Kristen Johnston is the Clinical Director of Juniper Counselling. And she offers counselling to men, women, folks who are gender non-conforming, and teens. So when you’re in therapy with Kristen, you can expect to feel safe and supported. She encourages both self-reflection and vulnerability in her clients to help them detangle and unwind what’s keeping them stuck.
Kristen Johnston
Approach to Counselling
Kristen Johnston uses a body-entered approach to counselling for trauma. So she combines this with the latest research in interpersonal neurobiology and attachment theory. Therefore, these tools provide a unique healing experience that helps her clients feel better faster. Kristen believes that we all have an innate wisdom that we need to hold onto; therefore, mental health issues we struggle with are really just healthy responses to the unhealthy society we are living in.
Professional Memberships
Kristen is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and is on the Board of Directions for the CERA.
Education and Experience
Kristen Johnston is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Adler University and she holds a Certificate in Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy. She has also received the Adler Scholarship two years in a row for her committed to embracing diversity, promoting inclusiveness and engaging at-risk youth. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health fieldm she has experience in crisis intervention, prevention, and education. Kristen is also active in mental health research and was a guest on CBC and CKNW to discuss healthy sexuality and gender identity in teens and young adults. Kristen also sits on the Board of Directors for CERA (Communities Embracing Restorative Action), a non-profit agency helping youth involved in crime. She has also served as a member of the Joint Family Court and Youth Justice Committee for the Tri-Cities.
Clinical Supervision
Kristen’s commitment to quality, low-cost counselling options has lead her to open a teaching clinic at Juniper Counselling. Because Kristen is passionate about her work in shaping future generations of therapists. She is an exceptional supervisor dedicated to providing her students safe, supportive feedback and guidance. Providing supervision for student counsellors also allows her to give back to the community by offering affordable rates for clients.
"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
