“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.”
Hi, I’m Claire and I’m a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada.
I believe that the journey towards becoming healthy, whole, and who we truly are, is the most important journey we can make. At times it feels arduous and painful, but I know from personal experience that being true to our authentic selves and values is the only way to live a fulfilled and meaningful life.
Through my own difficult experiences, I have learned that making choices based on “shoulds” never works, and living according to others’ expectations is soul destroying. On our journey, we make choices that pull us away from our true identity and leave us feeling lost and often alone. Why do we do this? Most often is it because we are reliving conscious (and often unconscious) wounds from our past. Through therapy we are able to integrate these wounds into our life experience and finally leave the past behind.
Why Counselling?
My interest in finding that path back to my true and whole self began at the age of ten when I read a book from my father’s bookshelf called “The Magic of thinking Big.” I had no idea I could be somebody different from who I was right then. That book taught me that change was possible.
After a childhood of trying to be what others wanted me to be simply to fit in, I eventually sought out my dream of a career in writing, where I would be able to explore my identity and express myself. Once I realized that my writings were leaning towards helping others find their path and heal through the practice of journaling, I knew that counselling was also a part of my life’s purpose.
You can learn more about my writing and work with others in this area at www.thegiftofwriting.com.
Experience & Education
For over five years I have been using narrative therapy to help others heal and grow, which means challenging the stories we tell ourselves and learning to see past other people’s stories to the person underneath. My work with others has also been informed at a profound level by my journey through depression, divorce, and grief. I have also been greatly influenced by my spiritual beliefs, and the study of attachment theory.
I hold a diploma in Professional Counselling from Vancouver College of Counsellor Training (VCCT) and I am currently working towards a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology through the City University of Seattle.
I look forward to walking alongside you on your healing journey through change and growth.
