Kristen Johnston is a Clinical Director and the owner of Juniper Counselling. She offers counselling services, leads workshops, and is a highly accomplished keynote speaker. When you work with Kristen, you can anticipate a safe and supportive yet challenging environment. She promotes self-reflection and vulnerability among her clients to assist them in untangling and releasing what holds them back.
Kristen Johnston MA RCC-ACS
Approach to Counselling
Kristen Johnston uses a body-centered 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 and adapt with since most 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)
Education and Experience
Kristen is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Approved Clinical Supervisor who holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, along with training in Mediation and Conflict Resolution. Additionally, she possesses a Certificate in Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy. For two consecutive years, Kristen was honoured with the Adler Scholarship, recognizing her dedication to diversity, inclusiveness, and her engagement with at-risk youth. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health sector, she specializes in crisis intervention, prevention, and education. Kristen is also involved in mental health research and has appeared as a guest on CBC and CKNW, discussing healthy sexuality and gender identity among teens and young adults. Furthermore, she has served on the Board of Directors for CERA (Communities Embracing Restorative Action), a non-profit organization supporting youth involved in criminal activities. Kristen has also contributed her expertise as a member of the Joint Family Court and Youth Justice Committee for the Tri-Cities.
Her latest passion revolves around tackling the loneliness epidemic, and she eagerly explores various ways to cultivate a sense of belonging at the community and government levels.
Clinical Supervision
Kristen’s commitment to quality, low-cost counselling options led her to open a teaching clinic at Juniper Counselling. She is also passionate about shaping future generations of therapists.
Kristen is recognized for encouraging her students to discover their unique voice and personal style within the therapeutic relationship. She highlights the significance of trusting their intuition while confidently incorporating evidence-based practices with their own creative touch.
Providing supervision for student counsellors also allows her to give back to the community by offering affordable options without sacrificing quality.
She is also an Approved Clinical Supervisor available for supervision to new and seasoned Registered Clinical Counsellors in BC.
"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
