Who Am I?

Hello! My name is Kim, and I am a counselling practicum student. Before coming to Dóchas, I worked in the financial industry for over 10 years, transitioning into education, where I worked for the next 23 years, teaching elementary, junior high, high school, and even a little bit of university! This is my third career transition, crazy, I know! I am grateful to now have the opportunity to work with individuals focusing on their wellness needs, something I have always been passionate about.

I am a mother and daughter, among many other roles. I have been slowly transitioning into the “empty nest” phase of life which seems to be occurring more quickly than I would like! As a “mature” counselling student, I am part of the “sandwich” generation, caring for both children and a parent with Alzheimer’s. Life presents us with many challenges, even ones we could never have imagined. Through my own journey, I have come to embrace the fact that it is okay to not be okay at times; it is human. The full human experience includes ups and downs. There is so much personal growth and wisdom that can come out of challenges. For me, the goal is to build a support network that helps one to survive life’s challenges and to use the growth from those experiences to thrive in new ways.

I have always been passionate about sports, participating at competitive levels. Although those days have come and gone, I continue to enjoy a variety of activities. In the summer, I enjoy golf, boating, fishing, and other water activities. I have recently begun to explore pickleball – probably a good indicator of my age! In the winter, I enjoy curling, ice fishing, sledding, and skiing. I also love to read all genres, fiction and nonfiction. I have three pets: a three-year-old black lab, a cat who thinks she is a dog, and a two-year-old rescue cat who soaks up any love you give her.

Working With Me

Expect to be greeted with a warm welcome and settle in with water, tea, or coffee and a comfortable place to sit. We will begin with a discussion of what your hopes are in our time together. My desire is to provide a warm and caring space for you to explore whatever has brought you to counselling. I want to understand you and your needs, and work with you to find solutions that are right for you. You are the expert in your life, possessing strengths and resources which have gotten you to this point. I view my role as supportive in exploring possible options and alternatives to reach the goals you have for counselling. I can help you in a variety of ways, whether it be developing strategies, finding resources, providing you with information around a topic, or other pieces which may be helpful in getting what you need from counselling. I believe in a holistic approach, drawing from various toolkits that meet your needs and preferences.

Finding the right fit for counselling is very important – I know because I have been on both sides of the counselling relationship. I look forward to working with you and understand the process of finding the right match might mean continuing your search for that right fit – and that is okay! Whatever our time together may be, I am here to support the journey. You are in control of your counselling experience.