Katelynn Tekavc
Location: Langley, BC
Populations: Children (3-12yrs)
(MA, RCC)
Long before I understood theories or techniques, I understood that play was my first language. It was how I made sense of the world—building stories, expressing big feelings, and discovering who I was: play was where I felt most alive. As I grew older and began working with children, I realized that this early truth still held power. Playfulness wasn’t just fun—it was a bridge. It helped children communicate, explore their abilities, and understand themselves in ways words alone couldn’t reach. And so, I learned to meet them there.
In my work, I found myself drawn to all the ways children express their inner world: through synergetic play, expressive arts, nature, movement, sandtray, neuroscience, and the simple goodness of meaningful relationships. Each avenue allowed a child to show me something precious—an emotion, a memory, a hope, or a hidden strength. As I sat with them, I began to understand how deeply my calling was rooted in helping children grow not only in emotional and somatic awareness, but also in their understanding of who God created them to be. That truth propels me every day.
With a curiosity rooted in love, I encourage children to stretch upward, to reach for the heavens, and to discover the truth about themselves in the very moment they’re given. So in those moments—through giggles, tears, paint-splattered hands, or tiny fistfuls of sand—I’m reminded why I do this work: Because play is not just a language. It’s an invitation to become whole.
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I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly that a child’s potential is limitless when they are nurtured through secure attachment—when they are loved, seen, and held with safety, a belief that shapes everything I do. By nature, I am creative, warm, and welcoming, and I invite every part of a child to show up in counselling—even the quiet, cautious, loud, bold or forgotten parts that haven’t yet learned how to play.
I use attachment theory and developmental psychology to help create a healthy map that fits each client’s journey. And in addition to my professional training in psychology and childhood development, I look to Jesus and His teachings as the safe, steady guide - offering rest, direction, and hope. His wisdom helps shape the space I hold with his precious image-bearers.
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Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about kids. I love to get down to their level and understand the world through their eyes. Through my professional background working in the public schools, early childhood programming, parenting support groups, and forest schools I am able to draw from a deep and diverse well of experience – while also understanding that each child and story is unique.
In my work as a play therapist, my practice focuses on supporting children heal and move through trauma, behavioural concerns, anxiety as well as grief and loss. Together we will develop new strategies to support with emotional regulation and learn to integrate new strengths and resources through experiential play-based therapies.
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MA in Counselling Psychology
Connect Parenting Program
EMDR Certified
Level 1 Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy
Attachment and Dissociation
Level 1 Neuroscience in the Sandtray
Families, Family Breakdown and the Law
Certified Forest and Nature School Practitioner
School Age Childcare Certification
Early Childhood, Infant Toddler and Special Needs Diploma
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Sessions are generally 1 hour in length
$150/hr
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I’m a proud wife to Janez and a mama to three wonderfully spirited, endlessly fun kids—and I even get to be a homestay mom to amazing students from around the world! My life is basically a blend of laughter, music, dance breaks, playtime, and a constant teeter-totter of rest and activity. When I’m not running my unofficial taxi service for my children or volunteering at church, you’ll probably catch me out adventuring with friends or strolling through the neighborhood with our dogs, Fraser and Valley.