehler and the amazing Heather Hendrie.

But I quickly realized that while I felt incredibly supported as a new Squamish therapist by my peers, that feeling wasn’t shared by everyone.

If you’ve ever owned a business, you know it’s not for the faint of heart...

You’re a bookkeeper, website designer, accountant, social media manager, HR rep, admin guru, income generator—and so much more. Some parts of business ownership come naturally, while others don’t. Some of us thrive in certain areas, while others struggle. But as private practice therapists, it’s hard to know who excels where, who’s feeling disconnected, and who could use support.

I remember a teacher in elementary school saying, “If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask, because if you’re wondering, chances are five other kids are too.” While I’m not sure that’s statistically accurate, the sentiment holds true in our field. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with business admin tasks, imposter syndrome, or anything else, chances are another Squamish counsellor is struggling with the same thing.

That’s where the idea for the Therapist Collective was born. I wanted to create a space where therapists could come together—not just in a networking-for-referrals kind of way (though that’s a great bonus), not in a formal training setting, but in a real, human, let’s-get-to-know-each-other kind of way. The kind where we can joke about not knowing QuickBooks was a thing ;)

I envisioned cozy gatherings where Squamish therapists could share the highs and lows of private practice, celebrate our wins, and swap stories over tea, snacks, and shared laughter. A place where we don’t have to be “on,” but can just show up as ourselves—without a professional mask, without competition, just genuine connection.
Whether you’ve been a Squamish counsellor in private practice for years or are just starting out, these events are for you. They’re a chance to step out from behind the therapy chair and into a space where you can be supported, inspired, and maybe even make a few new friends who truly get it.

If you’re craving a little more community in your work—if you’re looking for a place to chat, laugh, and share this journey with others—I’d love for you to join us. Let’s build something together, not just for our practices, but for ourselves.

If you have any ideas for the Therapist Collective, I’m all ears. Let’s build this together.

-Julia Bursey, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Squamish Walk & Talk therapist, eternally grateful to the folks who’ve guided and shaped my knowledge as a human and as a therapist.

Learn more about the incredible mentors who have influenced my journey:
Jill Koehler  &  Heather Hendrie

Looking for therapy in Squamish? True Nature Wilderness Therapy offers compassionate, nature-based counselling to help you find clarity, connection, and healing.