Michele L. Gardiner, MAC, CCC, CCTP II, MAC, CCC, CCTP-II
(She/her)
Preferred Name: Michele
About Me
I am Michele Gardiner, the founder of ELEMENTAL Psychotherapy & Support Services (2016), a Canadian Certified Counsellor in 'good standing' with the CCPA, and a Level II Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with over 18 years of experience supporting youth and adults through healing from Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Trauma Disorders.
Helping others overcome emotional and mental health struggles has been my lifelong aspiration, shaped by both personal and professional experience. As a Clinical Counsellor, I find great purpose in supporting individuals in reaching their therapeutic and life goals.
My approach is collaborative, strength-based, and person-centred, blending compassion and authenticity with a touch of humour and the unwavering belief that, as human beings, we are resilient and capable of growing through life's challenges.
Education & Experience
Formal Education includes a Master's Degree in Counselling (MAC), a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences (BSSc) from the University of Victoria in Biopsychology and Para-Linguistics, and Post-Graduate Training and Certifications in my areas of practice, namely, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, and Trauma Disorders. A list of my Education and training is available on the Professional Competencies page.
Professional experience brings 18 years of clinical counselling across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors of healthcare, education, and justice, providing therapuetic support to individuals, couples, families, and groups, ages 10 to 75, addressing concerns such as addictions, anxiety disorders, ADHD, BPD, eating disorders, mood and depressive disorders, and trauma - including sexual assault, domestic violence, C-PTSD, PTSD, and dissociative disorders.
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
Life and professional experiences have inspired a deep commitment to advocacy and giving back. I have volunteered with organizations dedicated to trauma, eating disorders, and mental health awareness and prevention, including:
BC Eating Disorder Association's Peer Project; Abbotsford Eating Disorder Team, MCFD; Prevention Education with Jessie's Hope (formerly ANAD Vancouver); Visions Magazine and the Canadian Mental Health Association; and as a Proposal Reviewer with the National Review Committee, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Specialty Area
- ADHD/Neurodiversity
- Abuse/Neglect
- Depression
- Dissociative Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Family Issues
- Grief/Loss/Mourning
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Moral Injury
- Personality Disorders
- Phobias
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sexual Abuse
- Sleep Disorders
- Somatic Issues
- Stress Management
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adolescents (13-17)
- Adults
- First Responders
- LGBTQ+
- Seniors
Language
- English
Insurance
List is provided online, http://www.elementalpsychotherapy.com
