Jessica Gilchrist
Counselling
About
Hi, my name is Jessica. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC# 26557). I have a Master of Science in Human and Social Services with a specialization in Community Intervention and Leadership from Walden University, plus graduate-level counselling courses through California Southern University. I provide in-person and online counselling in Port Alberni, BC; located within the shared, unceded, homelands of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations.
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My counselling approach is rooted in developing a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust, safety, and mutual rapport. I strive to work in collaboration with each client to meet their therapeutic goals within their unique, intersectional context. I practice from a place of emotional attunement, non-judgement, curiosity, and compassion. I operate through a two-eyed seeing framework; incorporating cutting-edge research and traditional Indigenous knowledge into my approach. My practice is trauma-informed, culturally-aware, client-centered, and strengths-based.
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I provide individual counselling to people of all backgrounds, ages 12 and up. I specialize in working with youth (ages 12-24) affected by complex trauma, substance use, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation and attempts, sexual abuse and exploitation, intimate partner violence, grief and loss, anxiety, borderline personality disorder (BPD), dissociation, ADHD, autism, and FASD/neonatal drug exposure.
Counselling Modalities
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT is a highly effective evidence-based form of counselling that focuses on the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns leading to improved emotional states and behaviours. CBT is goal-oriented, focused on solving current problems and teaching practical skills.
Internal Family Systems & Parts Work
IFS/parts work is a compassionate, non-pathologizing form of therapy that views the mind as composed of multiple "parts" and a core "compassionate self". IFS aims to heal the parts of ourselves that may have been hurt or harmed in the past. These parts often act as protectors and try to keep us safe, sometimes in maladaptive ways. The theory is when we heal our parts, it allows our compassionate self to take the lead of the internal system regaining internal balance between conflicting parts of ourselves.
Existential Therapy
Existential therapy relies on theories and practices of philosophy to explore themes related to the human condition including personal responsibility for behaviours, beliefs and values, freedom, life meaning and purpose, life and death, self-determination, and anxiety about future unknowns. This form of therapy is helpful to people with chronic or terminal condition/illness, those experiencing an existential crises, addiction, and trauma.
Dialetical Behaviour Therapy
DBT is an evidence-based therapy designed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. DBT is most effective for clients experiencing intense emotions that disrupt their interpersonal relationships and work life. DBT helps clients find the balance between the need for change and accepting things as they are. DBT teaches skills from four main components: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Humanistic/Person-Centered Therapy
Humanistic therapy is a non-directive, empathetic approach that empowers the client to be the expert of their own life, while the therapist simply acts as a guide. All treatments are tailored to the client's unique goals and needs based on current thoughts and feelings. The therapist acts with unconditional positive regard, accepting the client without judgement and offering genuine empathy to the client.
Integrative Therapy
Integrative therapy is a holistic, non-pathological approach that combines multiple theories of counselling and various techniques to create a customized treatment plan based on the needs and preferences of the client. Combining therapeutic techniques allows the therapist to meet the immediate needs of the client, often incorporating cutting edge research and interventions the therapist believes will be most supportive to the client given their unique context. As with most modalities, developing a strong therapeutic rapport and getting to know each client is imperative to this approach.
Somatic and Body-Based Interventions
Somatic/body-based therapies are alternative forms of therapy that focus on the mind-body connection. Primarily used for the treatment of addiction, trauma, stress, and chronic pain; body-based therapies grow awareness of physical sensations. Somatic therapies help regulate the nervous system by shifting away from fight, flight, freeze, and fawn states into a state of calm and safety. Some somatic interventions include grounding exercises, breathwork, yoga, body scans, and identifying resources to regulate the nervous system.
Attachment-Based Therapy
Attachment-based therapy focuses on repairing early-life relational trauma like neglect or otherwise inconsistent caregiving (eg. being raised by a caregiver with mental health challenges, being raised in foster care or group home, etc.). This theory is based on the understanding that our bonds with our caregivers shape emotional responses and feelings of security in current relationships. Attachment-based therapy helps address relationship patterns that no longer serve the client by (re)building trusting, supportive relationships in which the client feels safe to express their authentic self and emotions freely and with feelings of increased security.
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
The certified clinical trauma professional credential certifies that I have undergone specialized training in trauma assessment and treatment. This training focuses on evidence-based approaches to increase client safety and stabilization, and facilitate trauma processing.
Connect with Me
Book An Appointment
through the Jane App
Contact
Address
3831 9th Avenue
Port Alberni, BC