Hi! I'm Cate. I was born in Scarborough, Ontario, aka the territory of the Mississaugas, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people, and I currently reside on Vancouver Island, aka the home of the Coast Salish and Nuu-Chah-Nulth people. I'm a settler with Irish, English and Scottish ancestry. I currently offer counselling sessions to people in BC and Ontario, with in person and nature sessions available to people near Victoria, Sooke, Langord and Tofino.

 

I'm a Registered Counsellor (RCC) and Registered Social Worker (RSW), and I have a Masters of Social Work degree (MSW). 

 

A lot of my personal experience guides my practice. I encountered many challenges at a young age, including loss, trauma, familial addictions, and more. I've also experienced mental health challenges myself, and know how trying they are.

​

From a young age, I had a strong appreciation for nature, but growing up in an urban area meant there was little access to natural spaces. After travelling overseas and being inspired by untouched landscapes, I came back to Toronto needing a refuge, so taught myself how to kayak on Lake Ontario. From there, my hunger to connect with the land grew even more, and I learned how to grow food.

When I moved to British Columbia, I became deeply involved with activism for indigenous sovereignty and the environment. I also fell in love with surfing and experienced the healing power of the ocean.

​

My current focus is weaving together my passion and skills in counselling with my love for nature. I am one of Canada's first certified surf therapists and part of the small percentage starting to take counselling outdoors.

​

When I'm not working, you can find me surfing, kayaking, going to yoga, meditating, gardening, or spending time with loved ones. I'm also an avid traveller with an endless desire for exploring new places and has been to over 30 countries.

​