Hi, I’m Claire and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
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.
Experience & Education
For over 7 years I have been using the following modalities to help others heal, grow and make important life decisions.
- Attachment theory
- Internal Family Systems
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Journal therapy
I am also greatly influenced by my spiritual beliefs and in those cases where my clients have spiritual beliefs I like to incorporate this into my work with them.
I hold a diploma in Professional Counselling from Vancouver College of Counsellor Training (VCCT) and a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology through the City University of Seattle. I am also trained in the following modalities:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy).
- Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.
- Internal Family Systems
I look forward to walking alongside you on your healing journey through change and growth.