Meet the Counsellor Behind Calm Waters Counselling Services Chilliwack
Starting counselling can feel vulnerable. Whether you are reaching out because your relationship feels disconnected, communication keeps turning into conflict, or life simply feels heavier than it should, finding the right counsellor matters. I believe it is important for clients to know not only my professional background, but also a little about who I am as a person.
My name is Chantelle Wheeler, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with Calm Waters Counselling Services. I work with individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges, emotional overwhelm, anxiety, life transitions, communication difficulties, and personal growth. My approach is direct, compassionate, practical, and grounded in real-life change.
A Practical and Skills-Based Approach to Counselling
One of the things clients often notice early in our work together is that my counselling style is active and skills-focused. While insight and self-awareness are important, I also believe counselling should help people build concrete tools they can actually use outside the session.
In relationship counselling especially, many couples come in feeling stuck in repetitive cycles — the same arguments, the same misunderstandings, the same emotional distance. My goal is not simply to help couples “talk more,” but to help them communicate differently. Together, we work on:
Breaking unhealthy communication patterns
Understanding emotional triggers and attachment dynamics
Rebuilding trust and emotional safety
Learning practical conflict resolution skills
Strengthening emotional connection and intimacy
Developing healthier ways to express needs and boundaries
I tend to be honest and straightforward in session while still creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Clients often tell me they appreciate having a counsellor who is genuine, engaged, and willing to gently challenge patterns that are no longer serving them.
Supporting the Whole Person
I believe mental health does not exist in isolation from everyday life. Stress, burnout, parenting, relationships, work demands, grief, trauma, identity, and physical wellbeing all influence how we cope and connect with others.
My educational background includes undergraduate studies in criminology with a minor in sociology, alongside advanced counselling training and clinical experience. This background has shaped my understanding of human behaviour, relationships, systems, and the ways life experiences can impact emotional wellbeing.
Whether I am working with individuals or couples, I aim to create a space where clients feel respected, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change.
A Little About Me Outside the Counselling Office
Outside of my work as a counsellor, I value spending time with my family and being outdoors whenever possible. I love hiking, horse riding, and finding moments of calm and connection in nature. Some of my favourite moments are the simple ones — quiet evenings with family, time outside on the trails, or being around horses and the grounding presence they bring.
These parts of my life deeply influence how I approach counselling. I understand the importance of balance, connection, resilience, and having spaces where people can simply breathe and feel like themselves again.
Life can be complicated, messy, beautiful, and exhausting all at once. I do not believe people need to have everything figured out before reaching out for support.
Reaching Out
Counselling is not about being “broken.” It is about having support while navigating challenges, building healthier patterns, and creating a life and relationships that feel more connected and sustainable.
If you are considering counselling, I would be honoured to walk alongside you in that process.
You can learn more or book a consultation through Calm Waters Counselling Services.