Who we are
Who We Are
Lassen Counselling emerged from the shared vision of Colleen and Andy Martin, a married couple with roots to Swiss-German heritage. The name "Lassen", a German verb meaning "to let" or "allow", reflects their philosophy towards personal growth and resilience.
Letting go is an important part of finding what is most genuine within us. On the other hand, when we find what is real, we also need to hang on to it. Learning when to let go and when to hang on are core skills that lead to “being” or finding fulfillment.
Colleen, a competent Registered Social Worker, and Andy, a skilled Registered Psychotherapist, offer a diverse set of therapies and approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Their enduring 35-year marriage, nurtured through personal and couple therapy, exemplifies their commitment to continuous exploration, learning, and development.
Colleen and Andy enjoy travelling, cycling, camping and spending time with their three adult children and their partners.

"Letting go is an important part of finding what is most genuine within us."~ Andy & Colleen Martin

Colleen Martin MSW, RSW (she, her)
Registered Social Worker Psychotherapist
Colleen grew up in a large farming family. She loved raising her 3 kids and was a stay at home mom for 10 years.
Colleen worked in office administration for many years, then as a mature student decided to pursue social work. After Colleen’s mother was diagnosed with Mixed Dementia, Colleen was inspired to focus her studies on Aging and Supportive Care across the life course.
Colleen is interested in health and wellness prioritizing going to the gym regularly and enjoys reviewing recipes and making food. In her spare time, Colleen loves doing jigsaw puzzles, gardening, biking, camping and recently started line dancing.
With over a decade of experience, Colleen assists clients who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, loss and grief. Her expertise involves working with clients who face life transitions in their health, home and retirement.
In addition to Colleen’s professional training and experience, she has assisted family members who experience(d) challenging health diagnoses.
Individuals facing significant life challenges often feel overwhelmed and question their meaning and purpose. Colleen is dedicated to guiding clients through such changes to find clarity and direction.
Colleen provides caregivers/partners with effective strategies to prioritize their own well-being and self-care, ensuring they can maintain their health and resilience while supporting their family members.
Colleen brings a strengths-based, compassionate approach to therapy. She endeavors to provide therapy to a diverse population, providing safety and inclusivity to everyone empowering them to bring well being to their life.

Andy Martin M.A, R.P (he, him)
Registered Psychotherapist
Andy has a curious mind that often sees things from various perspectives. He grew up on a small farm, became an automotive technician, and operated several small businesses.
As a mature student, Andy started an academic journey resulting in a music degree and three graduate degrees including a master’s degree in counselling and a PhD in spiritual theology in which he analyzed the spirituality of his ancestors.
Andy is informed by pacifist ancestors who believed that people should have freedom of religion in an era when religion was enforced by the state. However, he recognizes that his ancestors were guilty of colonizing and believes that all people deserve equality and equity.
In an effort to be authentic and understand himself, Andy has gone for individual and couple therapy. He believes this aids in his curiosity and connection with others. He views all humans as equals and as complex, but resilient beings influenced by biological and psychosocial factors.
Andy has worked as a therapist for nearly two decades helping people with anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, abuse, grief and relationship conflicts.
He supports others by listening and seeking to understand their unique circumstances and perspectives. He utilizes various therapies and modalities, and stresses the importance of managing diet, exercise, sleep and stress. Andy supports and encourages people to identify and change self-defeating behaviours or thoughts.
Counselling is a vulnerable process, but through support and collaboration, Andy hopes to enable clients to find greater freedom and satisfaction. He believes that humans have an innate wisdom and resiliency, which if nurtured, can help all persons grow into healthier humans.

Di-Anne Martin MSW, RSW (she, her)
Registered Social Worker Psychotherapist
Di-Anne’s passion for supporting others was shaped by her own life experiences. As a stay-at-home mom and full-time foster and adoptive parent, she spent 13 years caring for and supporting five children, several with complex needs. Later, as a single mother and mature student, she returned to school to pursue her Master of Social Work.
Working with neurodivergent individuals and families is Di-Anne’s focus, including those navigating ADHD and autism. She supports clients in developing greater self-understanding and self-compassion while finding practical strategies that work with their unique strengths, needs, and ways of experiencing the world.
Di-Anne also enjoys working with couples experiencing communication difficulties, recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, or relationship patterns that seem difficult to break. Di-Anne helps couples explore what lies beneath these patterns, develop greater empathy and understanding, and build healthier ways of connecting.
Di-Anne has experience supporting individuals, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, life transitions, trauma, and emotional regulation. She welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds and strives to create an inclusive and affirming therapeutic environment.
Working collaboratively with each individual, Di-Anne focuses on being client-centred, compassionate and trauma-informed. She draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness and somatic approaches, and attachment-based work. When working with couples, she incorporates Gottman and Imago-informed approaches.
Through both personal and professional experiences, Di-Anne developed a deep appreciation for the unique strengths, challenges, and experiences that shape individuals and families. Her belief is that it is never too late to grow, make changes, and create a meaningful path forward. Her goal is to create a safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and respected while helping them recognize their strengths and develop sustainable tools for change.
We are currently accepting new clients in-person and online. Book your consultation today.