Christie Behrisch Kumar

Approach:
Christie considers clients as a whole – part of a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approach that she tailors to the unique needs of each client and couple. She believes the client-therapist relationship is paramount to any healing and forward progress. Working from a strengths-based perspective, she may utilize motivational interviewing, mindfulness, elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused techniques, and EMDR to help clients make lasting changes.

Areas of focus:
Christie’s background is in adult substance use services. She has extensive experience working with men and, through personal experience, is very knowledgeable about the issues faced by first responders. She has a passion for working with couples and uses the Developmental Model of Couples Counselling to inform her work. Christie is also well-versed in adult ADHD and the subsequent relationship difficulties faced by those who struggle with it.

Christie provides a warm and compassionate atmosphere where clients can feel comfortable beginning to open themselves up to new ways of being. She is also very real, and will push clients and couples to move beyond the familiar to become the best versions of themselves.

Professional Qualifications and Training:
Master of Counselling (University of Lethbridge)
Registered Clinical Counsellor (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors #3823)
Bader-Pearson Developmental Model of Couples Therapy (The Couples Institute)
EMDR Certification, Levels 1 & 2 (EMDR Consulting)
EMDR Advanced Flash Technique Certification (Dr. Philip Manfield)
Substance Use Certificate (Justice Institute of BC via SHARE Family & Community Services)
Core Addictions Practice (Fraser Health Authority)
Strengths-Based CBT (Cognitive Workshops)
Trauma-Informed Practice (University of British Columbia)
ADHD Training (Vancouver Coastal Health and Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance)