About Christine

I have always had fun being around children. I love their innocence and their zest for being spontaneous in their play. Children keep life in perspective and mirror to the adult world what is really important, care and playfulness!

What I have learned as a trained therapist and also in being a mother, is that children want to “be good” and strive for “goodness”. So when our children’s choices go sideways, they feel shame. This is one of the defining moments of parenting! What we do next as parents helps or hinders our child’s self-esteem! It feels like you have to make a split second decision to decide, think and act! What could be more challenging and stressful?!

Being a child and family therapist allows me to witness and help develop the resiliency children and youth have in wanting to make things right again. It is their desire to succeed that gives me great pleasure working as a child and family therapist.

As a parent I am learning that children are just as keen in controlling their environment as their parents are. My children’s need to grow and practice independence is challenging, exhausting and somewhat humorous all at the same time! As a family counsellor, I have learned objectivity and problem-solving skills. As a parent, I am a realist!

I live in North Vancouver, I am happily married and have two very active children. I enjoy gardening, dining with friends and practicing yoga to keep my life balanced!

Education, Training and Credentials

I obtained my Master’s in Counselling Psychology at UBC in 1991with a focus on counselling children and families. For over 15 years I have worked with Vancouver Coastal Health, as a Child & Family Therapist on a mental health team in East Vancouver. My extensive training in childhood development, teen struggles, children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), family counselling, and parent educator, has inspired me to venture in private practice.

• I have a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselling Psychology from UBC
• I have a Bachelor of Arts in Child & Youth Care, from UVic
• I have a Diploma in Guidance Counselling from UBC
• I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #2736) and a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
• I have had specialized training in play therapy
• I am a member of the BC Association for Play Therapy
• I am a trained facilitator for the Connect Parent Project (training from the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre, Burnaby, BC)

Please feel free to sign up for my newsletter Parenting Matters and receive a copy of Ten Ways to Connect with Your Child /Youth.

If you have concerns about your child, call me today.

Call Christine @ 604-339-5774

Christine provides counselling services to children, parents, and
families in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver.