Reaching out for counselling help can be one of the terrifying things a person can do. Sharing the most intimate and personal details of your life with a stranger can also be even more terrifying. I’m hopeful that by learning about me, you might feel more comfortable in taking those first big steps.
I have worked in the helping field since the age of 14, volunteering as a candy striper with the hospital. My mom wanted me to be a nurse, but I wanted help in a different way.
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 1993 and my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology in 2012. I completed further supervision and obtained my designation as a Registered Clinical Social Worker.
I am trained in a number of counselling strategies, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness skills, which I use to help people manage depression, anxiety and fear, especially when coming to counselling for the first time.
Working with people who have experienced trauma is my passion and area of expertise. I am trained in several counselling strategies including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
In my spare time, I enjoy camping in the BC mountains with my spouse and our dogs. I have two grandsons who remind me to focus on the simple things in life and have fun. I also have a slight addiction to sparkly things and the colour purple. In coming for counselling, I hope to help you address the stressors you face. I consider it an honour to be a part of your life journey and hope that together, we can make it a positive experience with good outcomes for you.
You can learn more about Crystal on her full website: crystalhartmancounselling.ca
