Education: I hold a a Masters degree in Integral Counselling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, a diploma in depth psychotherapy, and a Masters degree in philosophy with a focus on existentialism. I also have specialized training Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy, a form of body-based psychotherapy that integrates body awareness, nervous system regulation and relational patterning. I am also trained in EMDR and I am a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher.
I love to learn. I consider myself a perpetual student.
Interests: I am a passionate and community-oriented individual with strong interests in nature-based living and ecopsychology, spirituality and social justice. Since 2015, I have been involved with a non-denominational meditation community called the Consciousness Explorers Club where we engage with the intersections of mental health, social justice and mindfulness.
I love to explore my own consciousness through retreats – often meditation related, or nature-based.
Some of my core values are community, connection, curiosity, compassion, openness, presence and mystery.
Identities: I identify as Jewish, white-bodied, neurodivergent, trans/non-binary and queer.
Background: After working in the nonprofit world of food security and sustainability, and later as a consultant for resilient network development and systems change, I felt drawn to focus my energy less on external systems and more on internal systems. In my psychotherapy practice, I apply a systems lens to interpersonal, intrapersonal (relationship to self) and ecological dynamics.
My practice: I am available to connect both in person and online. I love meeting outdoors in Victoria and in the Cowichan Valley with my dog Hazel. I also have office space at Fort and Linden in Victoria and I meet clients online.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (license #20109), my services are eligible for coverage under many insurance and benefit plans. I am a CVAP and FNHA provider.
Trainings:
- Pacific Gestalt Institute, Year 1 Weekend Training Program – 2024-2025
- Bringing the Body into Practice: Somatic Attachment, Advanced Level – 2023-2024 – with Lisa Mortimore
- First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Provider Training – 2024
- EMDR Basic Training – 2023 with Dr. Amanda Bell and Associates
- Bringing the Body into Practice: Somatic Attachment – 2021-2023 with Lisa Mortimore
- Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program – 2021-2023 with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach
I gratefully reside on traditional territory of the Lekwungen (Songhees & Esquimalt), W̱SÁNEĆ and Quw’utsun peoples (colonially known as Victoria, BC).
contact: kalen[at]pivotintoharmony[dot]com