Catriona Hall
Practicum Student
Connection to you
I am inspired by the human condition and enjoy exploring it with others. I want to help people feel understood and heard, confront the highs and lows of life, and find their motivation for change. My goal is to create a space of curiosity and learning to help you find a deeper and more meaningful understanding of yourself. My hope is that through this journey you will build a connection to yourself that will allow you to share, risk, listen, laugh, and discover those elements that are holding you back. I want to learn about what you need, your goals for the future, and how we can get there together.
Student Counsellor
I spent my life being fascinated with people’s stories, as a graduate of English Literature I learnt about the world through the stories people would tell about themselves, their culture, and about society. This developed a passion for travel and a curiosity for others. I moved to Canada in 2014 and found a home in the East Kootenay’s. This change came with challenges of being away from the friends and family I had known my whole life, and the importance of finding support as I figured out my changing place in the world.
Growing up on the south coast of England I loved the ocean and found a peace in the waves, whether they were calm and serene, or wild and uncontrollable. Through watersports I learned to move with the eb and flow of those waters, how to control my reaction, and when to get out. I think of this often as I embark on my counselling career and consider the self-reflective journey of when we need to take a step back, need support, or simply need to get out for just a moment to reflect on where we stand.
Professional Background
Catriona completed a Bachelors of Arts degree in English Literature, during which she worked as a respite care aid for local families. This enhanced her understanding of mental health and the support networks that contribute to wellness. Following graduation, she moved to Canada for what she thought would only be a year and continued her earlier career in the restaurant industry. During this time, she developed an interest in the workings of a small business and what that meant for its customers. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the building of community and connections, from tourists passing through town on their way to see family, to regulars who I got to know on a much more personal level. These experiences highlighted to me the individuality of people and how affective those interactions can be.
It was at the beginning of 2020 that I re-evaluated what was important for me professionally and decided to pursue my original passion of human connection and begin my Masters of Counselling Psychology. Throughout my course I have developed a culturally minded, trauma informed care, and I am passionate about helping you figure out the best way forward for your healing. I look forward to learning from Hannah, who is my supervisor and grow the passions that have been ignited throughout my career and course.
Professional Registration
Catriona Hall is currently working towards completing her Masters of Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. She is working at Converging Currents Counselling under the supervision of Hannah Yager, MSW, RSW. Catriona is in the process of completing her student registrations with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Training and Courses
- Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, University of Sussex, England.
- Master of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University (Present).
Benefits of Working with a Student Counsellor
We value seasoned therapists, as well as, new counsellors and practicum students because we recognize that there is value in every stage of a counsellors career. New therapists keep seasoned counsellors from becoming stagnant and complacent in our work; while seasoned therapists offer experience and perspectives that new therapist are still gaining. New therapists are learning, but bring great benefits to the team because they have fresh eyes and do not get trapped in the idea of “one size fits all”. We hire practicum students for two reasons: because we want to continue to honour growth and learning within our team and because they allow us to offer a sliding scale to those who can’t afford private counselling, but still want the quality and care that comes with private practice.
We regularly meet as a team and occasionally observe each other’s sessions (when clients permit it), because we believe this benefits our clients. Team meetings allow us to debrief and unpack questions and challenges we are experiencing which helps us gain fresh insight and ensure we are not missing anything in our work with clients. Observation shifts benefit the client because this means a second set of eyes and ears in the room. A counsellor observing another counsellor’s sessions can offer new perspectives and additional resources to the client.
Practicum Student’s work with clients alone, but Hannah Kempf supervises and oversees their work. Hannah will often sit in sessions with students and is always available to the student for support and insight. Clients are encouraged to also reach out to Hannah if they have questions. You benefit from working with a student counsellor because you get two counsellors supporting your journey.