Hello and welcome! 

My name is Petrina Runke. I am the founder of Flare Counselling Services. 

I am passionate about promoting your wellness and healing. As humans, we all encounter emotional overwhelm in our lives, which can be disorienting, painful, and confusing, making it challenging to anchor ourselves in the present. Whether it's coping with loss, trauma, or life changes, navigating the landscape of our lives is often made easier with support from others. I believe in the healing power of connection. 

Some things to know about me personally: 

My heart is drawn to the wild nature of our planet. Being outdoors in nature is often the quickest way to get out of my head. I find it both soothing and invigorating to explore our local river valley as often as possible. 

I adore my family. Being a mother has taught me so much. But I am also aware of how hard it is to be a partner and parent today. I get what it feels like to juggle the demands of a fast pace life while trying to figure out how to stay soft and gentle with our precious people.

I love to laugh! Truly, laughter is medicine. It can ease stress, pain, allow us to connect with others, experience joy, and remind us not to be too serious. 

Professionally:

I am a Registered Psychologist with a Master's degree in Counselling, a Bachelor's degree in Applied Child Studies with a certificate in Children's Mental Health. I am a Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist and I have advanced training in trauma therapy. 

Over the past 20 years, I have worked in the field of human services and mental health, starting with mentoring programs, outdoor education and wilderness-based programs for children and teens, as well as social programming for youth experiencing homelessness. 

For nearly a decade, I specialized in addiction and mental health counselling before transitioning to school-based counselling as a mental health therapist with AHS.

 In 2017, I ventured into private practice, and have enjoyed the opportunity to be an entrepreneur, embracing the independence of growing in my career. 

My speciality is working with families, couples, and individuals. It is such an honour to be invited into people's most intimate relationships to support them to repair, reconnect, and thrive.