Katherine Howell, RTC
Growing Up Highly Sensitive
Growing up, I was a very energetic and curious child who loved animals, learning, exploring nature, and arts and crafts. I have many positive memories from my childhood but I also remember the strong feelings of confusion, sadness, anxiety, and overwhelm from a world that seemed too loud, competitive, and oftentimes cruel. I felt such deep empathy for others that it would often leave me exhausted and wanting to self-isolate. Indeed, I spent much of my childhood in the garden or with my cats, playing make believe, and reading fantastical books.
As a young adult, after years of internalizing my experience, using unhelpful strategies to cope, and trying to ‘fit in’, I found myself facing physical illness, anxiety, insomnia, depression, shame, and hopelessness. It was at this time that I realized I needed to seek professional help for both my physical ailments, as well as my mental and emotional wellbeing. It was a happy coincidence that I learned about Dr. Elaine Aron’s work around the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Understanding that I was simply ‘wired’ differently allowed me to let go of the belief that my sensitivity and overwhelm were my ‘fault’ or a ‘personality flaw’, and set myself on the path towards self-acceptance. (To learn more about the HSP, see my blog post.)
The Gifts of Being an HSP
Being ‘sensitive’ or an HSP is not an easy path to walk, but there are real gifts we can claim for ourselves when we have the right support and understanding. Indeed, having a sensitive and empathic nature was an asset during my eight year career in the non-profit sector, employing the principles of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Asset Based Community Development in my work with persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness. In 2015, I made the decision to pursue a career as a counsellor, and completed my Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology. I am now a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada. During my three-year training, I found my true calling to support individuals in a therapeutic capacity.
A Joyful & Meaningful Life
Nowadays, I derive great joy and meaning in the simple things: gardening, exploring the West Coast, cooking with my husband, cuddling with my cats, reading, and learning. Like anyone, I still have my hard days. The difference now is that I have the tools, awareness, and support to help me navigate these dilemmas before they become a crisis.
From personal experience, I know how hard it is to find a counsellor who understands the nuances of living with diverse needs and chronic illness / disability. I endeavour to be the counsellor I wish I had all those years ago. My hope for my clients is that they not only learn to accept themselves and their unique experiences, but claim their incredible gifts and strengths. And to create a life that is deeply nourishing, meaningful, and — dare I say it — joyful!
Qualifications & Training
| Registered Therapeutic Counsellor | Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada |
| Diploma in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology | Clearmind International |
| Somatic Experiencing Professional Training Program — Advanced Level | Somatic Experiencing International |
| Healing Early Attachment Wounds & Embracing the Authentic Self Module | 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