Make an Appointment: |

|

About Vern Kehler


Current Availability

Right now, my caseload is full, but I truly appreciate your interest. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about future availability, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

👉 Reach Out Here


 

Vern Kehler, Certified Professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Hi, I’m Vern. I’m so glad you’ve stopped by to learn more about Empower Counselling Services. Most people know me as Vern, though my given name is Werni.

I offer talk therapy and EMDR therapy to adult individuals in Winnipeg and across Manitoba, with both in-person and virtual options available.


Getting in Touch

For Returning Clients:
👉 Book Your Next Appointment Here

New to our site? Have questions?
👉 Reach Out Here


Available Session Times

Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM


About Me

To help you get a sense of who I am and what working together might feel like, I’d love to share a little bit about myself below.

If you have any questions, I look forward to connecting with you.


Finding the Right Therapist

Perhaps you’re here today because you’re navigating something difficult. Or maybe you’re looking to grow—personally, professionally, or in ways you can’t quite name yet.

Whatever brought you here, welcome.

As you explore therapy options, one of the most important things is finding a therapist who feels like the right fit for you.

If I had to summarize what that means, it would go something like this:

💡 A good therapist is someone who...

✔ Feels like they truly "get" you—when you're around them, you feel understood.
✔ Makes you feel safe, seen, heard, valued, and empowered.
✔ Creates a space where you feel comfortable being yourself.
✔ Helps you access the insights and solutions you already hold within.

✔ Walks alongside you in healing, in growth, in reclaiming your agency.
✔ Empowers you—because they believe in you and help you believe in yourself.
✔ Has the training and experience to guide you toward meaningful change.
✔ Honours your unique journey—meeting you where you are, without judgment.

Effective therapy isn’t just about techniques—it’s about trust, safety, and feeling supported as you navigate change. If this speaks to you, I’d be honoured to connect when you’re ready.


My Space

I work hard to create a zero-shame environment in therapy—one where you can explore the challenges that brought you here, without fear of judgment.

I know from experience that feeling truly seen, heard, and understood makes all the difference. When therapy feels safe, people often feel empowered, motivated, and ready to engage in the hard work of healing. My goal is to create that kind of space for you.

I also believe therapy can be human, comfortable, and even enjoyable at times. I bring humor into sessions where it fits, because healing doesn’t have to feel clinical or heavy all the time.


Your Life, Your Goals

I believe adults set their own life and health goals. While I will gently challenge and encourage you toward healing and growth, I respect your pace, your needs, and your vision for change. My role is to empower you—not to decide what healing should look like for you.


My Approach to Change

Change takes courage. And while it’s not always comfortable, the kind of growth that comes from within is unstoppable. A healthy Self is a changing Self.

Healing happens in safe connection. If pain and trauma often occur in relationship, then deep healing is often found in a supportive, therapeutic relationship too.

Courage and resilience go hand in hand. Each small act of courage strengthens resilience, making the next step a little easier.

People are incredibly resilient—even in the face of deep pain. But no one should have to go through it alone. With warm, compassionate support, healing is possible.

👉Healing After Trauma: How to Turn Pain Into Post-Traumatic Growth


My Work Experience

I have been working in counselling and related fields for over a decade, and during that time, I’ve had the incredible privilege of walking alongside many people through some of life’s most difficult seasons.

Each person’s journey is unique, and I approach every client with respect, curiosity, and deep belief in their resilience.


Personal Experience with Counselling

I know firsthand how hard it can be to ask for help. My own experience with therapy is what led me to become a therapist myself—it was my way of paying it forward.

Reaching out for professional support was one of the best investments I ever made in my own well-being, personal growth, and professional development.

I know how scary it can feel at first. But I also know this: None of us should have to walk through hard times alone.

👉 Not sure how to ask for help? Here are some ways to start.
👉 The importance of community for your mental health.


My Specializations

I specialize in:

🔹 EMDR Therapy
🔹 Therapy for Trauma & PTSD
🔹 Therapy for Complex PTSD
🔹 LGBTQ+ Allied Therapy
🔹 Therapy for Anxiety

👉 See all areas of service here.


Therapeutic Approach

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful, evidence-based therapy for healing trauma, reducing distress, and achieving lasting change.
Talk Therapy – An integrative approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, and more.


Education & Credentials

🎓 Master of Arts (MA) in Counselling – Providence Theological Seminary

🔹 Certified Professional Counsellor (CPC) – PACCP

➝ Member Number: 718MB20

Certification Number: #20240307

📖 Ongoing professional development, including EMDR training.

I look forward to hearing from you, when you're ready. Until then, know that you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.


Check Out Other Pages

FAQs About Therapy |Blog


 

141 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2B5