Please note that we are unable to provide crisis counselling. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact:
- Crisis Centre BC (1-800-SUICIDE or 310-6789) available 24 hours
- Senior Abuse and Information Line (1-866-437-1940 or 604-437-1940)
- One of BC’s crisis hotlines
If this is an emergency and you feel that you or someone you know is at risk of harming themselves or another, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
Parkinson Society BC (PSBC) recognizes that the journey with Parkinson's is multifaceted. Living with or being touched by Parkinson's disease can be a challenging journey, both for the individuals diagnosed and their loved ones. The Counselling & Health Navigation team includes a dedicated registered clinical counsellor and registered social worker offering a holistic approach through three pathways designed to address emotional, educational, and practical healthcare needs. The Society offers these services free of charge.
The service pathways are as follows:
- Short-Term Psychotherapy
Short-term psychotherapy tailored to offer individuals and their families a safe and confidential space to navigate the emotional complexities associated with Parkinson's. Our social worker and clinical counsellor work closely with clients to address anxiety, depression, grief, and other emotional challenges that may arise. In receiving evidence-based therapies through a client-centered approach, individuals are empowered to build resilience and improve emotional well-being.
- Psychoeducation
Education is a vital component of coping with Parkinson's disease. Our psychoeducation pathway equips individuals with essential knowledge about the disease, its progression, treatment options, and coping strategies for managing daily life effectively.
- Healthcare Navigation
Navigating the complex healthcare system can be overwhelming. Our skilled team aims to ease the burden of those they are helping by simplifying the healthcare journey, through providing support tailored to individual needs. This could include advocating on their behalf, explaining complex medical information in understandable terms, connecting them with vital community resources, guiding them through long-term care planning steps, or facilitating the application process for disability benefits, to name a few.
Accessing Our Services
Individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease in BC are able to access these services free of charge. A member of the Parkinson Society BC staff will evaluate your unique needs to determine the appropriate pathway(s).
Not sure if the Counselling & Healthcare Navigation program is right for you? Call or email us for more information at 604-662-3240, Toll Free 1-800-668-3330, or info@parkinson.bc.ca.
About our Counselling & Healthcare Navigation Team
Tricia Wallace, MACP, RCC
Tricia has practiced as a registered nurse since 1988 in hospital and community settings, attaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master's of Nursing (MSN) from the University of Victoria, BC. In June of 2019, she completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University.
Tricia has extensive experience working with adults of all ages in the field of mental health, including case management for those 55 and older who live with co-occurring disorders, work as a clinical educator on mood and neuropsychiatric inpatient wards, and counselling individuals and groups in a residential substance use recovery program. Drawing on this diverse background, Tricia recognizes the importance of a strength-based, holistic approach to Parkinson’s disease that includes emotional support and skill building for individuals and their families.
Corrina Masson, MSW, RSW
Corrina is a registered social worker in good standing with the BC College of Social Work. She has both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in social work from McGill University.
Corrina has worked with individuals experiencing a range of mental health struggles including anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation. Additionally, through creating a non-judgmental, empathetic, and collaborative therapeutic environment, she has experience supporting clients in navigating life transitions, such as coping with a new chronic illness diagnosis.
With a strong background in supporting families living with chronic illness, Corrina is passionate about working with families impacted by Parkinson's disease. She integrates a mindfulness and strength-based person-centered approach and, through client collaboration, aims to create a space of self-compassion for all clients when providing short term counselling and/or healthcare navigation. Corrina frequently draws from various therapeutic modalities such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).