Counselling Experience

Private Counselling Practice

• I currently operate a private counselling practice in Lethbridge, AB, as well as Animal Assisted Therapy at our ranch near Fort Macleod, AB. Click below to view the websites for each practice. 
  • MvH Counselling
  • Blue Rein Ranch Counselling and Animal Assisted Therapy

Lethbridge Family Services

• ​I worked as a counsellor at Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) from August 2016 to July 2017. LFS provides counselling services to a wide range of clients in Lethbridge and area. www.lfsfamily.ca

University of Lethbridge Counselling Services

• Master of Counselling practicum at U of L Counselling Services. 
  • The University of Lethbridge provides free counselling to its students for up to 10 sessions. If more long-term counselling is required, clients may be referred to other agencies in the community.
  • My Counselling internship consisted in over 180 hours of individual personal counselling of university students presenting with a variety of issues: anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relationships, addictions, etc. 
  • Over 60 hours of direct and indirect supervision under Terri Saunders (M.S.W., C.S.W.). Terri and I met each week for 2-3 hours to review session videos, engage in case consultation, review client files, and discuss any other questions that I had. The other members of the counselling team at the U of L also provided much support and encouragement both formally and informally. 
  • Various theories were integrated throughout the practicum:
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Emotion Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (EFCBT)
    • Strength Based Counselling
    • Mindfulness
    • Expressive Arts Therapy
    • Emotional Freedom techniques (e.g. tapping)

Middle & high school counsellor 2010-2016:

• Coordinate program planning for students who present with behavioural problems, absenteeism, mental health issues, etc. This involved the following:
  • Gathering information from administrators, teachers, special educators, parents, mental health professionals, and the student..
  • Coordinating and monitoring interventions with classroom teachers, educational assistants, special educators, administrators, and other caregivers.
  • Providing individual counselling and support to students in working towards achieving goals.
•  Career and guidance counselling: 
• • Course selection
  • Post-secondary planning
• Personal counselling.
  • Basic counselling was provided for the following: anxiety, depression, self-injury, trauma, disordered eating, conflict resolution, relationships, etc.
  • Referrals were made to external agencies (AHS, Mental Health, private counselling, etc.) when required.