Hi, I’m Katen, a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) based on beautiful Vancouver Island—and yes, that slightly chaotic, always friendly therapy dog you might meet in a session? That’s Mali. She takes her job very seriously.
With over a decade of experience in mental health, I support children, youth, young adults, parents, and families through some of life’s most complex transitions. Whether it’s navigating gender-affirming care, exploring a new ADHD diagnosis, managing anxiety, or parenting through the teenage years—I’m here to help you feel seen, heard, and supported.
I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise and creative, neurodiversity-affirming care to my practice. My counselling style is warm, collaborative, sometimes a bit quirky, and always grounded in evidence-based approaches that work.
I specialize in supporting:
I believe therapy should feel like a safe and empowering space—where radical acceptance meets real change. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or tangled up in complex systems (hello, school meetings, medical gatekeeping, and paperwork!). Together, we make a plan, get clear on what matters, and build toward it.
My approach is about creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are—no masks, no filters, just you. I’m more guide than guru, here to help you navigate the twists and turns of life, with a mix of evidence-based strategies and a healthy respect for your lived experience.
Think of me as the co-pilot on your mental health road trip—offering directions, sharing the snacks, and occasionally reminding you to take a scenic detour. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. After all, therapy isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about finding the path to something better.
And yes, there will probably be dog stories.
My path to becoming a therapist has been a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure novel, full of plot twists, unexpected detours, and more caffeine than I care to admit. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a wide range of settings, each adding a new chapter to my clinical story.
My clinical background includes work in:
Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care for children, youth, and families – where I learned the art of crisis de-escalation (and that “quiet” is a relative term).
Gender-affirming care and assessment – helping young people find their voices and live authentically, while also fielding more questions about pronouns than a grammar teacher.
School-based supportive mental health programs – from public to private schools, where I discovered that middle school drama should really be a recognized form of performance art.
First Nations communities – supporting culturally grounded healing, and being humbled by the wisdom of elders who taught me the power of listening (really listening).
Chronic pain clinics – including work under the guidance of Dr. Brenda Lau, where I learned that the mind and body are like siblings—they may argue, but they’re inseparable.
Court-mandated treatment programs – helping people find their way back to a healthier path, often against some pretty steep odds, and learning that second chances are a powerful thing.
Research on innovative solutions to end homelessness – including direct cash transfer studies, where I learned that sometimes the simplest ideas can have the biggest impact (and the best stories).
Neurodiversity and executive functioning support – because the neurospicy brain isn’t a broken one, just one with a lot of open tabs (and a tendency to click “remind me later”).
Motivational speaking & mental health leadership – partnering with CMHA to change the conversation around mental health, proving that public speaking is just like therapy, but with a bigger audience.
Working with Veteran’s and Families – supporting those who have given so much, and learning that resilience comes in many forms (and sometimes wears a uniform).Each of these roles has taught me something unique—like why snacks are a critical part of any crisis plan, how to balance the art of therapy with the science of social work, and why connection always comes before correction. Also, I’ve probably written more case notes than I care to admit, but every one of them has reminded me why I love this work (even when my hand cramps up).
I’ve always had a deep commitment to learning and showing up with integrity in my work. I graduated with distinction and landed on the Dean’s List in both my Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs — first at the University of the Fraser Valley, where I also completed a Child Welfare Specialization, and then at the University of British Columbia for my Master’s. I also earned an associate degree in Criminology through Douglas College and the University of Wales, UK.
Along the way, I’ve continued to build out my training with certifications in Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, crisis management and violence prevention, developmental coaching, and queer-affirming care — including the Birth for Every Body course (New Zealand) and extensive trainings through TransCare BC.
I’ve spoken for organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Midwifery Council of New Zealand, and I stay actively engaged in the field as a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW),BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and the Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health (CPATH). I also currently sit on the leadership team for the BCASW and previously served on the Executive Board for BCASW.
And before all of this? I was an elite-level multi-sport athlete, named Athlete of the Year and inducted into the Delta Sports Hall of Fame, which gave me a lifelong appreciation for resilience, discipline, and the complexities of growing up in high-performance spaces.
There are only around 240 RCSWs in all of British Columbia — and I’m proud to be one of them. Becoming an RCSW isn’t just a line on a resume; it’s a serious commitment to the craft of clinical social work. It requires:
🎓 A Master of Social Work (MSW) – because a bachelor’s degree just wasn’t enough stress.
📚 A focused clinical course of study – the kind where textbooks become close friends and caffeine is your loyal sidekick.
⏳ 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice – that’s roughly 125 days of deep conversations, crisis management, and the occasional “can you close the door on your way out?”
📝 A passing score on a national clinical exam – where you answer questions like “What’s the most ethical way to handle a 3 a.m. crisis call?” without actually crying.
✅ Registration with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW) – the final boss of social work credentialing.
Why it Matters:
As an RCSW, I’m trained and authorized to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions using the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) — much like psychologists or psychiatrists. This means I can help you figure out what’s really going on, not just hand you a worksheet and hope for the best.
Who Can Diagnose in BC?
In British Columbia, diagnosis is reserved for a specific group of professionals:
🩺 Medical Doctors (MDs) – the pros with stethoscopes and prescription pads.
🧠 Psychiatrists – the mental health heavyweights.
📝 Psychologists – the test-loving, data-crunching types.
💊 Nurse Practitioners – the Swiss Army knives of healthcare.
🔍 Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSWs) – that’s me!
You might be surprised to learn that Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), while incredibly important in the world of mental health support, do not have the authority to diagnose — even though they’re often the first call when someone needs a safe, supportive space to talk.
So, when you choose an RCSW, you’re choosing someone with the training, the credentials, and the clinical chops to guide you through life’s rough patches with a little more clarity (and maybe a few more dog stories).
When I’m not in session, you can usually find me chasing sunshine with Mali, sipping tea that has gone cold, or getting overly competitive about board games. I believe in naps, laughing at my own jokes, and the magic of a really good playlist.
Whether you’re looking for gender-affirming care/assessments, ADHD supportive therapy, parent coaching, or support for your neurodivergent teen, I’m here for it. My practice is inclusive, affirming, and rooted in deep respect for the communities I serve.
In-person sessions available in Central Vancouver Island & virtual counselling across BC.
Yes, Mali is usually here—and yes, she’s part of the therapy magic.
Under construction – it’s a bit like therapy, messy but worth it.