Registered Social Worker + Registered Clinical Counsellor

Special Interests

Assessment and treatment of PTSD and other trauma, Grief and loss, Depression, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Working with indigenous clients, LGBTQ2S+ issues

Education

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), University of British Columbia
• Master of Social Work (MSW), University of British Columbia
• Ph.D. (candidate), Cognitive Neuro-Psychology, Capella University (USA)

Professional Registrations & Certifications

• Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW). RSW #10231.
• Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). RCC #797.

Special Training

• Advanced level training in EMDR
• Advanced level training in Thanatology (the assessment and treatment of complex grief and loss)
• Advanced level Neurofeedback technician
• Advanced level practitioner with the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
• Registered practitioner with Residential Historic Abuse Program (for adults formerly in foster care)

About Kathryn:

I have been a therapist for over 30 years. My work is as much a calling as it is a job. I have always been amazed and perplexed by human struggles and how to approach them. I am a survivor of PTSD following the very violent death of a loved one and am living proof that one can recover from PTSD given the right support.

I love to work with the puzzles of life and welcome a partnership with clients in doing so. A motto for my work might be, “where there’s life, there’s hope”.

When and why did Kathryn join Alongside You?

I joined Alongside You in January of 2020, in large part, due to the collaborative and holistic approach that the agency has in the service delivery model. The team are highly trained and committed to excellence.

What would Kathryn be doing if she did not pursue the career path she has right now?

If I had not become a therapist, I might have pursued a career as a tropical snorkelling tour guide or, I’m often told that I could have been a stand-up comedian.

How does Kathryn relax when she is outside of work?

Outside of work, I relax by riding a Harley, spending time with my adult children and partner, tropical snorkelling, and I am about to start playing the cello. I read crime novels voraciously. Watching comedy and going to the movies are also things I enjoy.

What does Kathryn consider to be the most important value?

The most important value in my life and work is transparency. The more honest and open that people can be with one another, and the more space that is created for that, the greater the connection that is possible. In the spirit of this, another motto that guides me is, “I can’t solve problems that I don’t know about”.

Interested in hearing more from Kathryn?
You can read her blog posts here.