About Kevin Berry
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Welcome!
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I chose to become a counsellor because at my core, I want others to feel encouraged to tell their story and empowered to have the life they want. My clients have described me as easy to talk to – perhaps because I approach conversations with warmth, compassionate curiosity, and a dash of enthusiasm. I’ve been told I ask good questions that help them to grow leaps and bounds as they carefully “peel back the layers” in a way that makes sense to them.
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My goal is to help you to be the person you want to be and live the life you want to live. I will hold your concerns with care and support you to take risks – when you say you are ready – knowing that you are safe and capable.
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You choose the trailheads we follow.
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Whether supporting couples or individuals, for me, counselling is a journey we take together where your safety, your hopes, and your goals are our north star. We each bring a backpack of knowledge and expertise; but ultimately you are in control, and you have the choice of the pacing and the trailheads we explore. Occasionally I may check in with you, asking you if it’s okay if we explore something that I think might be relevant to helping you achieve your goals; but because everyone has a different way of doing things, feeling things, and thinking about things; I make sure to tailor my approach to what works best for you.
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Finding your way forward. Together.
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Coming to counselling is an investment of your time, your money, and your mental/emotional energy. To honour that commitment, I like to check in with my clients to see how we’re doing to make sure that they feel benefited by the work. I want you to get what you want out of therapy, so I will regularly ask for feedback about how our work is going to make sure we’re on track with your goals, and if not, we would collaborate on a plan to adjust where you want to go and how we’re going to get there.
As a minority myself, I choose to stand as an ally for others.
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As a short-statured individual, I have had my own experiences of navigating a world not built for someone like me. Thus, as an ally to others who have faced challenges being accepted as they are, I work with people from all walks of life and provide affirmative, inclusive counselling for individuals of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, range of physical (dis-)abilities, and relationship styles (e.g., monogamy, consensual non-monogamy). However, I also recognize that speaking to someone with lived experience of what you’re going through can be incredibly validating and healing; so, although I welcome you to work with me, if you find that you would prefer to speak with someone who has similar experiences to you that I simply don’t have, I can refer you to one of my trusted colleagues.
I love helping people to explore the structures – within and outside of themselves – that hold them back from accepting themselves, feeling confident in managing their emotions, and creating fulfilling relationships through communication that connects, rather than alienates.
My Approach
I take a person-centred approach that honours your strengths, abilities, and preferences.
I believe healing and wellness comes from experiencing our emotions within a safe and secure relationship.
Areas of Focus
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Relationship issues
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Trauma & complex trauma
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Identity development
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Career development
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Counselling for persons / families of persons with physical disabilities
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Major life transitions
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Grief & loss
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Shame & self-worth
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Substance use management
Approaches Used
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Emotionally-Focused Therapy for couples and individuals
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Gottman Method (Level 1) for couples
Education and Training
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I completed a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from Simon Fraser University. I am currently licensed as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors with a license application for Canadian Certified Counsellor pending with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. I have helped many folks from all walks of life–my early training focused on working with couples seeking support in their closest relationship, and working with individuals seeking support to address relational trauma, cope with disability, change their relationship with addictions and substance use, grieve, and cope with a variety of mental health diagnoses.
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I use an integrative trauma-informed, intersectional, and sex positive approach, and I work flexibly from several therapeutic modalities with a focus on present-moment experience, including Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples and individuals, Internal Family Systems, and Narrative Therapy.
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I continue to receive regular clinical supervision and take additional training to expand my knowledge and skillset to better help others. As a privileged white, cisgender, disabled man, it is very important to me that I continue deepening my understanding of issues of which I do not have lived experience and shifting the harmful underlying beliefs I have internalized living in a colonial and patriarchal society.
Outside of my work as a counsellor, I am a songwriter, a pianist, an Ableton recording artist, and an active officer of the non-profit organization Little People of British Columbia (LPBC). You might also find me out on the water in a kayak.
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Continuing Education
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To maintain RCC licensure in good standing, it is required that counsellors engage in continuing education. Below is the additional training I have completed to broaden my skills in service of helping others.
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Ready to get started?
Get in touch.
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If you have comments or questions, please send me a message or call/text 672-202-3956. I do my best to respond within 24-48 hours.
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In-person sessions are offered by appointment at the DataTech Business Centre (1095 McKenzie Ave Suite 300, Victoria, BC V8P 2L5).
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TYPICAL CLINIC HOURS
Monday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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*See online booking system for availability.
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