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
Diversity
I believe that diversity is a community’s strength and I have been privileged to work with 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 for whom cost may be a barrier. 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
➤ Somatic Informed Therapy
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
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, Interim Federal Health Program (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
➤ 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, Interim Federal Health Program (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