Welcome

My name is Jamie Gazlay and I am a Registered Social Worker who provides counselling in Abbotsford. When I am not working I am a mother to a seventeen year old daughter and a twelve year old son. We have a neurodivergent family and a very busy life. Being a counsellor who supports families and kids doesn’t mean I have it all together all the time, so don’t let the title fool you.

I created Quintessence Counselling & Supportive Services with a vision in mind. I want to offer individuals and families a supportive environment where they come to be celebrated and accepted for who they are; challenges, differences, strengths, and all. Our goal is to work with your unique individuality, teach helpful information, focus on your strengths while creating a safe space for growth and change that help you reach your goals. The strongest determinants of change in the therapeutic process are relationship and safety and you will find both here.

I also want to offer a space for children and youth to come for support with their families. This has proven to be hard to find. Children are wonderful and wild creatures that are difficult to understand from our fully developed adult brains. We teach parents how to connect with their child’s current level of development and understand any potentially challenging behaviors for what they are; emotional reactions that can be supported, undeveloped skills that can be taught, or brain differences that can be understood.

We have zero tolerance here for judgement. Many parents worry about seeking help because we deal with our own shame, guilt, or embarrassment around the struggles our family is having. Parenting is the hardest thing we have likely ever done and no one gave us instructions. We don’t have the guidebook but we can offer a judgement free space to explore strategies and heal. We look forward to connecting.

Check out our Team page to view our counselors and support workers.