THE POWER OF GROUPS®
Meet our team
We value depth, quality, education and experience.
Passionate, inspired professionals and life-long learners.
Dr. John Álvarez
MD MA CGP RCC PATGC RYT
Founder + Medical Director

Dr. John Álvarez is a a certified psychedelic-assisted therapist working at the intersection between medicine, meditation and men’s mental health. He is a clinical assistant professor at the UBC faculty of medicine and maintains a private practice as a registered clinical counsellor and certified group psychotherapist.

His clinical counselling practice specializes in supporting men searching for transformation and meaning. He addresses concerns such as anger, break-ups, burnout, stress and addiction. Learn more about his credentials below.

Prior to his medical career Dr. John completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia. He conducted + authored original research on the effects of Mindfulness Meditation in mental health providers as part of his graduate thesis. In addition he completed his certification in Group Psychotherapy and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC.

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Ren Fukushima
MOA E-RYT YACEP
Founder + MOA

Ren manages the centre and facilitates groups as a Kundalini Insight teacher. Her groups provide a transformational container for people to access their true power and release the trapped emotion holding them back. Ren makes deep work as artful and enjoyable as humanly possible!

Ren is taking a break from teaching formal groups and classes but enjoys working one one one with clients both online and in-person.

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Testimonials
From Our Participants
Evan
"Straight up, if you're thinking about taking a risk with a therapist and want to grow as an individual take it with Dr. John. He has a lot of Experience, Insight, and Guidance. He helped me find my "flex", and I hope he helps you find yours. :D"
Luke
"Dr. John has been amazing with helping me with my mental health. I highly recommend him to anyone that just needs someone to talk to."
Hans
"The authenticity with which Dr. John and his team are able to offer a broad range of services with the working with the psyche, body and the spirit both individually and in group is impressive. I participated in a community of progress program and a Men's Meditation Academy at a vulnerable time in my life. The program, the therapy and the accountability helped me to overcome mid life challenges and helped to set me on a path of recovery and growth."
Graham
"Dr. John provides a great service and the Community of Progress that he runs has created great opportunities for me to grow and learn as a person."
Mitch
"The Garuda Centre is a special place. Dr. John and Ren are both incredible people, the world would be a better place if we had more like them. I have done both individual & group therapy sessions which were both helpful. Dr. John has a way of meeting people where they are at yet also knowing when and how to push. I've recommended them to many men in my life and will continue to do so."
Devon
"I am beyond grateful for the work I have done with Dr. John. He is straight with me and has always met me where I am at. He is relatable and has been just the mirror I have needed to support me through my journey as a Father, Husband and man."
August
"I love working with Dr. John!! He’s really helped me through it all sobriety, losing my kids, my relationship with both friends and family and as well as my day to day relationship with my wife, I’ve been through a lot of crap and when I walked in I was nervous to open up because of my “Man-Pride” but eventually I opened up and felt so much better."
Vartan
"I can’t recommend this place enough. The group sessions and the meditation academy are on point. Very worthwhile"
INDIVIDUAL | COUPLES THERAPY
REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLING
1
Choose your Group
This is the fun part! Pick a Transformational group that speaks to you and aligns with your needs.
2
Apply online
This helps us verify your interest and the basic information necessary to begin the enrolment process.
3
consultation
We will contact you to set up a free quick consultation with the group facilitator to make sure it’s a good fit.