MA Counselling, BA Social Sciences, Psychology
Counselling Certifications: CCC, CCTP-II, CSAC, EMDR, FT-EMDR, SE
"Michele L. Gardiner, MAC CCC CCTP-II"
"Ashy, Canine Co-counsellor Extraordinaire"
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Founder of ELEMENTAL PsychotherapyWelcome to ELEMENTAL Psychotherapy. I’m Michele Gardiner, a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Professional Member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II), and founder of ELEMENTAL Psychotherapy & Support Services (2016).
Helping others to heal and thrive has been my lifelong calling, shaped by both personal and professional experience. As a Canadian Certified Counsellor, I am committed to supporting you in achieving your goals and creating a life with greater joy, peace, and freedom. I offer a collaborative, strength-based approach that blends compassion, authenticity, and warmth, with a touch of humour and an unwavering belief in the human spirit and our resilience to grow through significant heartache and challenge. This perspective comes from 18 years of direct counselling experience in the private (Elemental Psychotherapy, Stroh Health Care), public (Interior Health Association; ARC), and not-for-profit (Pathways Addiction Centre; South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society) sectors of healthcare and education (SD 67), supporting individuals, couples, families, and groups of individuals aged 10 to 70, around addictions, anxiety, mood and personality, eating disorders, and trauma—including PTSD, Complex PTSD, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence. Transitioning from public to private care, I founded ELEMENTAL Psychotherapy & Support Services in 2016 to help meet a gap in eating disorder and trauma treatment in the South Okanagan, BC. In 2018, I created the Break the Binge therapy program - a group to make therapeutic support more accessible for women and girls. This work deepened my understanding of the link between eating disorders and trauma and further inspired a desire to specialize in Complex Trauma. This area of my work has continued to grow. Personal Recovery ExperienceClients frequently ask what motivated my journey and desire to become a counsellor. As often mentioned, my counselling approach is shaped by both my professional and personal journey of recovering from an eating disorder and compulsive overexercise in my twenties. These painful coping skills followed a collision of traumatic events and symptoms of PTSD, impairing depression, and grief that led to support and recovery at St Paul's Hospital, The Victoria (BC) Eating Disorder Program (BCEDA), and a team of incredibly supportive physicians, therapists, and dietitians. I learned to heal, develop healthier coping and lifestyle skills, and embrace balance. Following a period of stable recovery, the BCEDA invited me to join their Peer Counsellor Program - and I never looked back!
Every connection, opportunity, and step in my 20 years of recovery has strengthened my resolve and deepened my compassion and curiosity as a counsellor. I believe some of our struggles reveal our authentic selves, strengths, and wisdom. This experience has deepened my commitment to trauma-informed care and to creating a safe, connected space for healing. If you’re interested, I share more of my story through expressive arts therapy on the Elemental Expressions page of my website. Volunteer ExperienceThese experiences also inspire a strong commitment to advocacy and giving back to the community. Volunteer work with organizations that focus on trauma, eating disorders, and mental health awareness and prevention has included:
I continue to support programs throughout the year, the SPCA and Food Bank, and provide pro bono services through private practice to individuals affected by symptoms of trauma. EducationI hold a Master of Arts in Counselling (MAC), and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (BA) from the University of Victoria, with a focus on Biopsychology and Para-Linguistics. I have postgraduate training and certifications in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma disorders. For full details, visit my Professional Competencies page.
Specialized Training - Eating DisordersMy postgraduate education is specialized in eating disorder treatment. From 2015 to 2018, I trained with the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) to support individuals in recovery with expertise, safety, and compassion. This rigorous and comprehensive training included treatment for children, youth, families, and adults, covering:
I have approximately 1,600+ hours of supervised clinical experience, including iaedp CEDS-qualified supervisors (450 hours) and private supervision (1200). My practice includes youth, adults, groups, and specialized populations, including local actors and elite athletes. I have also completed training in the treatment of eating disorders with AED, EDIT, BC Children’s Hospital, and DARE for effectively supporting Athletes. These experiences allow me to provide expert, evidence-based care to diverse clients. This advanced training shapes my practice, allowing me to offer evidence-based, trauma-informed, and individualized care. I integrate current research, emphasize safety and collaboration, and adapt to each client’s unique needs throughout recovery. Specialized Training - Trauma DisordersSince 2006, I have focused on specialized training in trauma and trauma-related disorders. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II), with a focus on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). In addition to the CCTP-II designation, I am an Advanced FLASH-EMDR Therapist (FT-EMDR), Certified EMDR Counsellor, and Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Therapist. I also hold additional certifications and experience in Family Trauma, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, Critical Incident Stress Management, and Disaster Psychology through the BC PHSA.
I am committed to offering a therapy process focused on safety and stabilization that integrates evidence-based therapies and is grounded in current research and practical skills for regulation and resilience, using a compassionate, client-centred approach that aims to empower you in your healing and growth. NatureOutside of counselling, I enjoy reading, gardening, photography, and exploring the outdoors with my canine companion, Ashy. I feel most at home in nature—hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and paddling with Ashy and my husband, Duncan. Nature is my church - it serves as my sanctuary and the safe space that nurtures a deep sense of peace and reflection.
As part of the therapy process, I encourage clients to connect with nature to soothe mind, body, and spirit and find balance. Nature offers unconditional belonging and inspiration—it welcomes us without judgment. Its beauty can inspire healing and personal growth.
To learn more about how nature supports mental health, explore resources like the Hidden Brain podcast "How Nature Heals Us" (Nov 2025), the article "How Nature Nurtures" (2022) on reduced stress, and research from Stanford University (2015) and "30 Days Wild" (2016). To book a free phone consultation or ask questions, contact [email protected] or call 250-859-8671. I look forward to connecting and supporting your journey. |
“Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees...while cares drop away like the leaves of Autumn.”
~ John Muir
“Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees...while cares drop away like the leaves of Autumn.”
~ John Muir
