Kathryn Priest-Peries
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Registered Social Worker + Registered Clinical Counsellor
Special Interests:
The Assessment and treatment of PTSD and other trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, working with Indigenous clients, and issues related to the LGBTQ2S+.
Education:
Bachelor of Social Work from UBC
Master of Social Work from UBC
Ph.D. (candidate) in Cognitive Neuro-Psychology from Capella University in Minnesota
Certification and Special Training:
Advanced level training in EMDR
Advanced level training in Thanatology (the assessment and treatment of complex grief and loss)
Advanced level technician in Neurofeedback
Advanced level practitioner with Crime Victims Assistance Program
Registered practitioner with Residential Historic Abuse Program (for adults formerly in foster care)
Modalities:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Family Systems Theory with couples and families
Narrative Talk Therapy
Neurofeedback
Progressive Relaxation and Mindfulness Training
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 you 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 you be doing if you did not pursue the career path you have right now?
If I had not become a therapist, I might have pursued a career as a tropical snorkeling tour guide or, I’m often told that I could have been a stand-up comedian.
How do you relax when you are outside of work?
Outside of work, I relax by riding a Harley, spending time with my adult children and partner, tropical snorkeling, 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 do you consider 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”.