About us

In 1997, Doug and Susan Thomson founded and opened The Family Wellness Centre in Chilliwack, British Columbia.  A clinic originally offering natural therapies, it has expanded into a training facility for holistic studies, integrated therapies and energy concepts.

Based on a growing need for alternative therapies and natural health solutions, the British Columbia Institute of Holistic Studies (BCIHS) was developed as a conceptual idea where students could learn a package of therapies that would provide them with a holistic career path and the ability to earn a living while helping others.  

Today, the British Columbia Institute of Holistic Studies is a PCTIA Registered school, which offers small, specialized courses in a spectrum of integrated studies.  BCIHS is recognized by the BC Alliance of Aromatherapy and the BC Association of Practicing Aromatherapist. 

BCIHS and The Family Wellness Centre are run by Donna Hernblad with a number of dedicated staff, guest therapists  instructors, and the support of a committed community.

Meet Our Instructors

Donna Hernblad, RA. - Program Director

Transitioning from a business career as an executive secretary in 1998, Donna moved into the administrative role at the BCIHS Wellness Centre.  Through the Institute, Donna has completed a multitude of courses and training programs in integrated therapies including Reflexology, Advanced Massage, Emotional Freedom Technique and Reiki.

Today, Donna is a practicing therapist, the BCIHS Program Administrator, as well as a certified instructor in: Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Massage and advanced techniques, Spa therapies, Hot Rock therapy, and Emotional Release Tapping.

At the BCIHS, Donna teaches many of the core program courses.  She instructs second degree Reiki and is practicing to become a Reiki Master.

Douglas R. Thomson, RA, NT, HT. - Past Chief Instructor & Guest Therapist
Doug started working and studying integrated therapies in Ontario as early as 1989, and since opening The Family Wellness Centre with his wife Susan in 1997, he has been the Chief Instructor at BCIHS for more than eight years.  

In 1996, Doug studied and was certified in Aromatherapy and Reflexology at the Aromatherapy / Reflexology Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.  After that, he continued his education in a tremendous array of holistic therapies  including Advanced Aromatherapy at Western Aromatherapy Holistic Centre (BC), Advanced European Lymphatic Massage (ON), Hypnotherapy and Technology at Alandel School of Hypnosis (BC). And in 2001, he certified in Emotional Freedom Technique through Dr. Alexander R. Lees & Associates Inc., White Rock, BC. 

Doug is recognized by the Reflexology Association of Canada, as well as the British Columbia Alliance Of Aromatherapy and British Columbia Association of Practicing Aromatherapists, both of which he sits on the Board of Directors and has been President of for a number of years. 

Besides being an instructor at BCIHS where he teaches courses in aromatherapy, reflexology, energy concepts and massage, Doug is also a certified Reflexologist and has attained 1st and 2nd Degree Reiki (Meghan Sawyer).

Susan Thomson, RA. - Past Instructor & Guest Therapist
Susan is an instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Holistic Studies and a full-time therapist at The Family Wellness Centre.  She was introduced to integrated therapies in 1989 when she studied Reiki.  Since then, Susan is a recognized instructor of aromatherapy by the British Columbia Alliance of Aromatherapy and the British Columbia Association of Practicing Aromatherapists.

Certified in in 1^st and 2^nd degree Reiki in 1989, Susan continued her practice to become Reiki Master in 1996 (Meghan Sawyer). Having a deep passion for holistic therapies, Susan qualified in Touch for Health through the Touch for Health Association in Vancouver, BC, she then qualified in Muscle Testing and Whole Brain Integration at New Method Institute (BC), and certified as a Colon Hydro- therapist at Natural Health Outreach in 1996 (BC).  Susan certified in European Lymphatic Massage and became an Aromatherapist through The Family Wellness Centre in 1997, Advanced Massage (BC) and Advanced Aromatherapy (ON) in 1999, and in 2001, she certified in Emotional Freedom Technique through Dr. Alexander R. Lees & Associates Inc. (BC).

Susan opened The Family Wellness Centre with her husband, Doug in 1997.  Today, the Centre still occupies the same location in Chilliwack, British Columbia, and has grown to become an accredited training facility for integrated therapies.  

At BCIHS, Susan teaches courses in aromatherapy, massage, Reiki, emotional release tapping, product knowledge and product development, where she brings with her more than 15 years of hands-on and practical experience.