Michele L. Gardiner, Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) #10000685

Education

• ​Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree, Psychology and Linguistics, University of Victoria, Victoria 
• Master's Prerequisite Courses (ED-D 414, 417, 418, PSYCH-366, Psych-351D), University of Victoria
• Master's of Arts Degree in Counselling, Gonzaga University, Canadian Site-based Program
• ​Master's of Arts Degree in Counselling Internship: 252-Direct Supervised Hrs; 526.95 Total Direct Client Hrs, Kelowna Mental Health

​​Therapeutic Approaches 

• ​​Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
• Emotionally Focused Therapy/Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
• Exposure Response Therapy
• Expressive Arts Therapy
• Advanced FLASH-EMDR 
  
• Family Systems 
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy 
• Motivational Interviewing ​
• Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Therapy

Counselling Certifications

• Professional Registered Canadian Certified Counsellor, 'active' and in 'good standing' (CCPA), #10000685 
• Advanced FLASH-EMDR Therapist Certification, #03016-DL68
• Certified Complex Trauma Practitioner, #285-91847 
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Level II (CCTP-II), #950635 
• EMDR Certification
• ​Emotionally Focused Therapy Certification for Couples and Families ​
• Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Skills (Level I, II, III) 
• Substance Addiction Counselling and Case Management Certification, Youth and Adults (JIBC)​

Post Graduate Professional Development (6-CECs and above) 

• ​Attachment Theory in Practice 
• Adult Attachment Disorders  
• Assessment and Treatment of Body Image and Body Dysmorphia in Youth and Adults  
• Assessment and Treatment of ​Depressive and Mood Disorders in Children, Youth and Adults 
• CBT, DBT, and EMDR for Treatment of Codependency and Narcissistic Abuse 
• Certified Family Trauma Practitioner 
• Codependent Treatment Strategies 
• Complex Trauma Certification Training: A Strength-Based Approach for Treating Complex PTSD 
• Critical Incident Stress Management 
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for Youth and Adults  
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders in Adults and Groups (BED, BN)  
• Disaster Psychological Support Training 
• EMDR for Grief and Mourning 
• Eating Disorders Assessment and Treatment: Evidence of What Works, Flinders University for Eating Disorders
  
• Eating Disorders CEDS Training (iaedp™):
  • Overview of Eating Disorders  
  • Effective Assessment and Treatment Modalities for Eating Disorders 
  • Nutrition Guidelines for Treating Eating Disorders 
  • Medical Aspects/Consequences of Eating Disorders  
  • 1000+- Direct Supervised Hours Completed in the Treatment of Eating Disorders   
• Eating Disorders in Athletes and Sport  
• Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, Families 
• Evidence-Based Principles and Trauma-Informed Conceptualization in Treating Concurrent Eating Disorders and BPD 
• Expert Strategies to Help Clients Develop Tolerance to Emotional Distress 
• Exposure Therapy for Treating Anxiety Disorders and Phobias in Children, Youth and Adults  
• Expressive Arts Therapy for Children, Youth, Adults, and Families 
• FLASH Technique (EMDR) - 1 Foundation: Noninvasive Trauma Reprocessing Therapy 
• FLASH Technique (EMDR) - 2 Advanced: Noninvasive Trauma Reprocessing Therapy for CPTSD, OCD, DD 
• Intuitive and Mindful Eating Treatments 
• Mindfulness-based Therapies 
• Motivational Interviewing for Eating Disorders 
• Motivational Interviewing for Substance Misuse in Youth and Adults 
• Narcissistic Abuse, Therapeutic Approaches for Healing 
• Play Therapy for Children, Youth and Adults 
• Polyvagal Therapy in Counselling for Complex Trauma and PTSD 
• Psychopharmacology for Trauma and Dissociative Disorders 
• Safe and Stable Trauma: A Triphasic Approach for Processing and Resolution 
• Somatic Psychotherapy Interventions in the Treatment of Complex Trauma and PTSD:
  • ​Enhancing Embodiment in Trauma Treatment 
  • Pain, Parts, Body, and Identity: Addressing Dissociative Symptoms  
  • Resiliency Informed Therapy for Trauma 
  • Vagas Nerve Regulation and Trauma Recovery 
  • Application of Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Skills in Complex Trauma Treatment 
• Sexual Addiction and Pornography Related Compulsive Disorders, Youth and Adults   
• Suicide and Self Injury Prevention and Treatment in Children, Youth, Adults, and Community 
• Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Children, Youth and Adults 
• Treatment of Body-Focused Compulsive Disorders in Youth and Adults 
• Trauma-based Nightmare Treatment: Reduced Frequency and Imagery Rehearsal Therapy 
• Women, Embodiment, and Trauma Recovery ​

Clinical Supervision Training

• Supervisors Helping Clinicians Heal Through Client Suicide (2025)
• Tele-Supervision in Clinical Psychology: Best Practices and Emerging Trends (2025)
• CCPA Certification Requirements, Growth and Development of Supervisees (2025)
• Conflict in Clinical Training: Navigating Supervisory and Trainee Growth (2020)
• Ethical and Legal Considerations in Clinical Supervision (2019)
• Feminist Supervision: A Model for Knowledge and Practice (2019)

FAQ
​What are the differences between the CCC, RCC, and Psychologist credentials in BC?

The CCC (Canadian Certified Counselor) and RCC (Registered Clinical Counselor) designations, while sometimes discussed separately, share more similarities than differences. Both certifications aim to ensure the provision of safe, ethical, and effective client care. When seeking a therapist, it is beneficial to look for the CCC and/or RCC credentials. It is important to note that these designations differ from those held by Registered or Licensed Psychologists. Typically, a Licensed Psychologist possesses a Ph.D. and is qualified to conduct assessments and provide diagnoses; however, cannot prescribe medications. In contrast, Psychiatrists are Medical Doctors who have the ability to prescribe medications. Additionally, in many provinces in Canada, Nurse Practitioners—Registered Nurses with a Master's Degree and relevant clinical training—are authorized to assess, diagnose, and prescribe medications.
​

CCC, National - Canadian Credential

• Must hold MA degree in Counselling or related field (MC, MAC, MSW, MEd)
• MA must be attained with a government recognized and approved institution  
• MA program includes completion of 8-Core Counselling Courses in counselling/psychology per CCPA application outline, and
• 150-hours of Supervision under a qualified on-site counselling Supervisor, and
• 75-hours of 'Direct Supervision' accrued during a practicum placement such as live observations, co-counselling, review of recorded sessions
• Submission of applications from 2, non-peer, professional references
• Sealed transcripts from MA institution
• Completion of a clear criminal record check
• Evaluation of credentials, practicum experience, and application
• Acquisition of Professional Liability Insurance
• Commitment to continued Professional Development to maintain CCC   
• Review and adhere to Code of Ethics of the CCPA

RCC, Provincial - BC Credential

• Must hold MA degree in Counselling or related field (MC, MAC, MSW, MEd)
• MA must be attained with a government recognized and approved institution  
• MA program includes completion of 6-Core Counselling Courses in counselling/psychology, and 
• 100-hours of Supervision under a qualified on-site counselling Supervisor, and
• 25-hours of 'Direct Supervision' accrued during a practicum placement such as live observations, co-counselling, review of recorded sessions
• Submission of applications from 2, non-peer, professional references
• Sealed transcripts from MA institution
• Completion of a clear criminal record check
• Evaluation of credentials, practicum experience, and application
• Acquisition of Professional Liability Insurance
• Commitment to continued Professional Development to maintain RCC 
• Review and adhere to Code of Ethics of the BCACC​

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