Heather Whalen, MSW, RSW
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QUALIFICATIONS
I am a psychotherapist with FreeMind Therapy and a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in British Columbia. I have over 13 years of counselling experience as a mental health clinician and I strive to offer a warm, compassionate and inclusive therapeutic environment for my clients. I have experience treating a wide array of mental health issues but I specialize in the treatment of relationship issues, eating disorders, trauma, and complicated grief. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia. I work with both individuals and couples from an integrated holistic approach that includes a person's emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being and use combination of evidence-based approaches to help achieve their goals. |
PHILOSOPHY OF PRACTICE
As your therapist, my intention is to guide you through the counselling process by holding a nurturing space for you to share your experiences, feelings, and concerns so that we can get to the root of any mental or emotional blocks that may be holding you back. Together, we will explore ways to heal from past trauma, improve your connection to yourself and others, and deepen your sense of belonging and self-compassion. I practice from a client-centered approach and we will work at a pace that is comfortable for you. During our sessions I will offer a variety of therapeutic tools and techniques including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and somatic experiencing, all to help alleviate mental distress, process difficult life experiences, and help you find personal meaning and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
BACKGROUND
I have worked as a mental health and addictions counsellor in rural and remote communities across Canada since 2009. My counselling experience includes working in the public sector with diverse populations, including children, adults, families, and couples who struggle with a variety of mental health issues. I have worked in hospitals, community outreach centers, elementary and high schools, psychiatry units, and private practice. I have provided outreach services to individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness as well as inpatient services to clients struggling with PTSD, addiction, grief and loss, eating disorders, depression and anxiety. I am also a certified yoga teacher and a certified meditation teacher, and I have extensive experience using these healing modalities in counselling sessions.
COUNSELLING SERVICES
As your therapist, my intention is to guide you through the counselling process by holding a nurturing space for you to share your experiences, feelings, and concerns so that we can get to the root of any mental or emotional blocks that may be holding you back. Together, we will explore ways to heal from past trauma, improve your connection to yourself and others, and deepen your sense of belonging and self-compassion. I practice from a client-centered approach and we will work at a pace that is comfortable for you. During our sessions I will offer a variety of therapeutic tools and techniques including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and somatic experiencing, all to help alleviate mental distress, process difficult life experiences, and help you find personal meaning and fulfillment in your life and relationships.
BACKGROUND
I have worked as a mental health and addictions counsellor in rural and remote communities across Canada since 2009. My counselling experience includes working in the public sector with diverse populations, including children, adults, families, and couples who struggle with a variety of mental health issues. I have worked in hospitals, community outreach centers, elementary and high schools, psychiatry units, and private practice. I have provided outreach services to individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness as well as inpatient services to clients struggling with PTSD, addiction, grief and loss, eating disorders, depression and anxiety. I am also a certified yoga teacher and a certified meditation teacher, and I have extensive experience using these healing modalities in counselling sessions.
COUNSELLING SERVICES
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Services
Individual Counselling (virtual only - BC & Alberta)
Couples Counselling (virtual only - BC & Alberta)
Clientele
Adults age 18+ (may accept mature youth, based on consultation)
Rate
Free 20min Phone Consults
$165 (50min individual session)
$200 (50min couples session)
Sliding Scale available starting at $125 (limited spots)
Payment
Credit Card Only
Coverage
Extended Health Plans (check with yours)
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations can be made at least 24hrs prior to the booked session, without charge.
After that, the full fee is due.
Please note that all Associate Counsellors are independent contractors, not employees of FreeMind Therapy