Kimberlee L Bateman
Who am I?
I come to this work with my own lived experience and healing journey. I know how it feels to sit on your side of the proverbial couch!
I have been honoured to have 5 independent, creative, thriving kids. Many have chosen life partners to grow our family with, resulting in 5 amazing grandchildren! We are a family of gamers and movie lovers!
I love nature, travel, puzzles, and horses!
I am a lifelong learner and continue to hone my skills through ongoing training locally and abroad!
Qualifications:
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#20574) through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#11244089) through the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association.
I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of the Fraser Valley. I have a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Trinity Western University.
Additional Training & Professional Development:
- Somatic Experiencing® ~ SE™ Intermediate Year Student
- Trauma Integrating Flow Therapy (TIFT) ~ Basic
- Neuroscience and Satir in the Sand Tray ~ Introduction
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy ~ Level 1 & 2
- Core Self Reclamation Therapy
- Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) Caregiver Workshop
- Certified 200 hour yoga instructor Training
- Yin & Trauma Informed Yoga Training
My approach
I practice Relationally Focused Trauma Therapy
What does “Relationally Focused” mean?
Our need for belonging, value, acceptance, and love is part of our genetic instinctual imperative for survival. When these relational needs are threatened or at risk, it can have the same effect as a lion chasing you! Occasionally, your attempts to fulfill or protect your relational needs can grow into behaviour patterns that are unhelpful or painful to yourselves and to others.
In focusing on the relational aspects of who you are, we can understand why you are suffering. I do this by incorporating a trauma-informed holistic approach, that re-connects you with your core needs, your thoughts, your nervous system, your body, and your emotions. I also focus on the relationship between you and me as a rich source of information, practice, and healing. We are biologically designed to heal in relationships and creating the conditions for healing is my top priority for my clients.
“Trauma” Defined
Trauma is an acute form of stress in which your brain and nervous system get activated. This can happen from a perceived threat to your survival or to your sense of relational safety. It can also happen as a result of cumulative stress over time.
Trauma in essence is experiencing too much, too fast, with not enough support. This is the trifecta of trauma which is how your brain and nervous system interprets something as threatening or traumatic. Any one or a combination of these conditions hinders us from being in relationship to the here and now and ultimately disconnects us from our core selves and others. This is why I am intentional about slowing down, integrating change incrementally, and ensuring your sense of safety and connection to me is secure.
Methods
Some of the tools or techniques used to support the conditions of healing could come from Relational Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Trauma Integrating Flow Therapy (TIFT), Family Systems Therapy, Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT), The Gottman Method, and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFBT).
Client Feedback
"Kimberlee is knowledgable, easy to talk with, and creates a safe space"
"Kim is great. She has some different techniques from other counsellors I have had in the past. It is giving me some breakthroughs and I am excited about my journey"
"I feel comfortable working with Kimberlee and I am getting a lot out of our conversations"
"Kimberlee has the ability to make you feel safe when sharing difficult issues"