about me

Hi, my name is

Catherine Giffin

MCP, RCC, CCC
Clinical Associate

Hi, I’m Catherine (she/her) and I’m one of the therapists here at Providence.

  • Individual and Relationship Therapist
  • Advanced Adlerian Therapy
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1
  • Sex Therapy
  • Trauma-Informed
Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Individual and Relationship Therapist downtown vancouver

Individual and Relationship Therapist downtown vancouver

Individual and Relationship Therapist downtown vancouver

Hello and welcome! Living life can be complex at the best of times. Sometimes we reach a place where we feel overwhelmed and discouraged due to all the stress, responsibility, anxiety, and changes. We can feel stuck, alone, and confused about our experiences: our identity, relationships, bodies, sexuality/sexual experiences, life decisions, work, school, grief, and/or trauma.

I believe that when we feel safe, supported, and encouraged, each unique person has the potential to heal, create, change, and thrive.

But how do we do this?

I work from an Adlerian approach, which is holistic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Together we’ll get curious about where you currently are and where you've been, the way your unique experiences are impacting you, and what matters the most to you. We will collaboratively develop a plan that will move you closer to where you want to be, while also providing you with new skills, insights, clarity, and a safe space to process and heal. All our interconnected parts, including our physical bodies, contain messages; tuning in and listening can often help us gain insights that can provide inner peace and confidence as we navigate through life. 

My intention is to create a safe space where you feel encouraged to authentically face this journey of growth - a place where you feel heard, respected, and empowered-  towards what feels right for you! 

 

Experience

I am Registered Clinical Counsellor, and a graduate from Adler University with a Masters in Counselling Psychology. My experience with mental health is both personal and professional. Professionally, I have worked within mental health services for over twelve years in both British Columbia and Manitoba for non-profits, government sectors, and in private practice. I have experience in and feel comfortable supporting those living with differing abilities, substance use/addictions, sexual health issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and many other mental health concerns. 

Client Focus/ Demographics

While I work primarily with individuals and with partners in relationships, I am particularly passionate about the following areas:

Women’s Sexual Health – I am passionate about moving women to a place where they feel comfortable, knowledgeable, self-aware, and empowered about their sexual health. I come from a sex-positive lens that helps to foster healing, normalize experiences, and increase self-acceptance and self-confidence in sexual identity and sexuality. 

Relationships -  I understand both the complexity and significance that exist in relationships. Our work together may look like: increasing awareness of existing dynamics and patterns, moving towards repairing and rebuilding when trust has been broken, learning helpful communication and conflict resolution skills, examining any obstacles preventing emotional and/or sexual intimacy, and/or guidance with transitioning out of a relationship.  

Types of Therapy

Formal:
  • Depth Adlerian Therapy 
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy 

Informal:
  • Gestalt 
  • Solution-focused
  • Mindfulness-based Practices
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
  • Sex Therapy Practices

Issues

  • Anxiety – Feeling in crisis
  • Bullying – Experienced in youth, work, and relationships
  • Parenting Conflicts – with diverse identities, and/or cross-cultural parenting
  • Academic Stresses – secondary, post-secondary, and graduate levels
  • Grief – Loss and trauma
  • Self-Identity and Self Worth
  • Relationship to our bodies 

(Specialties)

  • Sexuality – Identity, expression, education, self-acceptance, porn 
  • Relationship – Sexual issues, communication, conflicts and resentments

About Me/Personal


  1. When I make the choice to go out into nature and take a deep breath of fresh air amongst the trees I feel grounded and revived. 
  2. I love jam and cheese on my toast. Despite others thinking it’s weird, I will forever love it SO much! 
  3. “Have the courage to be imperfect” – Alfred Adler