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About Kimberly Desjardins

Kimberly is a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). She has a diverse background, having worked in outdoor and experiential education, as well as in the public and private school systems. These experiences have allowed her to closely engage with pre-teens, teens, and adults in challenging settings, where each individual is encouraged toward self-discovery and empowerment. Clinical counselling was a natural extension for her, enabling her to deepen her working relationships and support those seeking help. Kimberly recently established a virtual private practice while enjoying life in beautiful British Columbia with her husband, son, and dog, Tilly. She excels at building rapport with clients, helping them challenge preconceptions, recognize behaviour patterns, and tap into their inner strength and available support to move forward. In her free time, she loves day hiking in the forests, reading and spending time with her family outdoors. 

Leaf Pattern Design

Education

  • POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA: Clinical Counselling - City University

  • MASTER'S DEGREE: School Counselling - City University

  • BACHELOR'S DEGREE: Education - Queen's University

  • BACHELOR'S DEGREE: Honours English and History - Trent University

Experience:

  • 2024 - Current Clinical Counsellor (Online)

  • 2019 - 2024 Counselling, Guidance & Student Leadership, Collingwood School​​

  • 2015 - 2019 Clinical School Counsellor for CHOICES Program, North Vancouver School District​

  • 2009 - 2015 Outdoor Education Teacher, Collingwood School​

  • 2007 - 2009 Integrated Studies Teacher, Toronto School Board​

  • 2005 - 2007  Social Sciences Teacher, Trillium School Board​

Skills:

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  • one to one counselling

  • liaising with community services

  • working with school professionals to create wrap-around supports

  • mental health campaigns

  • preventive health education

  • H,R and D IEP designations

  • risk and threat assessments

  •  duty to report - child protection

  • professional record keeping

Professional Training 

  • Navigating Care with Eating Disorders - NEDIC

  • Childhood Anxiety - Julie Ann Richards Counselling

  • Non-Violent Communication - Freeborn/Kelly (Brockton)

  • Working with Neurodiverse - Cameray Child & Family Services

  • Connecting Science of Learning & Belonging - Centre for Trans-formative Teaching & Learning

  • Advanced Treatment of Trauma - NICABM

  • Mindfulness 101 & 201 - Mindful Schools

  • EMDR Basic training - British Columbia School of Professional Psychology

  • Canadian Mental Health Summit - Anxiety, Depression, & CBT - Jack Hirose

  • Basic Violence and Threat Assessment - Safer Schools

  • Behavioural and Digital Threat Assessment - Safer Schools

  • DBT Advanced skills - DBT Vancouver

  • Working with Anxious Children - Cameray Child & Family Services

  • Anxiety - CTRI

  • MindUp - Goldie Hawn Fndn

  • Suicide Prevention - ASSIST

Testimonials

“I just can’t thank you enough for all your support and all you have given me. It would have been near impossible to survive through secondary school without your support.”

A

“Thank you for being so kind and caring.”

S

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude for all the support you’ve given A and our family.  Your guidance and care has been invaluable in helping A navigate his challenges. Your dedication and care have made a significant difference in his life.”

H

“THANK YOU!!!!! We  really appreciate your time, effort and support with R.”

“I have to say you have been such a gem for S and the fact that you get to see her weekly and your emails with the amazing resources are just priceless.”

M

“Kimberly, your support has been a huge part of our decision to commit to … with a renewed confidence. Thank you for your ongoing help.”

C

K

"Working with Kimberly Desjardins as my counsellor was an incredibly positive experience. I had never done counselling before nor was I used to talking about my feelings but she was always someone I felt very comfortable going to. She creates a welcoming, warm environment and was able to support me through a difficult time in my life. Throughout my years in high school she was always there for me through the good and the bad and I am incredibly grateful for her support, advice and kindness. "

R

Kimberly is incredibly hard working and thorough, and cares deeply about the work she does with clients and their families. She is always learning and improving her professional skills, and I admire her ability to communicate effectively as part of a team.

M

Kimberly is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is caring, thoughtful and comfortable to be with. She is also calm, approachable and always willing to collaborate to create the best possible outcomes.  She has an amazing ability to listen to concerns and come up with practical and realistic steps towards achieving positive outcomes whilst giving amazing support and encouragement along the way. 

H

A

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