ABOUT US

Modern practice, timeless care.
We are a Vancouver mainstay.

Experienced and empathic therapists for high-performing individuals.
Located in the Marine Building in Downtown Vancouver.

5-Star Rating on Lumino Health

Welcome to
Watermark Counselling Co.

Vancouver's leading mental health clinic for high-achievers.

FORMERLY MH COUNSELLING

For ambitious, high-performers struggling with anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges that often come with professional success, high-pressure situations, and major life transitions.

Mark and Alison Holland are sitting outside at a cafe table. They're both looking at a laptop and smiling at the monitor.

THE WATERMARK TEAM

Each of our counsellors provides a pragmatic, down-to-earth approach.

Since 2015, we have been helping Vancouver's high-achievers work through anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges. Click below to see our full bios and specialties.

We offer both in-person and virtual appointments

  • Sky Lee is white and a woman. She has brunette hair and a kind smile.

    Sky Lee, MSW, RSW

    Helps clients impacted by depression and/or anxiety to regain calm and control in their lives. Sky also has expertise in supporting families with complicated caregiving circumstances.

    FULL BIO →

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  • Mark Holland is a white male. He's bald on top but has a ginger beard that is closely cropped.

    Mark Holland, MA, RCC

    Helps high-performing individuals organize thoughts, mitigate vices, and improve relationships using a brief, targeted, and evidence-based approach.

    FULL BIO →

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  • Alison Holland is a white woman. She has long brunette hair and soft facial features.

    Alison Holland, MSW, RSW

    Supports busy professionals, couples, and parents untangle chaotic headspace, improve communication, and make decisions from a calm place.

    FULL BIO →

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  • Natasha Chalke, BA, LLB

    An experienced professional for those looking for practical advice regarding stress, overwhelm, parenting challenges, family conflict, anxiety, and more.

    FULL BIO →

    Click Here
  • A set of hands are typing at a laptop. There. isa set of glasses in the foreground and a plant in the background.

    Reduced Rate Counselling

    Graduate students providing affordable therapy for a range of challenges. An excellent option for when finances are a barrier to accessing support.

    FULL BIO →

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OUR APPROACH

Our experienced counsellors take an empathetic and evidence-based approach to therapy.

Two outlined hands, one palm up, one palm down. There is a solid circle intersecting both hands in the centre.

Empathetic Therapy: Feel heard and valued

Successful therapy is possible when you and your therapist make a true connection. That's why empathy is at the core of our counselling. By forming strong, authentic bonds without any judgement, our clients feel seen, heard, valued, and safe.

An outline of an open book. A solid circle stamps the top left-hand corner of the graphic.

Evidence-Based: Informed by scientific research

Our therapists possess a deep understanding of human psychology and mental health. To inform our work, we stay current on modern literature, academic journals, and scientific research. Ongoing training and education is a priority.

Experience: Counselling for ~20 years

With a solid reputation, educational background, and experience in the mental health field, we have helped clients see positive changes in their mental health for nearly 20 years.

FROM OUR FOUNDERS

The ability to feel whole is already within us. Sometimes we need a little help tapping into it.

Hello and welcome—we are Alison and Mark Holland, founders of Watermark Counselling Co.

We believe that true healing comes not from prescribed solutions, but from an ongoing, collaborative process of discovery and growth where we stand side-by-side with our clients.

Each person's journey towards wellness is unique and beautifully nuanced, and we are deeply honoured to play a part.

We are a Vancouver mainstay.

With nearly two decades of experience in the mental health field and as fellow members of the lower mainland community, we are firmly committed to holding space for you to pause, reevaluate priorities, and emerge stronger, wiser, and feeling better than you have in years. Our goal is to shed light on the path towards the best possible outcomes and to provide unwavering support to our clients and their loved ones.

Married for 11 years and residing in North Vancouver with our three wonderful children, we look forward to working alongside individuals, couples, and families committed to their well-being, relationships, and overall mental health.

The Holland family posing outside in the forest. The family consists of Mark and Alison Holland, and three kids, two boys and one girl.

Alison and Mark Holland, Founders, Watermark Counselling Co.

THE WATERMARK DIFFERENCE

Through the therapeutic process, we'll help you...

  • A Middle Eastern Man stands in the middle of a dark forest. He's wearing a black hoodie and is staring blankly up at the sky. He's got salt and pepper hair and slight facial hair.

    Understand the impact of your experiences

    Part of our process is understanding the impact of early life experiences, family patterns, and the challenges & hurdles up to this point. We will never make assumptions about your situation so this is the best way we know to make sense of where things are at and how they got here so that we can figure out the next steps.

  • A Black couple standing in front of a low stone wall. She is higher than him, standing behind the man with her arms wrapped around his shoulders and kissing the side of his head. He is smiling, looking over his shoulder.

    Create the conditions for change

    The attachment-based perspective helps us understand the reasons behind people's actions as well as our own emotional responses towards those actions. In our ~20 years experience, understanding is what creates the conditions necessary for positive change to occur.

  • A white woman stands on a dirt road on a farm. She's got long curly hair and is wearing a t-shirt and ripped jeans and she holds onto a leash. She's kneeling down, offering a treat to her excited Beagle, who is standing on its hind legs.

    Heal the past so you can live fully in the present

    The safety of a therapeutic relationship can make all the difference. By creating a safe, non-judgemental space for honesty, the opportunity for healing the past becomes possible. This healing allows people to live fully in their present lives.

  • Understand the impact of your experiences

    Part of our process is understanding the impact of early life experiences, family patterns, and the challenges & hurdles up to this point. We will never make assumptions about your situation so this is the best way we know to make sense of where things are at and how they got here so that we can figure out the next steps.

  • Create the conditions for change

    The attachment-based perspective helps us understand the reasons behind people's actions as well as our own emotional responses towards those actions. In our ~20 years experience, understanding is what creates the conditions necessary for positive change to occur.

  • Heal the past so you can live fully in the present

    The safety of a therapeutic relationship can make all the difference. By a creating safe, non-judgemental space for honesty, the opportunity for healing the past becomes possible. This healing allows people to live fully in their present lives.

Watermark: a symbol of authenticity and ownership

A serene snapshot of a glacial lake in a mountain valley range. The waters are clear blue, reflecting the forested mountains on either side, with white snow-capped mountains in the distance. The view is from the pebble beach shore of the lake.

A watermark serves as a subtle yet powerful symbol of authenticity and ownership. In a similar vein, the human experience -- the highs and lows, joys and sorrows, challenges and triumphs -- requires ownership and care.

That's why Watermark Counselling Co. is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment where you can show up authentically, be in control, and take ownership of your experiences, health, and overall mental well-being.

At Watermark, we believe…

Honest conversations start with a safe space

People can and do change for the better

Healing occurs within relationships

If we are aligned on these principles, we can figure out everything else together.

Areas of Expertise

*indicates our specialities

Anger Management

Anxiety*

Caregiver Support

Depression

Elderly Persons Disorders

Family Conflict

Family Support Services

High-pressure Environments

Life Transitions

Men’s Issues

Overwhelm

Parenting & Family Issues

Personal/Professional Burnout

Personal Growth

Relationship Issues*
(Work/Personal)

Stress Management*

Support for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Mental Illness*

Trauma

We’ve Helped

Accountants

Caregivers

CEOs

Coaches

Content Creators

Corporate Executives

Counsellors

CPAs

Film Industry Professionals

Financial Advisors

Healthcare Professionals

I.T. Professionals

Lawyers

Management Personnel

Nurses

Paralegals

Parents

Physicians

Physiotherapists

Property Developers

Real Estate Professionals

Social Workers

Software Engineers

Students

Teachers

Technology Professionals

Wellness Practitioners

“

  • Warm and Understanding

    “Alison is a talented professional. She is empathetic, warm and understanding. She understands the importance of the therapeutic relationship and takes times to fully understand the needs of her clients and how to best address their difficulties.”

    — S.D.

  • Authentic Approach

    “If you are looking to make some changes in your life, not only does Mark have the empathy to truly understand your situation, but he also has the skills to help find your preferred future. His kind, honest and authentic approach is sure to be a good fit for those who are looking to engage in therapy.”

    — C.F.

  • Making A Difference

    “The counselling sessions I've had with [Sky] have helped me greatly.

    Looking back, they helped me get through a difficult time in my life and the tools I've learned will help me deal with future difficulties. The breathing technique helped my body get air, be calm and notice what it was that I needed at that moment, which usually was rest. I always felt lighter and happier after our sessions. Thank you for making a difference in people's lives. It really means a lot.”

    — L.A.

  • Warm and Understanding

    “Alison is a talented professional. She is empathetic, warm and understanding. She understands the importance of the therapeutic relationship and takes times to fully understand the needs of her clients and how to best address their difficulties.”

    — S.D.

  • Authentic Approach

    “If you are looking to make some changes in your life, not only does Mark have the empathy to truly understand your situation, but he also has the skills to help find your preferred future. His kind, honest and authentic approach is sure to be a good fit for those who are looking to engage in therapy.”

    — C.F.

  • Making A Difference

    “The counselling sessions I've had with [Sky] have helped me greatly.

    Looking back, they helped me get through a difficult time in my life and the tools I've learned will help me deal with future difficulties. The breathing technique helped my body get air, be calm and notice what it was that I needed at that moment, which usually was rest. I always felt lighter and happier after our sessions. Thank you for making a difference in people's lives. It really means a lot.”

    — L.A.

Our Services

We offer both in-person and virtual appointments