Dandelion Counselling Services

12/03/2025

I have had the flu since last week and will be closed until next week. My apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

08/31/2025

Hello friends,

With school starting this is a big transition. For kids on the spectrum and their families transition and change can be difficult.

Some helpful things to try:

👉🏼 Talk about expectations and why they exist.
👉🏼 Set up a routine and practice before school starts- include your child/teen in the schedule creation as much as possible.
👉🏼 Go easy on yourself- the process of transitioning back into school routine can take a few weeks.
👉🏼 Allow time for decompression after school- offer a snack and wait to ask questions.

Happy back to school time🤩

08/27/2025

WE ARE EXCITED TO WELCOME ALYSSA BREWER TO THE TEAM

September first, Alyssa will be joining the team! I am so excited to welcome Alyssa. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the lived experience of a neurodiverse person with ADHD. She brings a joyful countenance to her work, and with a trauma-informed background, she offers our clients the safe space they need to explore growth and healing.

Alyssa has worked in the public sector, supporting folks who struggle and has a deep level of compassion and empathy for those around her. Alyssa and I both previously worked for the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS), I not only know Alyssa in the capacity of seeing the work she does with her clients, but I also know our values align in client care and the need for trauma-informed practice.

At Dandelion Counselling Services, I don't take adding additional counsellors lightly and prioritize making sure the counsellors selected to join the team have lived experience as Neuro-Diverse individuals, have a high standard of care for their clients and are neuro-affirming in practice.

If you are interested in booking a free 15-minute consultation with Alyssa, please add her name to the Contact form below when you reach out.

Join me in welcoming Alyssa to the team!

~Marsha

07/26/2025

Penticton Business Excellent Awards nominations are happening now.

The deadline to nominate is August 8th
To nominate a business:

A Celebration of Excellence Across Every Stage of Business and Community.

07/20/2025

07/05/2025

Are you an adult who thinks you may be Autistic. Did you go through the process of having your child diagnosed and relate your child’s autistic experience?
Deciding if you should pay to have a formal diagnosis can be confusing. At Dandelion Counselling Services we don’t diagnose, but we can walk with you through the process of finding out if you have autistic traits, and if it would be beneficial for you to self-identify or pay the assessment fee with a registered psychologist right here in BC who assesses adults. Should you decide to go ahead with a formal diagnosis we can refer you to the Psychologist for assessment and then help you walk through the process of understanding your autistic traits. You don’t have to do this alone.

05/12/2025

https://youtu.be/jM3azhiOy5E?si=W7bdvkVggyj-nGZu

This is my most requested episode ever. Thanks to the support of my research team, creative team, professional consultants, and the fabulous Caroline Maguire...

05/08/2025

Take time to check in with your body. Notice any tension in your shoulders, stomach, neck & hands. Be curious about why. Did someone say something? Is there a sound or light that is too much?

03/15/2025

“I may not yet know what I can achieve, but I’ve seen what I can overcome, and I refuse to underestimate myself again.”

This is your reminder that the toughest challenges can reveal your true strength. 💪 Every setback is just an opportunity for growth and learning. Never forget: you are more capable than you realize, and your potential is limitless. ✨

Let’s keep going, one step at a time. You’ve got this. 💖

Marsha Healey, RTC, RPC-C
Dandelion Counselling Services | Penticton, BC
📧 dandelioncounsellingservices@gmail.com
📍 #8-477 Martin St, Penticton, BC

03/14/2025

6 Ways Autism Can Affect Relationships ⬇️

❤️ Navigating relationships can look a little different when autism is part of the picture. Here’s how it can show up:

❤️ Straightforward Communication – Sometimes, being super honest or direct can come off as blunt, but it’s just a way of making sure there’s no confusion!

❤️ Sensory Overload – Bright lights, loud sounds, or even the wrong kind of touch can make socializing feel like a lot. Imagine trying to chat with your favourite song playing at full blast—yikes, right?

❤️ Routine is Everything – Plans changing unexpectedly? Not so fun. For many, routines are grounding, so surprise plans can feel like a curveball.

❤️ Emotion Expression Can Be Tricky – Sometimes, it’s harder to show or understand feelings. You might not see tears or hear words, but that doesn’t mean emotions aren’t there!

❤️ Reading Others Can Be Tough – Empathy is a muscle, and for some, it takes more effort to tune into other people’s feelings, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

❤️ Misinterpretation of Intentions – Sometimes, what seems like a simple action (like being too blunt or distant) might actually be someone’s way of showing care. They might not always express affection in the usual ways, but it doesn't mean they aren't deeply invested in the relationship.

If you're finding relationships a bit tricky to navigate, let’s connect! I'm here to help you or your family with personalized support.

—
📍 Marsha Healey | RTC, RPC-C
📧 dandelioncounsellingservices@gmail.com
🌿 Specializing in Neurodiversity Support & Counselling | Penticton, BC