BOWLINE MENTAL HEATLH
Combining the healing properties of the outdoors with professional counselling for better mental health.
We know nature has healing properties. That’s why combining outdoor adventure with therapy works so well.
Bowline Mental Health Services was born out of a love for the outdoors and a passion for helping others. Like the bowline knot, a trusted and versatile tool for outdoorsmen, Bowline Mental Health Services supports clients in a variety of ways with a goal of stabilizing their mental health, building mental strength and resiliency, and opening them up to explore life’s possibilities.
As an on-call firefighter, founder and lead counsellor Josh Togeretz knows firsthand the impact of trauma. He knows that our minds need tools to cope with what we experience or witness. Even without trauma, we need to be intentional about managing stress, navigating conflict, and communicating well to maintain good mental health.
As an avid outdoorsman, Josh sees the power of nature to restore and inspire. That’s why, after completing his counselling certification, he created Bowline Mental Health Services to take an innovative approach to counselling. Bowline’s adventure-based therapy takes counselling off the couch. It pairs professional counselling with memorable experiences, equipping clients for meaningful personal change and growth.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, we also offer individual, couple, or group counselling sessions out of our Chilliwack offices or on-site for corporate groups. Our services are covered by many extended health benefit plans.
With Bowline, clients can find a trusted partner for their mental health.
Our Chilliwack Counsellors
Not all of our therapists offer every service, but we’ll make sure you’re matched with the best fit for you. Let us know in our contact form if you have a specific service or therapist in mind, and we’ll discuss it during your consultation.
Josh Togeretz
MA, RCC (Founder)
Josh completed a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Quick to get involved in the community, Josh has experience as a firefighter, church leader, manager, mentor, athlete, and coach.
With a mixture of empathy and curiosity, Josh uses an individualized approach for each unique situation. Josh primarily draws on techniques from Adventure Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness. Josh was born and raised in Chilliwack and loves to enjoy adventures and explore nature with his wife and 4 daughters.
Kelly Tebrinke
MA, RCC
Kelly is a Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in relationship support, helping clients improve communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills. She is also a certified leadership coach through the International Coaching Federation.
Her approach integrates Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method. While she works across various areas, Kelly’s true passion lies in couples and marriage counselling, guiding partners toward stronger, more connected relationships.
Monique Goerzen
MA
Monique has a Masters in Counselling Psychology and experience working with children and families in various capacities. Monique brings a wide variety of relevant experience to her counselling. She has taught Grade 1 in the Northwest Territories, worked as a provincial FASD Key Worker, and currently works as an Associate Professor in Early Childhood Education. Monique utilizes nature, cognitive behavioural therapy, and acceptance and commitment theory to help individuals thrive.
Monique is married and has two children in university. She has experience walking alongside a child on the autism spectrum, and enjoys helping others navigate life’s challenges.
Ben Togeretz
Business Operations
Ben is a partner in Bowline Mental Health, working hard behind the scenes to ensure that things are operating smoothly. With a background in fisheries and wildlife biology, Ben is passionate about getting people outdoors and enjoying the benefits of nature. His goal is to make it easier for people to get the mental health help that they need, and to have them enjoy and appreciate the process.
When not working, Ben is busy spending time with his wife and four kids. If he isn’t in his sunroom you might find him on the water, in the woods, or serving his church community.
If you’re interested in exploring new opportunities or partnerships with Bowline, send him a message!
Dr. Carl Nienhuis
PhD, CMPC
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), Carl completed graduate studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, a professional member of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association, and a Professor in the School of Kinesiology at UFV.
Carl’s background includes performance and wellness enhancement, teaching, coaching, and counselling. From fostering positive living skills in youth to helping national and Olympic team athletes achieve consistent performance on the world stage, Carl’s goal is to help others experience joy, meaning and connection in their pursuits while developing the tools they need to navigate change and challenge.
Dr. Steven Esau
PhD, RCC
Steven is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who holds a Doctorate in Behavioural Health and has over a decade of experience in providing clinical supervision. Steve works from a relational model using a wide variety of counselling modalities, with a strong focus on incorporating nature, as well as leading and facilitating adventure-based experiences. He is a Clinical Faculty member with the Department of Psychiatry at UBC, a director with a not-for-profit, and works internationally providing clinical services.
Our Adventure Therapy and Registered Clinical Counselling services qualify for coverage through many extended health plans.