About Johanna Simmons (pronouns she/ her)

Johanna Simmons, MA RCC, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a supervisor as well as a BC registered play therapy supervisor and who specializes in children and family therapy. She is bilingual and offers counselling in both English and French. A graduate of Simon Fraser University with a Certificate in Education and of The Adler School of Professional Psychology, now Adler University,  with a MA in Counselling Psychology, Johanna has worked with children since the 1990s in an educational setting: as a classroom teacher, a special education teacher and a play therapist. To supplement her education, Johanna has completed extensive additional training and certifications:
  • A certificate in Expressive Play Therapy
  • Registed Play Therapist (BCRPT)
  • Registered Play Therapy Supervisor (BCRPT-S)
  • An Accredited Clinical Supervisor (RCC-ACS)
  • Certified Synergetic Play Therapist (SPT)
  • Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor (SPT-S) 
  • EMDR Level 1 and 2
  • A certified Roots of Empathy facilitator, a program designed to teach empathy to school aged children
  • A F.R.I.E.N.D.S. facilitator, a program that provides school aged children tools for dealing with stress and anxiety
  • A certified Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) facilitator
  • A certified Positive Discipline Parent educator
  • Foundation Training in Bodynamic, a body-based therapeutic approach to counselling, from the Bodynamic Institute of Canada

Holding a designation from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, Johanna continually updates her knowledge and stays current by attending professional development seminars and conferences. As a member in good standing of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, the British Columbia Play Therapy Association and the North American Association of Adlerian Psychology, Johanna incorporates new research into her daily counselling practices. She is past president of the British Columbia Play Therapy Association and remains an active member of the board. Additionally, she is adjunct faculty at Adler University  where she teaches the Child Development and Counselling Course and supervises pre-practicum and practicum students. She has recently authored a comprehensive parenting guide called Parenting in the 21st Century: The Neuro-Informed Parent which will be available in 2025.

Her network in the counselling community is extensive. She works collaboratively with other professionals, including teachers and medical doctors, should the need arise.