Cole VonNiessen, MC, RCC
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: In-person and online support provided.
About Cole
Cole is an associate counsellor at Tyne Buchy Counselling Collective, where he works with individuals navigating a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, and personal growth. Cole believes it is a privilege to hear each client’s story and is deeply committed to creating a supportive space where people feel heard, understood, and respected.
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Cole’s counselling approach is relationship-focused and client-centered. He prioritizes building a strong foundation of trust, safety, and authenticity within the therapeutic relationship. When clients feel comfortable and supported, it becomes easier to explore difficult experiences with curiosity, openness, and compassion.
His style is calm, personable, and collaborative, allowing sessions to move at a pace that respects each client’s readiness and goals. Cole strives to balance thoughtful reflection and deeper exploration with practical strategies and skills when they may be helpful.
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Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches
Cole integrates a variety of evidence-based counselling approaches, tailoring therapy to each individual’s needs, personality, and goals. These may include:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
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Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)
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Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Parts Work / Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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Psychodynamic and insight-oriented therapies
His work is also informed by attachment theory and trauma-informed care, helping clients understand emotional patterns, relationship dynamics, and the impact of past experiences.
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Supporting Insight, Meaning, and Growth
With a background in philosophy and psychology, Cole brings a thoughtful and reflective perspective to therapy. He enjoys helping clients explore deeper questions about identity, relationships, values, and life direction while supporting meaningful personal growth.
Cole views therapy as a space for self-understanding, healing, and change, and aims to be a compassionate guide throughout that process.
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A Collaborative Process
While Cole brings his training and professional knowledge to sessions, he strongly believes that clients are the experts in their own lives. He approaches counselling with humility and curiosity, valuing collaboration and respecting each client’s lived experience.
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Areas of Specialization
Youth and Teen Counselling Cole supports youth and teens who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, emotional regulation, self-esteem, identity development, social challenges, and life transitions. Adolescence can be a complex and often overwhelming time, and many young people benefit from having a supportive, neutral space where they can talk openly about what they are experiencing. Cole works to create a safe, respectful, and engaging environment where youth feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. His approach emphasizes building trust and connection, allowing young people to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace. Drawing from mindfulness-based approaches, emotion-focused therapy, and parts work, Cole helps youth better understand their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Sessions may focus on strengthening emotional awareness, improving communication, navigating relationships, and developing practical skills for managing stress and challenges. Cole recognizes that parents and caregivers also play an important role in a young person’s wellbeing. When appropriate, he works collaboratively with families to help support healthy communication, understanding, and positive change at home.
Couple's Counselling Cole works with couples who are looking to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, and navigate challenges together. Many couples seek counselling during times of stress, conflict, or transition, while others are simply hoping to deepen their connection and understanding of one another. Cole provides a supportive and balanced space where both partners feel heard and respected. His approach focuses on helping couples slow down difficult interactions, better understand each other’s perspectives, and develop healthier patterns of communication. Drawing from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment-based approaches, and insight-oriented therapies, Cole helps couples explore the emotional dynamics that shape their relationship. Through this process, partners can begin to identify patterns that may be contributing to conflict or distance and work toward rebuilding trust, strengthening emotional connection, and developing more effective ways of relating to one another. Couples sessions often focus on communication skills, emotional awareness, conflict resolution, rebuilding connection, and navigating life transitions together. Cole approaches this work with curiosity, compassion, and respect for the unique strengths and challenges within every relationship.
Trauma Recovery Counselling Cole provides compassionate support for individuals who have experienced trauma, including past abuse, neglect, loss, or other distressing life events. Trauma can impact mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, and many people benefit from having a safe, structured space to process their experiences and begin to heal. His approach emphasizes creating safety, trust, and empowerment in the therapeutic relationship, allowing clients to explore painful memories at a pace that feels manageable. Cole works collaboratively to help clients understand the effects of trauma, regulate emotions, and build resilience. Drawing from trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based therapies, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and psychodynamic approaches, Cole supports clients in identifying patterns, processing difficult emotions, and developing coping strategies that restore a sense of control and wellbeing. Sessions may focus on healing from past trauma, reducing anxiety and hypervigilance, improving emotional regulation, and restoring a sense of safety and self-compassion. Cole approaches trauma recovery with empathy, respect, and a commitment to individualized care, helping clients reclaim a sense of strength and stability in their lives.
Substance Use & Recovery Support Cole supports individuals who are experiencing challenges related to substance use or substance misuse, including concerns with alcohol, drugs, or other coping behaviours that may be affecting their wellbeing, relationships, or daily life. He understands that substance use often develops as a way of coping with stress, emotional pain, trauma, or life difficulties, and approaches this work with compassion, curiosity, and without judgment. Cole provides a supportive and collaborative environment where clients can openly explore their relationship with substances, understand underlying patterns, and identify meaningful goals for change. Whether someone is looking to reduce use, build healthier coping strategies, or work toward recovery, sessions are tailored to the individual’s needs and readiness. Drawing from mindfulness-based approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and trauma-informed care, Cole helps clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and practical tools for managing cravings, stress, and triggers. Substance misuse counselling may focus on building healthier coping strategies, strengthening motivation for change, addressing underlying emotional concerns, and fostering long-term wellbeing. Cole approaches this work with respect and empathy, supporting clients in making sustainable changes that align with their values and goals
Grief and Loss Counselling Cole supports individuals navigating grief, loss, and bereavement, whether related to the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, life transitions, or other significant changes. He understands that grief can be complex, unpredictable, and deeply personal, and he provides a compassionate, safe space to process emotions and experiences. His approach is client-centred and trauma-informed, helping clients explore feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion while learning strategies to cope with the challenges grief can bring. Cole draws from evidence-based approaches including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness-Based Techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and parts work (IFS) to support healing and emotional resilience. Sessions may focus on processing emotions, honoring experiences, rebuilding routines, and fostering hope and meaning. Cole approaches grief counselling with empathy, patience, and support, guiding clients through the healing process at a pace that feels right for them.
Counselling for Anxiety Cole supports individuals experiencing anxiety, excessive worry, panic, social stress, or overwhelm, helping them regain a sense of calm, clarity, and confidence. He understands how anxiety can affect daily life, relationships, work, and overall wellbeing, and provides a safe, supportive space to explore and manage these experiences. His approach is client-centred and evidence-based, blending compassion with practical strategies to help clients understand triggers, manage symptoms, and develop effective coping skills. Cole draws from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to create a plan tailored to each individual. Sessions may focus on reducing worry, improving emotional regulation, building resilience, and fostering confidence in facing everyday challenges. Cole approaches anxiety counselling with empathy, patience, and collaboration, empowering clients to move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Counselling for Depression Cole supports individuals experiencing depression, low mood, persistent sadness, or loss of motivation, helping them navigate the challenges these feelings can create in daily life. He understands that depression can impact relationships, work, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing, and he provides a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their experiences. Cole’s approach is client-centred and evidence-based, focusing on building safety and trust while helping clients identify patterns, understand underlying factors, and develop practical coping strategies. He draws from a range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to tailor support to each individual’s needs. Sessions may focus on increasing self-awareness, managing negative thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, and cultivating motivation and resilience. Cole approaches depression counselling with empathy, patience, and a collaborative mindset, helping clients take meaningful steps toward healing, growth, and renewed purpose.
Services Cole Provides at Tyne Buchy Counselling Collective
Cole provides counselling for children, youth, adults, and couples in a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment. His approach integrates several evidence-based modalities—including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR, and attachment-informed therapy—allowing him to tailor treatment to each client’s unique experiences, goals, and needs.
Emotion Focused Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps individuals understand and work through their emotions in a safe, supportive environment. By exploring emotional patterns and experiences, clients can develop greater self-awareness, healthier relationships, and more effective ways of responding to difficult feelings.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive behavioural strategies with mindfulness practices to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. By developing greater awareness and acceptance of present-moment experiences, clients can learn healthier ways to respond to stress, anxiety, and low mood.
Experience
​Cole completed his undergraduate studies in Philosophy and Psychology at the University of British Columbia, graduating in 2020. His academic background in both disciplines continues to inform his work as a counsellor, providing a foundation for understanding human behaviour, emotional processes, and the broader questions of meaning, identity, and personal growth that often arise in therapy.
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He later completed his Master of Counselling through City University of Seattle’s Vancouver campus in 2025, where he developed advanced clinical skills and training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches. During his graduate program, Cole began his clinical practicum at the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre in Lumby in 2024, where he continues to work part-time.
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Through his practicum and ongoing work at Whitevalley Community Resource Centre, Cole has gained experience supporting clients with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, life transitions, grief, trauma, abuse, relationship difficulties, and personality-related challenges. Working within a community-based setting has provided valuable experience offering accessible mental health services in a smaller community, while also strengthening his ability to meet clients with empathy, flexibility, and respect for diverse life circumstances.
In 2025, Cole also began working in private practice in Vernon, expanding his experience in supporting individuals, couples, and youth across a variety of mental health concerns. In February 2026, he completed formal training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based approach for working with trauma and distressing life experiences.
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Cole is committed to ongoing professional development and lifelong learning. In addition to his clinical work, he continues to deepen his practice through continued training, professional consultation, research, and reading, allowing him to integrate new insights and approaches into his work with clients.
Qualifications
2026
Eye-Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training
2023-2025
Master of Counselling (MC) - City University of Seattle, Vancouver
2025
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors – Registered Clinical Counsellor #23654
2018-2020
B.A. Maj. Philosophy, Min. Psychology - University of British Columbia, Vancouver