Meet Nicolaas Brink, the EKPCN Mental Wellness Clinician serving Cranbrook
Nicolaas Brink—known as 'Nico' among friends, clients, and colleagues—recently relocated with his wife and children from South Africa to Canada, where he transitioned his career from clinical psychology to the unique role as the EKPCN Mental Wellness Clinician (MWC) in Cranbrook.
The PCN MWC provides proactive support and interventions, education, consultation, and referrals for clients experiencing mild to moderate mental health and substance use conditions, depression/anxiety, and other lifestyle challenges affecting their health goals.
Describing his family’s move to Canada in 2022, Nico emphasized the appeal of Cranbrook, which is home to the most annual sunshine hours in B.C. The relocation wasn't just about climate or the perks of small city life; it was about seizing professional opportunities and becoming part of a vibrant community of South African doctors already established in the area.
“My wife is a gynecologist, and she had a job opportunity in Cranbrook,” said Nico. “The community seemed like a good fit for her, as well as our family.”
With three older children pursuing their own academic paths, Nico's focus turned to his role as an MWC, which is vital in ensuring accessibility to therapy services and community resources for those who might otherwise face barriers due to economic constraints or lack of insurance coverage.
Nico operates across several family practice clinics in the Cranbrook area and from Cranbrook’s Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC). He collaborates with local healthcare providers to identify clients who could benefit from his services, receiving client referrals directly from family doctors or nurse practitioners and typically engaging in 3-6 sessions with clients.
Nico's approach to therapy sessions emphasizes quality and connection. Spending ample time with clients, he aims not only to address immediate concerns but also to empower individuals to understand and manage their mental well-being independently. Drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques, Nico emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment.
“My favourite part of the job is getting to know the clients, teaching them how the mind works, giving them techniques and tools to recognize and cope, and seeing how they grow. If I can teach people to be their own best psychologist that’s very rewarding,” said Nico. “I take a full hour for my sessions. I think people appreciate the time I spend with them and feel truly heard. For most people, 3-6 sessions is quite helpful, especially if they are committed to doing the work outside our sessions. Some people really benefit from these sessions and don’t require additional supports, or other times we can refer them on to next steps.”
Reflecting on his transition from a private practice setting to his current role within the public healthcare system, Nico expressed appreciation for the collaborative environment within the EKPCN and the face-to-face interactions with patients and family physicians alike.
“It’s quite nice being onsite with the family doctors. I can easily talk to them about client referrals, and we can work in collaboration to ensure a more holistic approach to primary care.”
Nico works out of the FW Green Clinic in Cranbrook one day per week on Thursdays. Green Clinic practitioners refer patients to Nico, who then triages clients and determines if they are a good fit with his services.
Dr. Ryck Schielke, a family doctor at the F.W. Green Clinic, notes that Nico has become an important part of the support and care offered to their patients.
“We at the Green Clinic love having a MWC, and particularly Nico, at our clinic. He is invaluable to patients who do not have the funds to afford private counselling services but are in need of help,” said Schielke. “He has proven an amazing resource for patients who are struggling with their mental health, and feedback from patients has been very positive.”
Nico has a master’s degree in clinical phycologist from North-West University (NWU), Johannesburg, Gauteng. Prior to his academic pursuits and distinguished career in the field of psychology, Nico had been a dentist.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Nico and his family have embraced the outdoor lifestyle that Canada offers, indulging in activities like golfing, biking, skiing, and exploring the scenic beauty of their new surroundings.
“I’ve spent a lot of years in academics. When I moved to Canada I didn’t pursue my clinical psychologist designation, but registered here as a clinical councillor,” he said. “I’m at the time of my life where I want to find balance. I golf. We bike. We taught ourselves how to ski. We walk the community forest and take the dog out and go to the lakes. Or we’ll just drive around and explore the outdoors. The kids also enjoy the freedom; it’s safe. They walk everywhere. We came from Johannesburg in South Africa, where there’s 7 million people, to a population of around 30,000. That’s a big move. But we like it.”
