Kathy earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of British Columbia in 1991 and became a Registered Social Worker approved for independent practice in BC in 1999. Kathy has been counselling individuals and couples since 1999. Before and during this time, Kathy has worked as a mental health therapist and Program Co-ordinator in community mental health settings, a crisis response worker with youth in a hospital based program, and later in cancer care as a Psycho-Oncology Counsellor.
Kathy’s counselling practice is guided by the code of ethics and standards of practice as set out by the British Columbia College of Social Workers.
Kathy is committed to on-going professional development and regularly attends seminars and workshops to ensure that her knowledge is up to date and to continually enhance her clinical skills.
Kathy has significant expertise and experience in mental health (depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorders), relationship issues, trauma recovery, abuse recovery, addiction recovery support, adjusting to chronic illness, and stress management.
Kathy has a passion for her counselling work and feels honoured to be part of her clients’ change process.
Kathy is a mother to two adult daughters and a grandmother to twin granddaughters. She has personally experienced the challenges and rewards of parenting in a blended family.
Kathy values the connections in her life with family, friends and colleagues. Kathy enjoys silversmithing, time with her friends, children, grandchildren, and the companionship of her Bichon dog, Reine.
Kathy enjoys making silver and mixed metal jewellery as a creative and balancing hobby. She is the owner-operator of WorkingSilver.com, an on-line supply company that caters to artisan silversmiths. Check out her feature page on the Gabriola Arts Council website.
