A Conversation with Haley Casselman

Haley Casselman grew up surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Kootenays, so she’s right at home on the North Shore. She enjoys spending time skiing those slopes, trying out new recipes or relaxing with a good book at home.

Here at our Lynn Valley Counselling Clinic, Haley offers in-person, online or phone counselling to individuals and couples. Haley uses a holistic, integrative approach to help her clients; a true person-centred counsellor.

1. What licenses and certifications do you have?

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. In order to become an RCC, I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology. In addition, I have taken Crisis Line, Eating Disorder Peer Support, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 trainings.

2. What are some of the areas that interest you the most in your current practice?

This is tough to answer – I enjoy working with all folks who come into my office. With that being said, my specialties, and where my interests lie, include supporting older teens and adults with stress and anxiety, depression, life transitions, body image issues, disordered eating, self-worth and self-esteem

challenges and relationship issues. A budding area of interest for me, which I am excited to take future trainings in, is perinatal mental health.

3. Would you say you are more directive or more guiding in your approach to helping your clients?

In my practice I really believe in the “both, ands” of this work. What this means is that I believe there is both a time for being directive and a time for guidance. Every client is unique and on their own journey, which is why I strive to meet each person where they are at in a way that feels comfortable for them. If I had to say one or the other, I would say I lean towards more of a guiding approach because I wholeheartedly believe that every person is the expert on themselves.

4. What should I expect when working with you?

In working together you can expect to work with both a human and therapist. Our work will focus on your hopes, goals, and wishes for therapy, along with the therapeutic relationship. On a human level, values of curiosity, respect, empathy, and compassion come through in my work, and on a therapist level, modalities like Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion show up.

5. How should I prepare for my first session with you?

Our first session will be for us to get to know each other. So, as you may have heard before, all you need to do is bring yourself! I want to get to know you as the person in front of me and what the story of your life looks like, along with how you experience it. We will also go over some intake questions that highlight strengths, acknowledge challenges, and help identify your hopes, goals, and wishes for therapy, all while feeling therapeutic.

Book your 20-minute free consultation with Haley today and learn about her person-centred approach.