Claire  Hunter 

Before becoming a therapist, I was a Registered Nurse working in psychiatry. I found aspects of my job fulfilling, especially the ability to bear witness to my patients' lives and stories.

My patients were some of our society's most marginalized individuals - many lived on the streets, had been incarcerated, had complex psychiatric histories, and often struggled with challenges related to substance abuse.

I came to deeply know that all people are inherently kind and good and that even for those who have endured the most profound suffering, there is infinite possibility for healing and light.

Although I loved my work in psychiatry, I saw that psychiatric services were a revolving door of clients. They provided temporary stabilization for patients but did not address the root of their struggles, which were usually a deep despair due to socio-structural disadvantages.

I didn't want to simply help people survive; I wanted to help them thrive and flourish.

Becoming a counsellor has given me the opportunity to have a deeper, more human, and more transformative impact on people's healing.

It is a gift to get to share in the stories of others. It's beautiful to learn about each client's uniqueness and support them in growing brighter and more authentic in everything that makes them who they are.

✶ Keenly Interested in My Clients: I meet clients with a sense of curiosity and a desire to know who they are.

✶ Adaptable: I adapt to each client's particular needs, making sessions unique to each individual.

✶ Nursing Background: My nursing background in psychiatry enables me to understand mental health challenges, medications, and how to navigate the healthcare system. It also helps me recognize the physiological aspects of client issues and the harm and re-traumatization often caused by the healthcare system.

✶ A Solid Background in Eating Disorders: I have both extensive training and experience working with clients who struggle with disordered eating.

✶ Experience with Neurodiverse Clients: I have many years of experience working with clients across the spectrum of neurodiversity, such as giftedness, ADD, ADHD, Autism, etc. My experience as a neurodiverse individual allows me to deeply empathize with clients whose strengths and challenges are misunderstood or dismissed in a world that often fails to affirm neurodiverse experience.

✶ Authentic and Creative: I use art and creative writing as therapy tools and encourage clients to incorporate their own creative practices.

✶ Unconditionally Accepting: I aim to embrace your unique journey and experiences without bias or preconceived notions.

✶ Integrate Humour into My Work: I bring lightness and play into dark moments, using the power of therapeutic humour while still affirming the very real pain that is present.

✶ Strong Orientation Toward Joy: I help my clients live their lives fully, helping to facilitate a sense of purpose and joy. The goal of therapy isn't only to move through pain, but it’s also to create more joy.

Education:

Master of Counselling Psychology, Adler University, Vancouver, BC

McGill University, BSc. Nursing, Montreal, Quebec

Certifications and Trainings:

Looking Glass Foundation Eating Disorder Counselling Internship

QMUNITY Foundations of 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusivity Training

Alberta Family Wellness Initiative - Brain Story Certification

Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1

Crisis Prevention Institute - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training

Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française - B2 French Competence

University of Alberta - Indigenous Canada Certification

Yoga Outreach – Using Yoga in Your Work

Adler University Socially Responsible Practitioner Portfolio – Black in Canada

Adler University Socially Responsible Practitioner Portfolio – Pride in Canada

Professional Memberships:

British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors

I love to write, sing, create art, dance. I am passionate about self-expression and love fashion, makeup and outlets for creativity.

I'm also a foodie. Food is truly one of the greatest joys in life and a way in which I experience connection and love with my fellow humans.

Much of my healing journey has involved learning to be myself, loudly and proudly. I also enjoy movement in the forms of yoga, spinning, and dance. I love being outdoors and connecting with nature.