I bring in systems, attachment theory, and a somatic lens to my work. My approach is person-centered and rooted in anti-oppressive practice and social justice frameworks. I often incorporate mindfulness and compassion practices in sessions with clients I see.

Crystal James,

MSW, RCSW

My Values

Authenticity

I greatly value authenticity and have found that, when I’m able to show up in a way that is genuine, it gives others permission to do the same. So often we feel a need to hide our true selves due to fear of judgment and a desire for validation. When you meet with me you are free to bring your whole perfectly imperfect self.

Diversity

I believe that diversity is a community’s strength and I have been privileged to work diverse populations including immigrants and refugees, Indigenous peoples, people with diverse abilities including neurodiverse individuals, as well as LGBTQ2S+ individuals.

Decolonization

I am committed to decolonization. Ways I try to decolonize my practice include prioritizing reading and learning from Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) as well as valuing non-Western approaches to healing. Recognizing the impacts of colonization, I offer a limited number of sessions on a sliding scale for BIPOC individuals. Please contact me for more information about sliding scale sessions.

I have a Master of Social Work from the University of Victoria and am a Registered Clinical Social Worker (Reg # 12728) with the BC College of Social Workers in good standing since 2015.

I provide individual therapy for teens, adults, and parents/caregivers drawing on integration of a number of approaches such as:

➤ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

➤ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

➤ Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

➤ Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

➤ Narrative Therapy

➤ Response-Based Therapy

➤ Polyvagal Informed Therapy

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I have over two decades of experience working with children, youth, families, and communities in areas such as:

➤ Child and youth mental health: Supporting children, teens and their parents/caregivers with anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, trauma, OCD, and bipolar disorder

➤ Neurodiversity and diverse abilities

➤ Cross-cultural counselling with newcomers, immigrants, and refugees

➤ Support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals

➤ Youth facing complex challenges such as substance use, homelessness, and child protection involvement

➤ Survivors of sexual assault

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Affiliations

➤ Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW #12728), BC College of Social Workers

➤ Contract Counsellor, Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees

➤ Approved Provider, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

➤ Approved Provider, Veterans Affairs Canada (Medavie Blue Cross)

➤ Part-Time Staff & Sessional Instructor, University of Victoria – School of Child & Youth Care

➤ BIPOC Advisor, BC Play Therapy Association – Anti-Racism Committee

➤ Program Advisor, Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub