Alberta, CANADA
To contact Christine with a question, please email: christineocounsellor@gmail.com
Counselling is a process that focuses on a unique, professional, therapeutic relationship at the heart of wellness and personal change. It provides the client with a safe, supportive, collaborative environment which can facilitate positive growth and change. The practice of counselling includes the use of a variety of techniques, such as relational, somatic, cognitive, and expressive interventions, which are based on client strengths, research, ethical standards, and cultural diversity.
What is Counselling?
Biography
Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to explore my professional orientation, experiences, and background.
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I believe people possess incredible internal resources that can be drawn upon to help them overcome challenges and generate positive life changes. In my counselling practice, I strive to empower the strengths of clients. I include a variety of techniques, such as mindfulness, play therapy, or cognitive and behavioural strategies, to honour the needs of each unique person. I also make it a priority to include a trauma-informed lens, an understanding of attachment issues, and culturally-responsive practice in my counselling framework. Currently, I am pursuing professional training and supervision in play therapy, which was a focus for my master’s practicum experience.
Unique experiences from over ten years of teaching middle school helped shape my counselling style and the way I connect with clients. During the past eight summers, I was fortunate to volunteer as a facilitator for a leadership and personal development program for First Nations and Métis youth. Through these rich connections, I have come to appreciate and value seeing others achieve their personal potential. My passion to foster genuine relationships in a compassionate and non-judgemental manner motivates me to help others during challenging times or hopeful changes during different stages of life.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education, both from the University of Lethbridge. In 2014, I entered the Master of Counselling program at the University of Lethbridge, completing my degree in April 2017. I am a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, and the Alberta Play Therapy Association.
Christine Oviatt
Counsellor
My mission as a counsellor is to extend compassion and kindness to honour and celebrate the uniqueness of clients in their change process. I believe each individual has tremendous inner resources that can act as a powerful force for healing. This capacity flourishes in a safe, empathetic, non-judgemental space where clients feel respected, inclusive of their distinctive worldviews and cultures.
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To develop and enhance client-centered counselling, I commit to honest, ethical, authentic, and trustworthy interactions with a dedication to congruence between my values and actions. As avenues for continuous improvement, I pledge to pursue professional development opportunities, nurture my inner child, consult with colleagues, and engage in self-care activities. My mission is to commit to working with clients to develop the skills necessary to achieve their potential, all with the humility of knowing their strength and resources are gifts that will teach me within our dynamic relationship.
Mission Statement
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, "Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner." I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”