Kristen Johnston is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and the Clinical Director of Juniper Counselling. With more than 28 years of experience in the mental health field, Kristen is a trauma-informed leader who brings deep expertise, compassion, and clarity to every space she holds—whether in one-on-one counselling, community workshops, or as a sought-after keynote speaker.
Kristen Johnston MA RCC-ACS
Approach to Counselling
Kristen is a trauma-informed thought leader known for her compassionate presence, sharp insight, and unwavering commitment to inclusion and healing. She offers counselling services, facilitates community workshops, and is a sought-after keynote speaker on topics ranging from trauma recovery to belonging and mental health innovation.
Professional Memberships
Kristen is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
Education and Experience
Kristen holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, alongside specialized training in Mediation, Conflict Resolution, and Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy (a somatic approach to trauma healing). She is a two-time recipient of the Adler Scholarship, awarded for her dedication to diversity, equity, and her work with at-risk youth.
A respected educator, Kristen also serves as adjunct faculty in a leading university’s Master of Counselling program, where she mentors the next generation of counsellors with a focus on trauma-informed and socially responsive care.
Throughout her career, Kristen has specialized in crisis intervention, prevention, and public education. She has contributed to mental health research and has been featured on CBC and CKNW, offering expert commentary on teen sexuality, gender identity, and emotional well-being. Her community service includes roles on the Board of Directors for Communities Embracing Restorative Action (CERA) and the Joint Family Court and Youth Justice Committee in the Tri-Cities.
At the heart of Kristen’s work is her passion for cultivating human connection and dismantling the barriers that isolate people. Her current focus is addressing the loneliness epidemic, advocating for systemic and community-based solutions that foster a deeper sense of belonging.
As the founder of Juniper Counselling, she is committed to building a diverse team of practitioners who bring a wide range of modalities and lived experiences to their work. If she can’t match you with the right therapist at Juniper, she’ll help connect you with someone who fits—because for Kristen, it’s not just about finding any counsellor, it’s about finding the right one.
When you work with Kristen, you can expect a space that is safe, supportive, and gently challenging. She encourages deep self-reflection and vulnerability, helping clients untangle the stories and patterns that hold them back—so they can step more fully into the lives they want to live.
Clinical Supervision
Kristen’s commitment to accessible, high-quality mental health care inspired her to open a teaching clinic at Juniper Counselling, offering low-cost counselling services without compromising on clinical excellence. As an Approved Clinical Supervisor, she is passionate about shaping the next generation of therapists—supporting both student interns and Registered Clinical Counsellors across British Columbia. Kristen is known for empowering her supervisees to find their authentic voice in the therapeutic relationship, encouraging them to trust their intuition while integrating evidence-based approaches with creativity and confidence. Through supervision and mentorship, she not only uplifts future clinicians but also strengthens the broader community by expanding access to meaningful, affordable care.
"Within the first five minutes of my very first session with Kristen, I was at ease. Kristen's presence is incredibly calming; she creates the space for me to breathe and express what's going on. She listens without judgement and then offers perfect wisdom or questions to take me deeper. I am incredibly grateful for Kristen's support and honored to be able to work with her.”
-Gillian
