Kalen Colson, Registered Clinical Counsellor

Kalen Colson, RCC (they/them)

AREAS OF FOCUS:

• Grief and Loss

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma and Complex Trauma

• 2SLGBTQIA+

• Sexuality

• Relationships (of all kinds)

• Life transitions

THERAPY MODALITIES:

• Nature-Based Therapy

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming)

• Somatic Attachment

• Existential Therapy

• Mindfulness Based Therapy

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH Kalen

I believe that counselling is an opportunity to explore and attend to oneself. As life’s experiences inevitably impact us, it is easy to lose the thread of who we are. As a counsellor, I seek to create a safe space for you to process and unpack your experiences, reclaiming your agency and choice around how you show up for yourself, in relationships and in the world. My approach is trauma-informed, inquisitive, compassionate and holistic. I have a special interest in depth psychotherapy, which means that I like to look below the symptoms at the surface and get to the roots of challenges. This approach also includes spiritual perspectives, archetypes, dream work and soul work among other things.

I also have a special interest in nature-based work. I offer sessions in-office and outdoors. Working outdoors might look like sitting by open water or walking along the beach. Being in the natural world can support some people in feeling more easeful and spacious in session; others prefer the container and privacy of an office space.

Kalen’s EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

I hold a Masters in Integral Counselling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies (2022), a diploma in Depth Psychotherapy (2018) and a Masters in Existential Philosophy (2010). I have also done specialized training to work with trauma through Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). In 2023 I received certification as a teacher of Mindfulness Meditation.

I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of folks. My practicum placements included working with teens at an alternative high school and with two nonprofit, accessible therapy clinics.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I moved to BC from Toronto in 2018 in pursuit of living closer to nature. I love living a short walk  from multiple beaches and the vast ocean in Victoria. You’ll often find me by the water with my dog, Hazel. I also spend time in the Cowichan Valley where I am stewarding a beautiful piece of land with the vision of one day creating a nature-based retreat centre.

I identify as a Jewish, white-bodied, neurodivergent, queer and non-binary individual. 

Spirituality, ritual, ceremonies and circles/group work have been important elements in my own healing journey. I believe that life takes on the meaning we give it, and it can be helpful to cultivate intentionality and practices that bring meaning and connection to everyday life. 

I love the work that I do because I love connecting with people about what is truly on their hearts.

FEES

Sessions with Kalen are $140 per 50 minutes, plus GST. Couples sessions are $150 per 50 minutes, plus GST. Longer sessions are available upon request.

HOURS

Kalen is available in office on Tuesdays from 2:30 - 8, and virtually or for nature sessions on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings.

Trainings:

First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Provider Training - 2024

EMDR Basic Training - 2023 with Dr. Amanda Bell and Associates

Bringing the Body into Practice: Somatic Attachment - 2021-2023 with Lisa Mortimore

Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program - 2021-2023 with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach

Workshops: 

Dream School - 2023-2024 with This Jungian Life

Introduction to Nature-Based Therapy - 2022 with Human Nature Counselling

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All of the counsellors at Bodymind Counselling gratefully live and practice on the lands of Lekwungen peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.