Terresa McKenzie’s Journey as a Mother and Entrepreneur: Embracing Presence Over Perfection

Wellness Extract Honors Mothers: The Healing Hands – Part1 

For Wellness Extract, Mother’s Day isn’t just a single-day celebration. It’s a heartfelt month-long tribute to mothers nurturing both their families and their communities. 

We’re proud to pay this homage to mothers through our initiative, Mothers: The Healing Hands and the first mother is, Terresa McKenzie, a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW), Counseller, founder of Inner Balance Solutions, and a dedicated mother of four (three kids and a puppy, to be exact!). Based in Chilliwack, British Columbia, and with over a decade of experience, Terresa is not just running a mental health practice, she’s building a supportive, healing space where compassion and leadership walk hand in hand. 

Meet Teressa McKenzie  

 “Before the world starts moving, there’s a quiet moment. In this stillness, I gather myself—to be a mother, a counsellor, and the heart behind a business that supports others.” 

This is how Terresa begins her day, before emails, client sessions, or the morning school rush. She makes sure to start each day with intention, by carving out a still, grounding space where she can reconnect with her purpose. It’s at this moment, she says, that she finds the strength to be a mother, a counsellor and the heart behind her business that supports others.  

As a clinical director and therapist, Terresa supports families through life’s most complex emotional challenges. As a mom, she shows up fully present, at drop-offs, dinner tables, and bedtime chats.  

“Parenting and counselling are both about listening and showing up for people, it's about being fully present and that matters even when you're exhausted. It’s not about perfection,” she says.  

Redefining Balance: The Real Life of a Working Mom 

Being a working mother isn’t about achieving perfect balance. Terresa shares, “Some weeks I’m more of a mom, some weeks I’m more of a boss.” She’s learned to embrace that ebb and flow instead of chasing an unrealistic balance. 

“Let go of the idea of perfectionism,” she affirmed. “Some weeks are more family-heavy, and some weeks are all about work. It’s about finding harmony in the chaos.” 

Isn't this honesty that makes Terresa’s story so relatable? Whether you’re a working professional, entrepreneur, or stay-at-home mom, the fact remains true-  You don’t have to do it all perfectly. The most important thing is showing up. 

The Power of Intentional Time 

Terresa believes that self-care is not a luxury, it’s a non-negotiable. She ensures to spare time for herself, her husband and kids. It's essential to check on yourself and understand your strengths and weaknesses. 

“Balance isn’t about equal time,” she reminds us, “It’s about intentional time.” 

She also emphasizes the importance of building a team, at work and at home. “Know your strengths and be honest about the areas where you need support. Ensure that you’re not trying to do it all. It’s all about finding harmony in all of it rather than perfection.” 

Space That Heals Others 

At Inner Balance Solutions, Terresa envisioned a wraparound and integrative care model. She’s always wanted to create a place where someone could come and find everything from play therapy for children to ADHD diagnoses and clinical counselling under one roof. 

More than that, she wanted to build a workplace where laughter is part of the daily routine. “This work can be heavy. But we laugh a lot. That helps us go back home to our families lighter even after real heavy days.” 

Compassionate Leadership: What She Teaches Her Children 

Terresa’s children see her every day, working, caring, creating, showing up for others and leading with heart. That, she says, is one of her biggest motivators. 

“They get to see me building something. I want them to know that leadership doesn’t have to be hard or cold. It can be filled with compassion, too. True strength doesn't mean to have it all together. It means to show up anyway authentically and genuinely.” 

Reflections and Wisdom 

When asked about some advice she would give to younger self, she replied, "Trust your gut. If you feel you’re ready and you have the support system, go for it. If it’s meant to work out, it will.” Life won’t wait until everything’s perfect. 

“To the mothers out there, juggling school drop-offs, client meetings, dishes, and deadlines: You’re not just holding it all. You’re shaping something meaningful. Your work matters. Your presence matters,” encourages Teressa. 

Celebrating Women Who Lead and Nurture 

At Wellness Extract, we honor women like Terresa McKenzie not just for what they do, but for how they do it: with heart, with grit, and with deep love for both their families and the communities they serve. 

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories this Mother’s Day Month as we spotlight women who lead, heal, and nurture, at home and beyond.