Katherine Howell | RTC, SEP
Welcome to FindHeart Counselling, I’m so glad you’re here!
My name is Katherine and I have been in private practice for 5 years. Clients often ask me how I became a therapist and, I’ll admit, it was a bit of a windy road! Prior to starting my practice, I worked in the mental health and community inclusion space. I loved community work, but I felt a growing curiosity about people’s inner experiences and how to effect change on that level.
My quest into psychology is also a personal one. I am a Highly Sensitive Person with lived experience, who has walked an oftentimes rocky path with my own chronic illnesses and sensitivities. I share this because it absolutely informs my work as a therapist, and I am learning that clients often find comfort in knowing their therapist has had similar lived experiences.
My passion for my work stems from a deep love for humanity. I believe fundamentally in the goodness of our kind. Being a therapist is a call to bear witness to others’ suffering while holding tightly to the truth of their inherent goodness and potential. It is a true privilege to walk alongside my clients in their healing journey, as they take courageous steps towards claiming their goodness and truest expressions of themselves!
Some fun facts about me:
- I love sci-fi and fantasy and am a big Lord of the Rings fan
- I am obsessed with my rescue cats Charlie and Finn
- I dabble in jewelry-making, sewing, baking, and other DIY hobbies
- I read about 6 books simultaneously (no exaggeration)
- I play the ukulele and used to run a music group
- My partner and I have a veggie garden and love to cook
Qualifications & Training
| Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) | Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada |
| Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology | Clearmind International |
| Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) | Somatic Experiencing International |
| Stepping Stones 16-Week Comprehensive IFS Course | IFSCA |
| ACT for Beginners 6-Week Course | Russ Harris via Psychwire |
| Brainspotting Phase 1 | Brainspotting Canada Association |
| Brainspotting Phase 2 | Pacific Brainspotting Trainings |
| Healing Early Attachment Wounds & Embracing the Authentic Self | Trauma Solutions — Dr. Diane Poole Heller |
| Bachelor of Arts | University of Victoria |
| General Psychiatric Management of Borderline Personality Disorder | Harvard Medical School |
| Trauma-Informed Care | Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute |
| SafeTALK Workshop | Vancouver Island Crisis Society |
| Cultural Diversity Unit | Clearmind Insitute |
| Diversity & Anti-Oppression Workshop | PeerNetBC |
| Mental Health First Aid | CDA Training & Development |
Endorsements
Katherine has a distinct ability to tune into people, offering them safety and warmth. She is a gentle soul who listens with empathy, and is an incredibly genuine person. She is wise, insightful, kind, and excels as a somatic therapist.
Matt Turner | RTC
Katherine is a compassionate and caring therapist who is deeply authentic in her interactions with others and passionate about her area of practice. She is committed to her own continuing education and growth and brings this enrichment back to her clients.
Christine Selder | MEd, RCC, SEP
Katherine provides a warm, compassionate, and encouraging presence in the work she does. She embodies a sense of safety and deep respect for her clients, which is so important to the therapeutic process. I absolutely recommend her!
Kaitlin McManus | Psychotherapist, LPAT
Katherine’s warmth and authentic care create a safe space for clients to explore and heal. With her lived experience as an HSP, she truly understands and supports clients, helping them find clarity, resilience, and renewed connection to themselves.
Valerie Law | RTC
Katherine is a deeply compassionate, understanding, and skilled counsellor. She is dedicated to supporting her clients wholeheartedly, and offers a safe and supportive space. I highly recommend Katherine as a counsellor.
Laura Chartrand | RTC