Our Counsellors
Katharine Ingham, MA, RCC
I believe that the foundation of therapeutic work is the capacity of therapist and client to create and maintain a safe place in which the client can explore life and any issues that may be interfering with desired goals. Healing can occur when an individual feels safe enough and supported enough to take the learning and experiences from the counselling office into everyday life. I offer an encouraging environment in which clients can give voice to their feelings and thoughts in order to gain clarity.
I work with what you bring to the counselling space. Together, we define the goals we work towards and talk about how you want to get there. I work with clients from all walks of life with a varying range of issues in an encouraging and non-judgmental manner. I emphasize the individual’s strengths and creative abilities to find solutions to their challenges, keeping in mind that things can always be different.
Like everyone, my life has had its ups and downs, triumphs and disappointments. I’ve found it helpful to have someone who can listen, help me make sense of my experiences, and offer assistance when I feel stuck. I strive to bring this to my clients’ experiences in counselling.
I have my MA in Counselling Psychology, I am a registered member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and I have been approved by the Crime Victim Assistance Plan to provide therapy to victims of crime and their families. I am a trained Adlerian practitioner and also use Hypnotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing Techniques to help my clients. I believe in ongoing education and training: I am in my Advanced Year of Somatic Experiencing training (completion anticipated January 2015), and I am completing the training to be a Certified EFT Practitioner with the AAMET (Association for the Advancement of Meridian Energy Techniques).
Areas of Specialization:
- Relationship Issues, Couples Counselling
- Issues from abuse, repetitive trauma, domestic violence
- Medical trauma, single incident trauma
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Emotional Containment and Regulation
- Personal Growth and Life Transitions
- Grief & Loss
- Sexual Issues
- Energy Work
Barbara Clay, MA, RCC (#3074)
It is my belief that the therapeutic relationship plays an essential role in the healing process of an individual. When therapist and client establish safety and trust the client can securely explore their current challenges and move towards making healthy changes. It is my goal for clients to feel supported, understood and validated in their work with me as their therapist.
Many people feel shame about seeking help. They may see themselves as weak or incapable of handling life on their own. Seeking counselling is about making an investment in oneself. Counselling is a journey towards personal growth, expanding on one’s strengths and creating a more compassionate self. It can help move a person towards more flexible thinking, letting go of rigid patterns that are keeping one stuck.
As a therapist, I find it very rewarding to be a part of someone’s journey. I am supportive of an individual as they face their difficulties, offering insight and direction, and celebrating their progress. Some clients seek assistance for addressing stressors such as relationship or work difficulties, while others are seeking help for problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or trauma. I firmly believe that people have the ability to change and that counselling can help guide them to a more positive and rewarding life.
I have my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and I am a registered member with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (#3074). I am also registered with the Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP) and I am an EAP counsellor with PPC Canada. Post Graduate Training I have completed includes Lifespan Integration training by Peggy Pace, Clinical Hypnosis training by the BC Association of Clinical Hypnosis and Emotional Freedom Technique training by Dr. Lee Pulos. I am currently doing Level 1 training of Somatic Experiencing.
For five years I facilitated a Cancer Support Group for women who were either in the process of treatment or in remission. I currently spend time assisting children with disabilities through Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities; and I also am involved with a program supporting children who have witnessed violence and abuse.
Areas of Specialization
- Trauma: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse
- Disordered Eating – Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Emotional Eating
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
- Emotional Regulation
Techniques our counsellors may use to help you:
Talk therapy is a big part of what we do, but there are some additional techniques we use. Some of these include but are not limited to the following:
Somatic Experiencing:
We believe that healing from trauma is a natural biological process innate to all living creatures. Somatic Experiencing (SE) is about restoring the nervous system to a state of equilibrium. In SE, we normalize traumatic symptoms as an adaptive survival response to extraordinary events and understand why we react in such a way. SE therapy is a naturalistic approach that helps release previously undischarged energy due to trauma and other distressing incidents by tracking sensations in the body to access and enhance the natural healing patterns in all our bodies. SE works within your manageable range of activation to alleviate the distress of traumatic symptoms. We work in the here and now and focus on the sensation and body memories occurring in the present. SE works with a wide range of traumatic experiences from the trauma of a car accident or surgical process to the trauma resulting from rape, repeated abuse or combat.
Emotional Freedom Technique:
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an energy psychology tool that combines talk therapy with acupressure. The practice consists of tapping on meridian points while talking through a certain problem. EFT is an immensely versatile technique that works well for emotional stress including anxiety, fears and phobias. It is also useful for other difficulties such as insomnia, weight issues, pain management and perfectionism. EFT will also help enhance work and athletic performance.
Lifespan Integration:
Lifespan Integration works on a deep neural level to change unhealthy coping behaviours and negative thought patterns. Lifespan addresses a wide range of therapeutic concerns and is effective for individuals with past trauma, anxiety, depression, unhealthy relationship patterns and eating disorders. This method is also successful at healing early attachment relationships. Issues can begin to resolve in a brief amount of time, typically shorter than conventional therapy.
Hypnosis:
Hypnosis, guided imagery and relaxation techniques can be great tools to reduce stress and become grounded and centered. Hypnosis bypasses the conscious mind, working on a subconscious level where we are open to suggestion. Hypnosis utilizes this relaxed hypnotic state to facilitate desired behavioural changes including eating patterns, smoking cessation, anxiety reduction as well as increasing self-esteem, overcoming fears or reducing insomnia.
EMDR:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing involves bilateral stimulation of the brain through eye movements, alternating sounds from ear to ear or tapping on alternate sides of the body in order to help the brain integrate and heal from incidents. Like hypnosis EMDR bypasses the conscious mind to help resolve trauma on a neurological level. EMDR has been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as an effective treatment for individuals who want to resolve trauma and other painful issues.
Contact us today to discuss how counselling can benefit you or your relationship.
778-838-0046 or 604-250-9056 or email info@coastalreflections.ca.