Kelly Ainslie, MC BSW
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #16467, Registered Social Worker (RSW) #13735
About Kelly
Experience: "Do you know what you're doing?" I have offered counselling supports to individuals, couples and families for over 20 years. I have a unique background in both private and government work, so I am able to offer insights with a varied lens. It's important to share your story with a qualified counsellor. But even if my years of experience meets your requirements, not everyone fits with all. I invite all of my new clients to address any outstanding issues or questions they have about me and my practice to ensure a goodness of fit for their individual needs.
Credentials and Licensing: "Are you legit?" Yes, I am! I am a Registered Social Worker, which means I am covered under the Health Professions Act of Canada. I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor, recognized in the province of British Columbia. I am covered by several insurance providers and I am an approved provider with the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP).
Specialized Training and Education: "Do you have the specialized knowledge and education to help me with my problem?" I specialize in trauma work. People often don't recognize their symptoms as trauma or minimize their experiences.
I offer several therapeutic services that require specialized training, so I am also recognized by these certification standards, including, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Canada, EMDRIA, Trauma-Focused CBT, EFT for Couples, Attachment Therapy and Somatic Psychotherapy. This specialized training has helped me support clients with many different issues. People come to see me for:
- managing anxiety
- stopping panic attacks
- getting over symptoms of depression
- overcoming stress
- thriving after traumatic experiences
- managing chronic pain
- improving their relationships
- overcoming phobias
- managing life transitions
Your First Session: "I'm nervous. What can I expect in our first session?" This is a significant step you are taking, and you might experience all kinds of feelings. All of these emotions are okay. During our first session, we will complete the necessary paperwork (intake form, sign consents) and then I will invite you to share your story. At this point, I am still a stranger, so I will welcome you to continue at your own pace. You need to feel safe and comfortable enough to share your experiences with me. This will help us move toward exploring the challenges you are experiencing and creating meaningful counselling goals.
I help people to manage their symptoms, so they do not take over their lives. Everyone's story is unique and crucial in understanding how to best overcome life's challenges. I welcome you to share your story with me so that we can identify your areas of strength and resilience and build upon these assets to heal your pain and move from surviving to thriving.
"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions."
-- Dalai Lama