About me.
Hi, I'm Karen
My Story
Karen Wind Vandenberg, MC, CCC
My journey to becoming a counsellor was indirect and influenced by various experiences and roles. Growing up on the farm and working in the local agricultural industry, I learned work ethic and the value of community which served me well as a missionary in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico for 13 years. Learning to help people effectively in that role led me to begin the process of becoming a professional counsellor in 2017.
Why Counselling?
No matter where I've been, I have seen that everyone experiences pain, loss, and relationship struggles. I am constantly amazed at the difference that asking the right questions, staying curious and helping people tell and re-author their stories can make! Informed by trauma research and proven counselling theory, I am passionate about helping my clients resolve their problems and make impactful changes.
My Values
Being a Christian defines me and affects every part of my life. I believe this uniquely qualifies me to work with other Christians who are hurting, even (or especially) if those hurts have been inflicted by the church.
Other values that inform my work are being authentic, genuinely caring about my clients and their stories, and being aware that we are all imperfect. These principles allow me to hold space for people exactly where they are, regardless of background or belief system.
Credentials
The MC after my name stands for Master of Counselling, and the CCC means that I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I am also an Associate Professional Counsellor with the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP).
This lets you know that I have master's level training in counselling, that I am accountable to two professional associations and am committed to the highest ethical standards and regular continuing education.
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I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is an exciting way that I can work with clients to zero in on some of the beliefs that are keeping them stuck in past trauma, and allowing Truth to set them free!