About Claire
Claire is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a trauma therapist, with over 12 years of experience providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families with a focus on trauma-related disorders, chronic illness, anxiety, and mood disorders. She has specialized in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) since 2021. Her formal education is comprised of a BA in Psychology from the University of Victoria, an MA in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University, and a Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate from Vancouver Island University. Claire’s practice-based research and independent study include training with
- TheraPsil
- Compass Pathways Protocol Training for Clinical Trials
- AAMFT-Approved Clinical Supervisor Training
- Psilocybin Research Therapist Training
- Level 1 & 2 of Observed Experiential Integration Trauma Therapy
The Practice
Pathkeepers integrates various modalities and theories including mindfulness, somatic therapies, Internal Family Systems, transpersonal psychology, attachment theory emotion-focused therapy, and trauma theory. Claire will begin the process with a phone consultation to ensure a good fit and discuss treatment types, including necessary screenings and procedures.
Then, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan following a three-phase approach, focusing on harm-reduction, preparation, and integration, vital for effective and safe treatment. Our sessions may be virtual, in-person, or both, tailored to individual needs. I commit to the latest best practices in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and adhere to the Psychedelic Association of Canada’s Code of Ethics.
Her Journey
As a trauma survivor, Claire found healing and transformation through psychedelic practices. Her experiences inspired her exploration of the therapeutic use of psychedelics, transforming her trauma into purpose, informing her work, and contributing to her skill as a therapist. She is particularly passionate in her work with therapists, healers, parents and other caregivers, and specializes in addictions, chronic pain/illness, mood disorders and anxiety. Since 2021, Claire’s clinical practice has focused on providing support to individuals who are seeking healing with PAT, and she holds over 450 hours of practical experience with this approach.
Claire is of Northern European and Scottish descent by birth but was adopted and raised by a Ukrainian family. Though born in Victoria, Vancouver feels like home to Claire.
Her Beliefs and Skills
Claire believes that PAT expands the inward and outward aspects of consciousness. She takes joy in watching her clients become more fully themselves. Claire offers a professional relationship that is deeply accepting, non-judgemental, objective, and truthful. She has a unique gift for holding the tension between highly rigorous standards of clinical safety and compassion, respect, and traditional wisdom. Claire is “plant taught,” entering into a relationship with the sentient nature of plant medicines. She’s deeply grateful to the mentors and Indigenous teachers who have supported her journey, and who have played an integral role in making psychedelic healing accessible to others. She draws on and is informed by the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition, the Perennial Tradition, and the Shipibo culture of the Peruvian Amazon. She gratefully acknowledges that she is offering services on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and Matsqui First Nations.
Therapeutic Approach
Claire uses an emotion-focused approach, integrating embodiment and somatic practices, and mindful self-compassion. I am guided by Transpersonal psychology and the Internal Family Systems model and draw on a range of tools and techniques to support you in healing, changing, and knowing yourself more deeply. I describe my approach as trauma-sensitive and attachment-oriented, which simply means that an awareness of, and ways of working through, family-of-origin dynamics and traumatic or challenging life experiences is often important in transforming current painful patterns. In addition to the formal training outlined below, I acknowledge with deep gratitude the opportunities I’ve had to work with many wise mentors and Indigenous knowledge-keepers, from various cultural traditions, who have supported my journey and who have played an integral role in making psychedelic healing accessible to others. Under their care and leadership, I have acquired a depth of personal experience with altered-states of consciousness using plant medicines, breathwork, and synthetic entheogens. I weave the wisdom and teachings of this lived experience into my clinical work with clients.
Join the Community
Pathkeepers is a professional community in psychedelic assisted therapy.