Background

Welcome!

 

My name is Charlotte (she/her) and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor. I believe counselling is a shared journey between an individual and a counsellor to help the client better understand themselves and the world around them, which looks different for everyone. As a counsellor, I aim to help individuals achieve their goals, whether that’s to heal, grow, understand, or simply be seen and heard. 

 

My journey to becoming a counsellor started with my passion for helping people, and wanting to understand and appreciate the world beyond only my perspective. I have been fortunate to live in three different countries and travel to many parts of the world. Prior to moving to Canada, I spent five years living in Sweden and received my Bachelor of Science in International Development with the goal of working in poverty reduction in the future. During my program, I studied alongside classmates from more than 40 countries and had the opportunity to learn and gain a deep appreciation for different cultures, backgrounds, values, and experiences. Throughout that time, I discovered my interest in wellness and decided to focus my passion for helping others in the mental health field.

 

Before my career in counselling began, I worked with and supported marginalized, at-risk youth in transitional housing and individuals who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Then, I transitioned into crisis intervention work in victim services. These roles have given me experience supporting individuals at some of the most difficult points in their lives, many of whom have faced long-term systemic barriers and oppression. It has also shown me the power of holding space for incredible pain and suffering, and that healing and growth is possible in the face of adversity.

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Therapeutic Approach

My approach to counselling is grounded in building a relationship with each person I work with. Trust and vulnerability are not a given. Fear of judgement, shame, and self-doubt can be powerful barriers to making progress in counselling, so I make it a priority to maintain a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and non-judgmental space. 

 

Clients I work with might struggle with feeling different or misunderstood. They might also struggle to understand themselves or why they say or do certain things, and find difficulty in connecting with others. 

 

Some clients who I work with might also feel shame, self-judgement, and low-self confidence because their experiences or behaviours do not align with societal or familial norms and expectations.

 

Couples I work with might be feeling “stuck” in their relationship, unheard, or hurt by the actions of their partner. They might also be facing big life decisions that make them feel like they are not on the same page, or struggle with intimacy and meeting each other’s needs.

 

Together, we might work on unpacking and processing traumatic or difficult experiences, understanding and repairing relationships, learning healthier ways of coping or communicating, and finding a sense of true self. 

 

My style is generally informed by psychodynamic and attachment theory, which places emphasis on how the past, especially in our relationships, is connected to the present, and that understanding ourselves requires self-reflection and going beneath the surface. I also use cognitive-behavioural techniques to help empower clients to make changes that can help them in the here-and-now.   

 

However, I use a number of different modalities depending on a client’s needs, goals, and circumstances. These include but are not limited to Internal Family Systems (parts work), Compassion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Analytical Therapy, and Gottman’s Couple’s Therapy, while also integrating mindfulness and somatic techniques. 

 

I believe finding the right fit is essential in counselling. If you think you might like to work with me, please reach out for a free consultation. I look forward to connecting and being part of your journey.

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My availability can be found here.