Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kristin Ward

Abbotsford,BC

Summary

Compassionate registered clinical counsellor with extensive experience in crisis intervention and trauma therapy. Expertise in client assessment and collaborative safety planning, ensuring holistic care. Strong communication and emotional management skills enhance client support and well-being.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Abbotsford Valley Counselling
Abbotsford, BC
02.2023 - Current
  • Guide clients in identifying personal goals, and overcoming challenges.
  • Develop tailored plans to meet specific client needs.
  • Document client interactions and progress thoroughly in case notes.
  • Collaborate with team members to enhance overall service delivery.
  • Participate in continuing education to refine counseling skills.
  • Facilitate the development of healthy coping strategies for managing stress.
  • Coach clients on emotional management and recognition of distress signals.
  • Integrated therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, ACT, IFS, and mindfulness training, into practice.
  • Seek peer support to reduce isolation, and increase clinical effectiveness.
  • Addressing identity, self-esteem, peer issues, and family conflict when working with children and youth.

Crisis Clinician

Fraser Health Authority
Abbotsford, BC - British Columbia
01.2013 - 02.2025
  • Provided crisis intervention support to individuals in acute mental health distress.
  • Assessed client needs through comprehensive intake evaluations and interviews.
  • Developed safety plans collaboratively with clients and their families.
  • Coordinated referrals to community resources for ongoing support and treatment.
  • Documented client interactions and treatment plans in electronic health records.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for clients.
  • Conducted training sessions for staff on crisis management techniques and protocols.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of local mental health services and regulations.
  • Assisted clients in developing positive life skills such as communication, problem solving and conflict resolution.
  • Assisted clients in identifying triggers for relapse prevention strategies.
  • Responded to crises situations by providing emotional support, safety planning and de-escalation techniques.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss client care plans and coordinate services across agencies.
  • Collaborated with other mental health professionals to develop treatment plans that meet client's needs.
  • Provided immediate emotional support and stabilization to individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.
  • Provided follow-up care, including referral to long-term mental health services and support groups.

Sexual Abuse Therapist

Options Community Services
Surrey, British Columbia
01.2012 - 12.2012
  • Provided intervention and emotional support to survivors of sexual abuse.
  • Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions for clients in need.
  • Developed safety plans and coping strategies tailored to client needs.
  • Utilized play therapy, art therapy, and trauma informed practices with children and youth.
  • Conducted intake assessments to evaluate client situations and needs.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions and progress notes.
  • Participated in training workshops to stay updated on best practices in counseling.
  • Coordinated with other professionals such as law enforcement, medical personnel, and social service agencies to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
  • Assistance with applications for Crime Victim Assistance compensation, and in accessing specialized help with the court process when needed.

Family Preservation Counsellor

Anglicare SA
Adelaide, South Australia
08.2009 - 03.2011
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and treatment interventions.
  • Engaged with community resources to enhance client support networks.
  • Participated in regular team meetings to discuss case management issues and plan services for clients.
  • Provided direct support to families in crisis situations.
  • Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics and safety.
  • Developed individualized service plans for family needs.
  • Coordinated resources and services for family support programs.
  • Educated families on available community resources and services.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
  • Met regularly with supervisor to discuss caseload status and receive guidance on challenging cases.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to families in high risk situations.

Education

Master of Arts - Integrative Counselling Practice

University of Derby
Derby, UK
06-2009

Postgraduate Diploma - Counselling And Psychotherapy Practice

University of Derby
Derby, UK
06-2007

Skills

  • Crisis intervention
  • Client assessment
  • Trauma therapy
  • OCD support
  • Family therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Anxiety management
  • Safety planning
  • Adolescent counseling
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders expertise
  • Internal family systems therapy
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy
  • Grief counseling
  • Couples counseling
  • Parent Support

Timeline

Registered Clinical Counsellor

Abbotsford Valley Counselling
02.2023 - Current

Crisis Clinician

Fraser Health Authority
01.2013 - 02.2025

Sexual Abuse Therapist

Options Community Services
01.2012 - 12.2012

Family Preservation Counsellor

Anglicare SA
08.2009 - 03.2011

Master of Arts - Integrative Counselling Practice

University of Derby

Postgraduate Diploma - Counselling And Psychotherapy Practice

University of Derby
Kristin Ward