COUNSELLORS, COACHES, AND EDUCATORS
MICHAEL N. SORSDAHL
CD, PhD (Education)*, MA, R.Psyc, CCC, RCC, GCDFi
FOUNDER / PSYCHOLOGIST / EDUCATOR
*PhD is in Education focused on Counselling not in Psychology
Michael Sorsdahl is a Registered Psychologist based on his MA in Counselling Psychology from University of Victoria with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (#2454) and the College of Alberta Psychologists (#4991). He is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Global Career Development Facilitator with instructor designation (GCDFi) with the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE). He completed his BSc in Psychology and his MA in Counselling Psychology at UVic, along with his PhD from UBC in the Centre for Cross Faculty Inquiry in Education, focusing on counselling and educational theory. He has over 20 years of experience in group, family, couples, and individual counselling/psychotherapy. He recently retired with 25 years of service with the Royal Canadian Navy as a Senior Naval Reserve Officer (CD), where he commanded two Canadian Warships and was the Deputy Commandant of the West Coast Naval School. He now focuses this vast and diverse knowledge and experience to help individuals of all walks of life overcome mental health challenges and transition into inspired career/life balanced living.
Michael focuses his practice working in trauma therapy (PTSD), career counselling and coaching, group training & education, couples, LGBTQ2+ sexual/gender diverse communities, and complex life transitions. He is the founder of Juvenation Wellness Inc, a Wellness Centre in Duncan, BC along with a counselling clinic in Victoria, BC. He currently offers online psychological counselling and support throughout BC and Alberta. He also works as a contract Psychologist for Canada Career Counselling. Michael supervises both certified counsellors/psychotherapist and students to help build their competent ethical practice. Outside of his psychology and counselling practice, he has taught at several universities including the University of Victoria as a sessional instructor in the Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies (EPLS) department, a sessional instructor with the University of Lethbridge with their Counselling Psychology program. He was also an adjunct professor with University of British Columbia in their Counselling Psychology program and an instructor for Life Strategies Inc for both Career Management Professionals and for graduate Assessment courses. In addition to teaching, Michael also contracts as an Advisor to Yorkville University working on projects for Advanced Placement and Standing for military and trades applicants to their Bachelor of Business Administration programs across Canada.
Michael is the current chair of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Ethics Committee – Complaints Division, and was a president of the Counsellor Educators and Supervisor’s Chapter. He has also served as a reviewer of the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and belongs to several working groups and committees within the CCPA focused on specific areas including Certification, Ethics, Counsellor Education and Supervision.
Michael has presented several times at national conferences (CCPA and CANNEXUS), as well as being the key note speaker for a PTSD/Trauma symposium for First Responders, a speaker at the CRIDGE centre for Brain Injured persons, key note speaker for Hope For PTSD symposium, a Trauma specialist panel member for ‘Not On My Watch’ for awareness on Human Trafficking in Canada, and a returning guest on the CHLY radio show for Wellness Wednesdays since the Pandemic. Bringing awareness to the public around mental health wellness, PTSD/Trauma, and helping both clients and practitioners learn strategies for wellness through self-care, continues to be a life-long focus for him.
“I am invested in providing you an experience designed uniquely for you that allows us to create a complimentary plan to achieve your desired results. I work with clients from a diverse background of challenges, and have over 13 years of experience in providing education, psychotherapy and counselling to meet the needs of those clients. Highly experienced in PTSD/trauma therapy, military culture, career counselling, LGBTQ+ and Men's Issues, I believe my integrated and holistic approach will provide you with the greatest chance of success. Together we will move forward to new areas of understandings in life and healthy living.”
Mich Partridge, CCDP (Candidate)
CAREER STRATEGIST
Mich Partridge brings to Juvenation Wellness his 20 years’ experience of creative accomplishments and abilities. Having studied at the Academy of Design in Toronto and training in the dramatic arts he has a unique approach to personal development. His creative talents are diverse and span from graphic design, layout design, carpentry and other trades, to personal development and understanding through theatrical play. He has worked with youth programs facilitating art and drama programs helping to develop confidence and understanding in a safe environment.
Mich has studied at Life Strategies Inc. attaining a certificate in Career Management and Development, and is a Certified Career Development Practitioner Candidate [CCDP (Candidate)]. He has worked as an Educational Assistant at Mount Douglas Secondary in Victoria BC as well as EE Oliver Elementary in Fairview AB providing one on one support to students. He has experience working with youth coping with learning difficulties and Autism. His focus is with youth, the LQBTQ2+ community and Indigenous peoples, helping them to understand their strengths, how to translate and express those accomplishments on paper and conduct a successful job interview. Through his education, he focused his study on aboriginal youth and culture, and career management designed to assist in this population in their specific circumstances. Currently enrolled at VIU Mich is working towards an honours degree in Psychology
As a Career and Life coach, Mich draws from his myriad of experiences, which allows him to help and design a path for his clients. Meeting them where they are at, he helps clients overcome roadblocks and create action plans to move forward to attain their highest potential.
GREG ABBOTT
FACILITATOR / EDUCATOR / WELLNESS LEADER
Greg Abbott brings a diverse background in business ownership, management, post-secondary education, wellness leadership, and group facilitation. He is honoured and excited to be part of the Juvenation psychoeducational team, contributing to meaningful work that supports learning, healing, and personal growth.
Greg’s experience with group processes includes both participant and co-facilitator roles, with a focus on self-improvement, communication strategies, and holistic wellness. He has taught extensively in the beauty industry and in the area of personal image development, blending technical skills with self-empowerment and confidence-building.
With over 20 years in adult post-secondary education, Greg has worked with individuals from all walks of life as they pursue their dreams and deepen their self-understanding. His teaching career evolved from serving as Education Director at a prestigious private college to becoming the owner and operator of a salon and spa. There, he not only offered high-quality services but also developed custom student-apprentice programs—including training pathways for single parents reentering the workforce.
He is especially passionate about experiential learning environments, believing they offer some of the most impactful opportunities for transformation. Greg describes group work as a space of true alchemy, where the collective experience often exceeds the sum of its individual parts.
“I believe in the power of shared experience. When people come together with openness and intention, learning becomes not just informative—but transformative.”
SUSAN QUACKENBUSH
B.A. in Business and Communications
ADMINISTRATOR / COORDINATOR / WELLNESS ADVOCATE
Susan Quackenbush brings a multifaceted professional background to her role at Juvenation, drawing from extensive experience in real estate, property management, tourism, and product development within the field of natural wellness. Her diverse skill set allows her to seamlessly blend strategic thinking with heart-centered service—an ideal combination for supporting wellness-based initiatives.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Communications, Susan has cultivated a strong foundation in both organizational leadership and interpersonal connection. She has a proven track record of managing dynamic operations and client experiences, and she continues to apply that expertise in her administrative role at Juvenation.
Susan is often the first point of contact for participants attending wellness retreats and psychoeducational group sessions. Her warm, grounded presence helps clients feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. Behind the scenes, she plays a vital role in coordinating logistics, ensuring smooth program delivery, and collaborating with practitioners to grow and evolve Juvenation’s offerings. Her work is integral to both day-to-day operations and long-term program development.
Throughout her career, Susan has been driven by a passion for holistic wellness and community connection. She believes that meaningful growth happens when people feel seen, supported, and part of something greater than themselves. Her dedication to fostering this kind of environment is at the core of everything she does.
“I believe in the power of intentional spaces—where people can come together, find ease, and move forward with clarity and confidence.”
E-mail: admin@juvenation.ca
Phone Number: (778) 455-5040