Kaci Ann Phillips
Canadian Certified Counsellor
CCC
Here's what I believe.
I believe that all individuals have the capacity for growth and change at their own pace. Regardless of what brought you to therapy, I will meet you where you are, and walk beside you in your healing journey. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that helps you build a better understanding of yourself so you can feel confident and fulfilled as you move through your life. Together, we will explore the root of your problems and help you move toward feelings of health and wellness, in mind and body.
Why I Care.
Reaching out to a counsellor can be a difficult first step in your healing journey. I trust that you have the ability to heal, and am grateful to be a part of your journey. I love being a counsellor because I have the honour of showing up authentically to build trust and hold space for you to feel accepted and heard, and express your emotions to work through your experiences.
I work with adults and youth experiencing various mental health challenges, barriers, and life changes. I also support individuals and couples having difficulty with communication in their relationships. My approach to counselling is collaborative where we explore problems and potential solutions, have real talk, voicing what is working and what is not, examining patterns, and exploring solutions and tools; it is an open partnership built on the foundations of accountability, integrity and respect. Guided by client-centred approaches, we will explore the emotions, beliefs, and patterns connected to your experiences and make sense of what is going on for you. Sometimes this means you connect the past to the present, understand what is blocking you, or identify how to create more ease and calm in your life. My goal is to support you on your journey to health and wellness while providing a judgement-free space where you feel supported and accepted.
My Education & Credentials.
I have always had a desire to help others through volunteer work and working with non-profit organizations in the community. In 2015 I graduated from Thompson Rivers University with my Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology. Upon graduation, I began working as a youth support worker to support individuals that experienced a range of childhood traumas, and had various degrees of mental health struggles including; Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD. Next, I stepped into the role of behaviour interventionist where I supported children and youth with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis, working with them in their school and communities as they faced learning and social barriers. This involved teaching age appropriate life skills, developing Executive Function skills such as creating & implementing routines, and promoting skills to reduce sensory overload. My role also included helping parents and guardians acquire the necessary information and skills to manage their children’s diagnosis.
I am passionate about working with others to help remove the barriers that they experience in all aspects of their lives. Most recently, I have worked with local Indigenous communities to remove barriers that many face when seeking meaningful employment. Another impactful role I have had was volunteering as a ski instructor with Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks, where I had the opportunity to teach individuals with various disabilities the skills necessary to be a successful skier. While teaching these individuals, they taught me many important lessons, and above all, I learned how everyone is unique in their own experiences.
In 2019, I decided it was time to continue my education, and follow my dream of becoming a counsellor to help individuals on their journey to mental wellness. In 2019 I began my Masters of Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University. I completed an 8 month practicum where I had the opportunity to work collaboratively and provide one to one counselling to individuals with a range of presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor and a Yorkville University graduate with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.
Recent Education:
-
Somatic Therapy (In Progress)
-
Attachment Theory
-
EFIT Level 1 with Sue Johnson
-
Gottman Level 1 & 2
-
SPARK Communication: Coaching parents to use Hanen strategies
-
POPARD:Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Applications
Why People Work With Me?
People work with me because they can count on me to show up to be present with them while demonstrating understanding and compassion as they commit to getting unstuck. I am always up for a good laugh! I aim to make counselling sessions a comfortable experience where clients can get to know me, and develop a trusting relationship that will help them foster the positive changes they want to see in their lives.