Experience, Empathy, and Clinical Expertise.

About Sheila Aini, MC, RCC

With 9 years of experience in behaviour intervention supporting children, youth, and families, I bring a profound understanding of child development, attachment, behavioral challenges, and emotional regulation to Sunny Spot Counselling. I hold a Master of Counselling degree and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors.

My clinical foundation is uniquely shaped by dual perspectives: extensive, on-the-ground experience as a Behaviour Interventionist and Behaviour Therapist, combined with clinical training and trauma counselling experience at Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS) that strengthened my trauma-informed lens. This combination allows me to provide robust, evidence-based therapy that never loses sight of the human heart and the vital need for emotional safety.

Trauma-Informed Care & BWSS Background

My clinical training and trauma counselling experience at BWSS strengthened the trauma-informed lens I bring to my work. It taught me that genuine healing cannot occur without first establishing absolute physical and emotional safety. I carry this trauma-informed approach into every session, ensuring that pacing is dictated by the client and that therapy is a collaborative, empowering process.

Behaviour Intervention & Multidisciplinary Experience

Before transitioning fully to clinical counselling, I spent years working extensively as a Behaviour Therapist across diverse settings including family homes, schools, daycares, clinics, and community environments. This hands-on experience gives me a practical, realistic understanding of how neurodivergent children (including those with ADHD and Autism) navigate the world, and how to effectively support them outside the therapy room.

My Philosophy

I strongly align with the belief that "every child does well if they can." When children struggle with defiance, tantrums, or school anxiety, it is not a lack of willpower, but rather a lagging skill or an unmet need. My role as a child therapist is to help uncover those needs, teach essential emotional regulation skills, and empower parents to become their child's secure emotional anchor.

My approach is also informed by narrative therapy, which separates people from problems and makes room for identity, values, and strengths. Rather than defining a child, teen, or adult by what they are struggling with, it invites curiosity about the stories that have shaped them and the preferred stories they want more room to live by.

Education & Credentials

• Master of Counselling (MC): Advanced clinical training in therapeutic practice
• Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC): British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors
• Bachelor of Arts: Joint Major in Anthropology & Sociology
• Certificate in Social Justice: Specialized training in equity-informed practice
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C & AED: Current certification

Professional Experience & Training

• Extensive Background in Behaviour Intervention & Behaviour Therapy
• Specialized experience providing neurodiversity-affirming care
• Crisis intervention and trauma counselling at Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS)