Michelle Carchrae, MC BA

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #18720

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About Michelle

When you’re seeking therapy, you might feel like you're all alone in your experience. It's hard to open up to friends and family about certain challenges that life throws our way, and friends don't always have the ability to be with us in the ways we might need. You might also feel overwhelmed and discouraged. When you've tried everything that usually helps and it's not getting better, or is even getting worse, it can feel like being at the bottom of a deep hole.

I help people connect with their hope in the future. Together we will shine a light down into that hole and locate the ladder. It’s possible to find relief: to have more confidence and clarity in the way you behave, the ability to engage with the world energetically during the day and relax comfortably at night, and the capacity to feel emotions without being completely lost in them.

Specific client challenges

I work with adult individuals who are experiencing many different problems, such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and low self-esteem. While these problems may seem like they are all different, under the surface there is often the experience of feeling stuck in one way of being that isn’t working anymore. By exploring whatever your problem is together, we can discover what is keeping you stuck and bring healing to the places that are hurt. When you’re not hurting so much, then there will naturally be more freedom and choice to behave in different ways.  

Training and modalities

I have a Master of Counselling degree from City University of Seattle, and I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). I am currently training in focusing oriented therapy and internal family systems (IFS). Both of these are experiential approaches that see change happening as a result of new inner experiences, and are safe, effective ways of working with trauma.

I also have a special interest in dreams, including PTSD nightmares, and I’m currently training in embodied experiential dreamwork. If you are suffering from nightmares, you may be interested to know that there are effective treatments that can bring relief, which often translate to improved functioning during the day as well. 

My background

I graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2002. I knew that I wanted to be a parent and a therapist, and decided to be a hands-on parent first and train as a therapist later. I spent many years as an at-home and homeschooling parent before going back to school.

During those years of intense parenting I began my own journey of therapy, inner work and learning about trauma. I continue to work with a therapist as part of my self-care and professional development.

  • Practice Information
    Experienced helping people with:
    • Abuse
    • Anger Issues
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Grief and Loss
    • Parenting Issues
    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Stress Management
    • Trauma Issues
    I use the following approaches:
    • Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Attachment-Based Psychotherapy
    • Client-Centered Psychotherapy
    • Dreamwork
    • Focusing
    • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
    • Mindfulness
    • Online Counselling
    • Trauma Informed Counsellling
    For members of the Queer community:
    • I Welcome Queer Identity Clients
  • Location Information
    Online Counselling
    Online counselling is available
    Therapy Platforms
    • Other online platform
    • Zoom
    Practice Locations
    Clearwater Counselling
    Bowen Island, Bowen Island, BC
    Languages

    Services offered in English only.

  • Availability & Rates
    Availability
    Wednesday12:30pm - 8:30pm
    Friday9:00am - 7:30pm
    Client Rates
    Individual Therapy$130 / 50min
    Online Therapy$130 / 50min
    Low Income Rate AvailableYes
    Free Initial ConsultationYes

    Note: If seeking reimbursement from an insurance provider, please check coverage amounts and details with them.

    Payment Options
    • e-Transfer