Group counselling is offered at various times with a range of therapeutic focus, including:
- Understanding Depression
- Mastering Panic & Anxiety
- Women’s Wellness
- Strategies for Successful Stress Management
- HomeKathy is a Registered Social Worker, committed to on-going professional development, with over 20 years clinical experience as a Therapist in Mental Health, Cancer Care, and Private Practice Counselling (including employee assistance programs). Kathy provides counselling for individuals, couples, and groups. As your counsellor, Kathy’s goals are to assist and support you on your journey of self-discovery, while you better manage the effects of stress, improve your mental health and your relationships, and make meaningful changes in your life. Kathy has training and experience in a variety of therapeutic techniques and will employ the approaches that best fit your counselling and mental health needs. “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin Primary Areas of Practice Depression Depression Fallout (the effect of Depression on the partner or parent of the depressed person) Anxiety Abuse Trauma Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Stress management Addictions recovery and support Personal exploration and growth Self-esteem Grief and loss Adjustment and coping with major illness Life transitions: adolescent, young adult, mid-life, retirement Parenting Blended families Separation and Divorce Therapeutic Approaches EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Emotionally Focused Therapy Emotional Freedom Technique Insight Oriented Interpersonal Relational Mindfulness/Relaxation Family Systems Focusing
- CounsellingDo the stresses and problems in your life feel overwhelming at times? Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, or the effects of abuse and traumas? As your counsellor, Kathy’s goals are to assist and support you on your journey of self-discovery, while you better manage the effects of stress, improve your mental health and your relationships, and make meaningful changes in your life. Counselling can be either brief or longer term depending upon your needs.
- AboutKathy 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. Prior to developing a private counselling practice, Kathy worked as a mental health therapist and Program Co-ordinator in community mental health 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 husband – 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.
- Testimonials“When I first started seeing Kathy, I felt totally hopeless and saw no purpose in my life. After working with Kathy for some time, she helped me feel stronger within myself and helped me discover the purpose and worth of my life. Kathy helped me in all areas of my life, whether it was minor day to day problems or bigger issues in my life. Kathy is a very trustworthy, encouraging, understanding and honest counsellor. I always felt like she cared about my well being, and I felt like she sincerely wanted me to be the best person I could be. She is non-judgemental and was always willing to help me with anything. Kathy has this way about her that made me feel completely safe with her, and I always felt like she kept me grounded. I knew I could tell her anything without her overreacting or judging me. She was very respectful and honoured the person that I am.” -Andrea “I had experienced a serious trauma, as well, I had been battling anxiety for several years, which was affecting my life. I starting working with Kathy and quickly realized what an amazing counsellor she was. Kathy is a great listener, but not just the kind of listener who says, “So tell me how you feel?” she would remember my issues clearly and provide feedback on them. Kathy also gave me many tools to take with me to help with my struggles. She was kind and thoughtful, and when I heard she was leaving the lower mainland I was very sad, but she helped me deal with that too! I would highly recommend Kathy as a caring, knowledgeable and professional counsellor. She is up to date with her skills and has profoundly helped me to make positive and healthy changes in my life. I am blessed to have known her. ” -Sandra “I felt very comfortable opening up to Kathy right from the start. Not only is she easy to talk with, but she tailored our sessions and my “home work” to fit my personality, beliefs and physical situation. She helped me in many areas of my life, and I would highly recommend her counselling services to anyone!” -Victoria “I felt very comfortable in my counselling sessions with Kathy, and I learned a lot about myself, my hopes, my dreams and my relationships with key people in my life. Kathy was very supportive, empathic and resourceful, and she facilitated the changes I needed to make to enhance my marriage and strengthen my family relationships. Thank you Kathy for being there!” -Anju “Upon meeting Kathy, I found it very easy to establish a repoire with her. Her calm, understanding and caring demeanour made talking about personal difficulties much easier. Kathy utilizes several therapeutic approaches, which gave me an opportunity to work through many difficult challenges effectively. Kathy was patient, sincere and fully engaged in her work with me as a client. It was through her continual guidance and consultation that allowed me to make the right changes in my life. Kathy is an extremely competent and professional counsellor who comes highly recommended.” -Client has chosen to remain anonymous
- FeesKathy’s standard fees are $100 for individuals and $125 for couples per hour. There is no GST/HST on her fees. Payment is expected at the conclusion of each appointment unless other arrangements have been made. Cash, personal cheques and credit cards (Visa & Master Card) are accepted, and receipts are issued at the time of payment. 24 hours notice is required for cancellation of appointments or fees may apply. Clients may be eligible for partial or complete financial coverage. Kathy’s counselling services may be covered by your extended health plan, WorkSafe BC, ICBC, Employee Assistance Plans through your employer, or through Ministry referrals. Kathy reserves a portion of her practice for clients in financial need with a fee of $80 per hour.
- ContactKathy Brandon, MSW, RSW Phone: (604)313-9169 Email: info@brandoncounselling.com Office: 203-410 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 5N9 Located 1/2 block from the Columbia Skytrain Station Office is wheel chair accessible View Larger Map
- Links BC Association of Social Workers British Columbia College of Social Workers CounsellingBC Therapy Tribe