Hi I’m Christen, a Registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors (R.C.C.). I hold my Graduate Degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University in Vancouver BC where I focused on trauma recovery. I also hold my Masters Degree in Community Leadership from Trinity Western where I focused on organizational and non-profit development which I completed in 2014.
I am passionate about creating a space where clients can feel secure as they explore their story in an environment of therapeutic connection. Whether you are navigating through a life transition or having problems in your relationships, having difficulties facing the world following a traumatic event or are experiencing low mood, anxiety, or struggling with your performance, my hope is that through our work you may come to find effective tools to manage your symptoms, overcome challenges, and make meaning of your circumstances as you move forward in healing.
In my work, I draw from a diverse education and an assorted range of therapeutic theory and techniques. My hope is that as we work together we can tailor a therapeutic approach to meet your individual needs.
As a clinician, I maintain a holistic, mind-body oriented approach to therapy grounded in neuroscience, with an emphasis on attachment and relational healing. I maintain a trauma informed integrative approach to treatment and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with the International Association of Trauma Professionals. In addition, I have trained in a variety of research-informed therapeutic modalities such as Client Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Imaginal Nurturing, Somatic Therapy, Ego State Therapy, Performance Enhancement, and Observed and Experiential Integration Therapy. I am a member of EMDRIA and EMDR Canada and hold advanced level training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), which has become a specialty in my practice. I also integrate components of cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, body relaxation, narrative approaches and the therapeutic use of music with clients.
Though my training welcomes clients with varying concerns and goals, I have specific experience working with survivors of gendered violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking and work from an anti-oppression lens.
On a personal level I absolutely love to learn, explore the world, and play music any chance I can. I maintain an active lifestyle consisting of a range of mixed martial arts and group fitness activities and am an advocate for balanced healthy living. I am also a professional dog lover and hope to integrate animal therapy into practice in the future.
I understand that we can face may challenges when taking the first step to healing. My hope is that as we work together we can find a therapeutic approach to meet your individual needs so you can grow, heal and thrive. I look forwards to starting that process of healing with you.
