I am so glad you are reaching out for support. It is an important step that takes courage and can help you with gaining perspective on places you feel stuck. Within a therapeutic relationship you can also celebrate your strengths and be gently challenged to expand your comfort zones.
I am a counsellor in private practice. My approach is client centred. I believe that you have within, the ability to heal and the knowledge to grow. My role is to listen deeply and compassionately and to walk along side you. I aim to support you to explore and define possibilities and to find your next steps on your path. Human paths through life rarely if ever follow a straight line and so a strong counselling relationship is the safe space within which you can experiment and learn by trial, error, risk, and discovery of intuitive self knowledge that leads you on your way.
I have worked in the field of mental health for close to thirty years and as a professional counsellor for more than twenty. As a counsellor I have collaborated within a multidisciplinary, specialized mental health team supporting courageous youth and adults recovering from eating disorders and other mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. I have worked with many individuals and families facing crisis.
My study of the body oriented psychotherapy Somatic Experiencing underlays my trauma-informed practice. I draw from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (with its approach to Mindfulness), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, aspects of Solution Focused and Narrative therapies, as well as Mindful Self Compassion. Individuals develop within their social worlds and attachment and family systems theories also inform and support my work with you. I believe creative self expression can enrich and inform a client’s process, and that parts work can be powerful. I also learn from and with every client I work with and from my own life experience.
The issues and goals you bring might include:
- reducing anxiety or panic and overcoming depression
- increasing self esteem, self understanding and acceptance
- balancing emotions in daily life and attending to grief and loss
- navigating situational crises and moving through transitions
- repairing relationship ruptures and enhancing intimacy through clear communication
- exploring personal values and finding ways to engage in community
- reducing information overload and taking action on behalf of our planet
If behaviour change, related to recovering from disordered eating or an eating disorder, is a goal, I would be honoured to support you in this courageous journey. As eating disorders can involve significant risk to physical health and safety, both in the short and the long term, I ask that you also be in the care of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
I am currently open to seeing adults and young adults for individual sessions.
Sessions can be in person or online. The comfortable and private office that I currently use to see clients in person is shared with other practitioners and is located adjacent to the downtown Victoria area.
The fee is $150 per 60 minute session. I offer an initial 20 to 30 minute consultation over the phone to determine ‘good fit’ for our client counsellor relationship and work together. This is not a counselling session and is free of charge.
My professional certification is through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and some insurance plans honour this designation.
Contact me by : Email: info@clairewinterton.ca
I work part-time and so will do my best to get back to you within 3 business days.
Please contact me for an initial and free consultation. I look forward to meeting you.
Claire Winterton, M.Ed., C.C.C.