Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Chas Johnston

Brandon,MB

Summary

Compassionate counsellor with experience in various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Humanistic/Client-Centered Therapy. Strengths include active listening, empathy, and crisis intervention skills. Have worked closely with clients to promote mental health improvement and foster personal growth. Significant impact made by implementing successful treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Counsellor

Rhodes Wellness College
Brandon, Manitoba
01.2025 - Current
  • One-on-one support for issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, self-esteem, and personal growth.
  • Assist clients in setting goals, developing coping strategies, and gaining insight.
  • Immediate support during acute psychological or emotional crises (e.g., suicidal ideation, trauma, loss).
  • Focus on stabilization, safety, and referral, if needed.
  • Use of structured interviews, standardized tools, and clinical observations to identify mental health concerns.
  • Support for individuals recovering from alcohol, drug, or behavioral addictions. May include relapse prevention, harm reduction, or 12-step support.
  • Specialized support for individuals who have experienced abuse, violence, disasters, or other traumatic events. This may include somatic approaches or trauma-focused CBT.
  • Help individuals process and cope with loss, including death, divorce, or major life transitions.
  • Support around race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, and discrimination-related stress.

Counsellor

Aurora Reunification Village
Brandon, Manitoba
03.2024 - Current
  • Provided crisis intervention services for individuals in need of immediate assistance.
  • Provided individual and group counseling sessions to support clients in achieving mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
  • Created an environment with non-judgment that was safe, supportive, and conducive to therapeutic practice.
  • Conducted assessments and developed personalized treatment plans in collaboration with clients.
  • Monitored client progress, established a client-centered approach, adjusted goals as needed, and maintained accurate confidential records.
  • Used evidence-based techniques, such as CBT and person-centered therapy, to support clients in managing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationship issues.
  • Supported clients in building coping strategies, self-awareness, and resilience.
  • Built strong therapeutic alliances through active listening, empathy, and culturally sensitive approaches.
  • Facilitated workshops and psychoeducational groups on topics such as Anger Management, Nonviolent Communication, and Healthy Relationships.
  • Supported clients in navigating community resources and mental health services.
  • Maintained ethical standards in line with professional codes of conduct and confidentiality

Twelve Step Sponsor

Service Work/ Volunteer position
Brandon, Manitoba
09.2015 - Current
  • Guide sponsees to understand and work through each of the twelve steps.
  • Share personal experiences to provide context and clarity on each step.
  • Be available to talk during times of stress, temptation, or crisis.
  • Provide a listening ear and compassionate support without judgment.
  • Demonstrate through my own behavior how sobriety can be maintained.
  • Encourage accountability and honest self-reflection.
  • Help the sponsee build a routine of attending meetings.
  • Encourage participation in the recovery community and service work.
  • Help sponsees stay committed to sobriety by checking in regularly.
  • Assist in recognizing triggers, avoiding relapse, and creating healthier habits.
  • Build a trusting relationship based on mutual respect, honesty, and anonymity.

Education

Professional Counsellor Diploma, Certified To Practice Under The CPCA, and ACCT -

Rhodes Wellness College
Vancouver, BC
06-2025

The Body Keeps The Score, Healing Trauma Through Somatics With Bessel Van Der Kolk, And Peter Levine -

The Embody Lab
Online Facilitated
01-2025

Palliative Care Volunteer Training -

Prairie Mountain Health
Brandon, MB
10-2024

Compassionate Inquiry Self Study -

Dr Gabor Mate.com
Online Facilitated
09-2024

International Coaching Federation, Life Coach Certificate -

Rhodes Wellness College
Vancouver, BC
06-2023

Skills

  • Crisis intervention
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Client assessment
  • Cultural competence
  • Active listening
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Psychoeducation
  • Suicide risk assessments
  • Treatment Planning
  • Grief counseling
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Self-care strategies
  • Client advocacy

Affiliations

  • Interests include a strong practice in mindfulness and intentional living.
  • personal development, mind body psychology,manifestation and visualization.
  • Breathwork, pilates, body mind centering.
  • Painting, Art therapy, collages and journaling.
  • Gardening, Aromatherapy, herbalism.

Timeline

Counsellor

Rhodes Wellness College
01.2025 - Current

Counsellor

Aurora Reunification Village
03.2024 - Current

Twelve Step Sponsor

Service Work/ Volunteer position
09.2015 - Current

Professional Counsellor Diploma, Certified To Practice Under The CPCA, and ACCT -

Rhodes Wellness College

The Body Keeps The Score, Healing Trauma Through Somatics With Bessel Van Der Kolk, And Peter Levine -

The Embody Lab

Palliative Care Volunteer Training -

Prairie Mountain Health

Compassionate Inquiry Self Study -

Dr Gabor Mate.com

International Coaching Federation, Life Coach Certificate -

Rhodes Wellness College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Chas Johnston