About Me

Hello,

My name is Kathryn Als, and I am an educator and Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Victoria, BC. I began my professional career in the classroom, teaching Geography in the UK for a year and then Social Studies in both Ontario and BC, relocating to the island in 2018. Throughout my work as a teacher, my passion for helping others was always present, engaging in several mental health initiatives at the schools I worked at, volunteering for organizations like Kids Help Phone and the Crisis Text Line as a Crisis Responder and spending a brief period of time as a volunteer firefighter. Additionally, my passions lie in Crisis and Emergency Management, completing my ASIST Suicide Intervention Training, OFA Level 3, Red Cross First Responder First Aid and obtaining my Emergency Medical Assistant License with the BC Emergency Health Services. I am also no stranger when it comes to the challenges of mental health, navigating and dealing with my own mental health issues over the years while learning how to be more compassionate with myself in order to grow and heal.

My Approach

My goal for our time together is to ensure that you feel heard, validated and understood; listening with an empathetic ear and creating a space for you that is free of judgement. I am a strong advocate for the importance of self-compassion in everyone's journey, whether you are navigating your own challenges or supporting someone else through theirs. Everyone deserves to give themselves the same kindness and love that they give to others. Being a human is hard, and sometimes its messy and uncomfortable and so when we alleviate some of the pressures we place on ourselves that can hinder our growth, we open ourselves up to true healing. While working with you, I aim to allow you the space to steer the conversation and determine your goals, empowering you to achieve them and offer you resources, approaches and strategies along the way.

Areas of Focus

Though my work and education specialize in supporting youth mental health, my master's education has equipped me with the theoretical and practical knowledge on approaches that work to support all. I am familiar with a variety of therapeutic modalities and theories including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Client and Solution-Oriented approaches, but also recognize that sometimes people need to space to talk and be listened to. In my final year of my program, I spent time researching the impacts of complex trauma on development and how it manifests in the brain.With a strong understanding of human development and the brain, I specialize in supporting youth and adults with issues surrounding:

Anxiety & Stress

Self Esteem

Low Mood

Relationship Issues

Family Conflict

Parenting/Caregiver Support

Life Transitions

Suicide Ideation

Self-Harm

Grief

Self-Esteem

However, if there is something that you are struggling with that you do not see on this list, please do still reach out so we can chat or so that I can provide recommendations for alternative support and resources to help guide you on your journey.

*Currently working on certification to support individuals with ADHD