PictureShalene Takara, MA, RCC
Approved Provider for:
  • First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
  • Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)​
A Designation of BC Association
​​of Clinical Counsellors

About Safe Space Counselling Services

Safe Space Counselling Services is a private counselling practice located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC​. Safe Space is owned and operated by Shalene Takara, MA, RCC.

About Shalene Takara, MA, RCC

Shalene Takara, MA, RCC, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor licensed by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC License No. 13254). She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and has been working in the field of mental health since 2009. She completed her clinical practicum through Fraser Health providing counselling to adults coping with experiences of trauma, drug/alcohol misuse, parenting challenges, and co-occurring and reproductive mental health issues. Since 2012, she has been working for non-profit and community agencies providing counselling to individuals, couples and families. In addition to being a therapist, she also provides clinical supervision and consultation to intern counsellors and to new and established clinicians. Read more about Shalene.

​For more information or to book a session, please fill out the form on the Contact page.​

Referrals to Colleagues

When other areas of expertise may be better suited to your counselling needs, Shalene is pleased to refer you to her colleagues, Amandeep, Olivia and Michael (see below) and other trusted colleagues.

Please note that Amandeep, Olivia and Michael operate their own independent private practices.
About Amandeep Jassal, MSW, RSW

​Amandeep Jassal, MSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker (RSW #12408) governed by the British Columbia College of Social Workers. He graduated with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from UBC with a focus in clinical counselling. Some of his specialized training includes CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, Suicide Risk Assessment Training, and Crisis Intervention Training. Read more about Amandeep.
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About Olivia Ng, MEd, RCC
​
Olivia is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from University of British Columbia. She has experience counselling adults who have severe, persistent mental illness including: schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders (e.g. bipolar and major depressive disorders), co-occurring disorders such as personality disorders, substance abuse, mental challenges etc. Read more about Olivia.
About Michael Gelmon, MA, RCC

Michael Gelmon is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #8854). He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology and has been working as a counsellor since 2010. His primary modalities include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Existential, Rogerian and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Michael supports clients with life transitions, identity development, grief/loss and attachment/relational challenges. Read more about Michael.