About Carl

My counselling approach is to work mainly from a humanistic therapeutic framework. In short, this theory emphasizes the authentic relationship we develop together as the single most important factor in creating positive change in your life. Through this co-creation of a therapeutic relationship, you can deepen understanding of your relationship to your internal parts, as well as how you and your parts relate to the world around you.

Part of us may be depressed, anxious, angry, or confused. These states may be related to traumatic experiences in the past, current environmental factors (job, housing, relationships), or fear of future pain and judgement. When we begin to understand the root cause of a negative feeling or behaviour, we can then work to make real change.

This deepening of understanding is a central piece of counselling work, whether it be understanding of our past, present, or future. To achieve this, I incorporate other therapeutic modalities such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & Mindfulness

• Hakomi Method

• Solution-Focused Therapy

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

• Narrative Therapy

• Art Therapy

• Family Systems

Increasing compassion for self and others, while allowing for more conscious choice in our lives (opposed to unconscious reactions or habits) are other central themes you will encounter when working with me.

I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, including couples. I graduated with distinction from Yorkville University and hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.

I am a Professional Member of the CCPA possessing a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation.

I have lived in Whitehorse since 2012, moving north from Vancouver Island. My work in the north has allowed me to connect with a diverse range of people through various supportive roles.

I have had a passion for supporting people who use drugs for a long time. This interest led me to joining the Outreach Van team in Whitehorse. I became familiar with the pragmatic principles of harm reduction, as well as the fulfillment I felt when connecting with people from all walks of life.

I then spent some time working for Kwanlin Dün First Nation in an emergency shelter. This experience allowed me to spend much longer periods of time with people, many who I had met previously on the Outreach Van. My knowledge of Yukon First Nations increased substantially through this experience, as did my ability to be of service and value to others.

I then accepted a position working with youth in group-home environments. There I spent many years supporting young people who had disrupted family attachments and often traumatic histories. I learned a great deal about the range of difficulties involved when one transitions from adolescence into adulthood. This experience has been invaluable when working with young people as a counsellor, which I love to do!