Tennille Phipps, BA, MA(C), MPCC

• As a Partner with Living Bridges (LB), I oversee the general running of the business with 3 other partners. My portfolio includes human resources, networking, staying informed on industry standards & developments, and overseeing our practicum program. In addition, I collaborate with community resources to serve and aid in the mental health and healing of our community in the BC Interior and the greater area.
• In my counselling role at LB, I conduct individual counselling for ages 12 and up. I specialize in burnout, grief/loss, and trauma. I also have a background working with those experiencing addiction, homelessness, and other mental health concerns.
• Therapeutic models used: Observed and Experiential Integration (OEI), Polyvagal Theory, Eye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing, Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and some Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Other areas of focus are with youth and young adults individually or in groups, specializing in life skills, self-compassion, personal values, boundaries, identity and interpersonal communication and connection.
• Other responsibilities include managing of case files, collaborating and networking both for my clients as well as our business, designing workshops/group therapy content, and research of new theories and practices that I may incorporate in order to best serve my clients.

• As a Counselor with C&C Resources for Life, I created and facilitated therapy groups and workshops.
• In addition, I conducted individual counselling for those struggling with substance misuse, anxiety, depression, negative thinking, trauma, grief and loss, and life skills coaching.
• Therapeutic models used: OEI, MSC, Polyvagal Theory, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, REBT, and CBT, all practiced with a trauma-informed lens.
• Other responsibilities included managing case files, collaborating with supervisors and fellow colleagues, designing workshops/group therapy content, and researching new theories and practices that could be incorporated to best serve my clients.

• The ARCH Program (Allied Restorative Community Housing) was designed to assist clients who were identified as 'high needs' to obtain sustainable housing (based on the Housing First Model) and provided case management focused around the Harm Reduction Model
• As Supervisor for this program, I worked with a team of 3 caseworkers as well as one Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor
• We provided wrap around supports for each client based on the needs that they identified
• A priority of mine was team morale, stability, and professional development as I mentored my team in their knowledge of addictions, mental health, problem solving, and crisis management
• During my time as Supervisor we achieved Accreditation as a program through the Canadian Accreditation Council
• I was responsible for ensuring the team's knowledge, documentation, client files, and policy and procedure manuals met the appropriate standards
• In addition, I lead a training committee that focused on the evaluation and development of the on-boarding process of new employees of the Housing Department.

In this position, I was tasked with evaluating and implementing creative solutions to the organization's needs in the area of volunteerism as well as ensuring the job satisfaction of the volunteers to the best of my abilities

• I created/implemented training workshops for staff, focused on volunteer management and retention, as well as for volunteers working with the unique demographic of the Mustard Seed guests
• In addition, I coordinated events and managed up to 84 volunteers in the downtown location
• I was often involved in representing the Mustard Seed with various community members and stakeholders as well
• I created and reported on department goals and measurable outcomes on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

• As a Counselor with C&C Resources for Life, I facilitated Grief & Loss support groups and conducted individual counselling sessions.
• Created and conducted workshops on topics such as stress management, time management, and effective communication skills for improved quality of life.
• Therapeutic models used: CBT, REBT, mindfulness, self-compassion, as well as relaxation and stress management techniques
• I managed case files and often collaborated with my Supervisor and fellow colleagues.
• Supported clients in identifying personal strengths and areas for improvement by conducting thorough assessments and inventories. I would then collaborate with my clients to develop creative problem-solving techniques, assisting them in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

• The House of Ruth was a women's long-term addiction recovery program that functioned under the umbrella of the New Life Mission
• The House of Ruth worked with the abstinence-based model and the 12 - Step recovery method with a strong focus on teaching life skills and emotional and vocational development
• We assisted clients in their recovery goals, interpersonal relationships, life skills, employment assistance, and connecting with community resources
• My role included group facilitation and program content development, individual counselling, goal setting, as well as processing referrals and intakes
• Clients were able to stay for a 2 year term if they so desired, and I assisted them in after-care planning as well
• Much of the planning and goal setting focused around the medicine wheel categories (physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual)
• The primary therapeutic methods that I used in group and individual counselling were CBT, REBT, DBT, as well as many grounding, relaxation, and stress-management techniques
• Our groups were both co-ed (averaging up to 40 in attendance) and gender-specific (averaging up to 12 in attendance) and we used an integration of the therapeutic approaches stated above as well as core life skills training, and the AA/NA 12-step recovery method, relapse prevention, and anger management
• In addition, other responsibilities included creating and updating statistics, data entry, referral/ intake packages and policy and procedure manuals, documentation/reporting, fund raising and event planning.
• Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
• Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.
• Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Led training sessions for staff and volunteers, fostering a knowledgeable and cohesive team environment.