Welcome to Broken Gold Counseling

Kintsugi celebrates the brokenness of a piece of pottery and regards the cracks in the object as part of what makes it beautiful, rather than as something to be hidden.

Broken Gold Counseling is founded on the philosophy behind Kintsugi.  Our cracks don’t have to be seen as reminders of where we were broken, rather they can be testaments to our ability to heal beautifully.  The mistakes or tragedies we have experienced, have the power to transform us in brilliant and beautiful ways, if we choose to take responsibility for how to handle them as we move forward.

Difficult times do not have to break us, but can help us grow.  Our cracks are the places where we have been broken open to let in the light and shine; the places where life has decided to line us with gold.  Our cracks can help us realize that even broken things can still be golden.

Our counselors bring warmth, expertise, and true care to help you navigate life’s challenges and reach your goals. We’re here to support you in your journey toward growth and well-being. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you feel understood and empowered to thrive.

Meet Our Team

Founder - MSW, RCSW

Hello, I’m Audra

With over a decade of experience in clinical social work and mental health counseling, I’m committed to offering personalized, compassionate care. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals across a variety of settings, which has shaped my holistic approach to mental wellness. Whether you're facing challenges related to anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or relationship struggles, my goal is to empower you with practical tools and insights to navigate life's difficulties.

Hello, I’m Stephanie

MSW, RSW

I specialize in working with adults who are navigating a range of mental health and life challenges, from anxiety and depression to stress and relationship issues. With over two decades of experience, I’m passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with ADHD, ASD, and other neurodiversities. My approach is rooted in compassion and tailored to your unique needs, helping you connect with your values, manage your emotions, and move toward a life that feels more aligned with your true self. To learn more about my approach, experience, and areas of specialization, click below.

Therapy Styles

We believe in a personalized approach to therapy. We draw from a variety of therapeutic styles and techniques, to meet the unique needs, goals, and preferences of each client.  We work together to understand what will be most effective for you, adapting our methods to what best supports your growth and well-being.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A goal-oriented therapy that helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns to improve emotions and behaviours.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

A therapy focused on managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and fostering acceptance and positive change.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

A rapid, trauma-focused therapy that helps reframe distressing memories without needing to verbally recount painful events.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy (ART)

A research-based approach for couples to strengthen communication, resolve conflict, and deepen emotional connection.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

An action-oriented approach that blends behaviour and cognitive behavioural therapy to help clients accept their emotions, rather than avoid or struggle with them.

What to Expect Prior to Therapy

So, you’re thinking about therapy but not sure if Broken Gold Counseling is the right fit for you.  20-minute consultations are offered free to anyone who wants to discuss therapy and their needs.  This is a casual meeting, usually via phone or Zoom, where you have a chance to meet us and ask questions about our experience and approach. It is also a time to ask some questions that might make it easier for me to determine if we would make good fit.

How to make the most out of your free consultation

Come prepared with any questions that you would like to ask. Questions are welcome and appreciated. The things you ask also help us get a sense of what might be important to you as part of the therapy process.

Bring Your Questions

Provide general information about the things that you would like to work on. At this stage, you don’t need to divulge all the details about the problems you are facing.

Think About Core Concerns

If you have had prior therapy, please let us know what you found helpful or not helpful about that experience.

Consider Past Therapy

Expect us to explain our style, expectations of clients, and the approach we might use to work with your specific goals.

Be Open

Setting Expectations

  • Prior to the first session, all clients will be expected to complete new client forms.  These include an intake, services agreement, a reflective questionnaire to help you formulate your goals for therapy, and a subjective measure that asks you to rate the level of functioning in different areas of your life.  A $50 deposit is required at the time of booking.

    It is important to remember that no booking is confirmed until your completed paperwork and deposit are returned, and you receive your email confirmation.

  • Individual Counseling – Our first session will be an intake session, in which we will discuss the details of the challenges that bring you to therapy and your goals for our time together.  Intake sessions are usually 60 minutes.  We will leave you with something to work (or “homework”) on prior to the end of this session.

    Couples Counseling – Our first session will be 90 minutes and we will meet you together as a couple.  We will talk about guidelines for therapy, the structure of the Gottman Method, and we will get to know you and the history of your relationship by conducting an oral history interview.  This will be our first of three assessment sessions, before we start the actual work of therapy interventions.

    ART Session – We will dive into working on your trauma through the structured ART protocol designed to help you erase and replace traumatic images and process out body sensations.  Unlike talk therapy, we will not spend much time talking about your trauma.  Depending on the extent of the timeline of your trauma, this may be your first and only session or the first of a series of sessions.

  • Typically, a talk-therapy session structure will allow time for both processing and talking about the issues that you are working on, or that have come up since your previous session, and also include time for the teaching of new skills to help you progress through your goals.  Homework is assigned at every session, and it is an expectation that between sessions you will be practicing the skills that are taught in session.  It is behavioural change learned through skills and more effective coping techniques that will help you make the most progress towards your goals.

  • Termination of therapy is always determined by you.  However, a good indication that clients are ready for discharge is significant progress in the goals they bring to therapy, and a general sense of more effective coping than when they started therapy.  Ideally, termination of therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client and is always discussed and planned for early on in treatment.

Giving Back to the Community

Our mission is to improve mental and emotional well-being by making therapy accessible regardless of economic circumstances and to strengthen our community through donation-based services.

Our Mission

The Golden Giving program allows us to share our brightest strengths to uplift others. We offer two donation-based sessions of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) each month to individuals who may not otherwise afford this type of trauma treatment. The only requirement is a minimum $25 donation per session to the Breaking Free Foundation, a charitable organization that provides trauma therapy for those unable to afford it.

Watch for more donation based services coming soon!

How We Do It

Gifts, Passions & Values

Richard Leider once said, “Gifts + Passions + Values = Purpose.” This equation resonates deeply with us, especially since starting the private practice, where we can align our gifts, passions, and values to make a difference in others’ lives. Since 2019, We’ve had the incredible privilege of doing fulfilling work—connecting with people, supporting their growth, and making a living while staying true to our purpose. Every day, we’re inspired to do this work, knowing that we are helping others while continuing to grow professionally and as individuals. 

Through the Golden Giving program, we aim to share these blessings by extending care to individuals in need. When we founded Broken Gold Counseling, our focus was on providing meaningful support while enjoying the autonomy of private practice. Today, we feel called to expand our values to include altruism and community.

Golden Giving FAQs

  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a trauma-focused treatment that uses eye movements and guided imagery to help reframe the way the brain processes traumatic memories.

  • The Golden Giving program is Broken Gold Counseling’s charitable initiative designed to offer low or no-cost therapy to those in need of mental health support. Rooted in our values of altruism and community, this program aims to strengthen our community by offering therapy resources to individuals working to heal from trauma. Currently, we offer ART sessions through this program.

  • Any adult (18+) who has experienced a traumatic event and is seeking relief from related negative sensations, memories, or symptoms may apply for this program.

  • To apply, complete an application form at any time. Applications are reviewed monthly, and selected recipients will be notified at the beginning of the next month.

  • Selections are made on either a first-come, first-served basis or based on the greatest need. Unselected applications will roll over to the next month.

  • There is no limit on the number of applications. During a consultation, your therapist will help assess how many ART sessions might best support your healing journey.

  • Yes, to foster a spirit of giving, we ask that each recipient make a minimum $25 donation directly to the Breaking Free Foundation, with proof of donation required. Alternatively, the donation can be paid at the session, and Broken Gold Counseling will make the donation on your behalf.

  • The Breaking Free Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to providing trauma survivors with essential treatment support. Through donations, they offer therapy grants to those seeking trauma therapy to help cover treatment costs.