MEET DR. CAROLE PATRICK, PHD, MA, ABS, RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and a registered service provider for the First Nations Health Authority in private practice since 1995. During this time I have been assisting individuals overcome a diverse range of issues including but not limited to problems in relationships, grief and loss, conflict, anxiety, depression, trauma, panic disorders, life transitions and other concerns that may prevent a person from leading a fulfilling and healthy life. Through a holistic approach, I help clients find a balance within their emotional, mental, physical and spiritual selves.
For over a decade I provided mental health services as a psychosocial rehabilitation practitioner, assisting adults with major mental health issues to enhance their level of functioning and enjoy the quality of life they deserve and desire. With improved life skills, a person can enjoy a sense of fulfillment in daily life, and an improved sense of wellness. In addition, I have worked extensively in community mental health outreach and crisis intervention, and since 1998, I have become a specialist in the field of Indian Residential School trauma, providing services to former students and generational survivors.
My practice emphasizes the importance of understanding each individual’s root issues and early life experiences that may have contributed to the current problem being experienced. This understanding will enable the person to identify emotional triggers and develop skills to effectively reduce the impact by managing emotional reactions in a positive way, and be better equipped to work towards having a balanced and emotionally fulfilling life. I believe we are all capable of being empowered to make even small changes to achieve goals we want to pursue in our personal lives, with the positive result of developing a sense of wellbeing and happiness that we deserve.
My approach
Guided by deep empathy and compassion, I recognize each client as unique. Through my extensive professional experience in the field of trauma recovery, and coupled with my own life experience and education, I have an enhanced ability to provide effective assessment and wellness planning. I specialize in Family System’s approach, that recognizes how our early life experiences within our family have a significant impact on our life experiences in later life. Through the development of a genogram (similar to a family map), I explore with the client how the family patterns are played out through several generations. Having worked extensively within Indigenous communities has contributed to my understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity when working with Indigenous people within my practice. I firmly believe that our cultural identity is an important aspect of developing a healthy sense of self, no matter what our ethnic background may be.

Areas of practice
- Abuse: Emotional, Physical, Sexual
- Sexual Assault
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Trauma
- Conflict/Anger Management Issues
- Marriage and/or Relationship Issues
- Intimacy Issues
- Life Transitions
- Parenting Issues
- Blended Families
- Pre-Marital Counselling
- Attachment Issues
- Addictions – alcohol, drugs, food, relationship, sexual
- Anxiety and/or Panic Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Esteem Issues
- Cross Cultural Issues
- Depression
- Grief and Loss – General
- Professional Burnout
- Spirituality
- Suicide Ideation
- Suicide Survivor Impact
- Generational impact of unresolved grief and loss
- Indian residential school abuse

Approaches used
- Adlerian Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
- Gestalt Therapy
- Family Systems Therapy
- Marriage & Couples Counselling
- Meditation
- Skype/Video Counselling
- Short Term Solution Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Self-Regulation Therapy
- Existential Humanistic
- Logo Therapy
- Family of Origin Therapy

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

Education
- PhD Psychology- 2017 (Saybrook University, Oakland, CA)
- Research:
- Understanding the Impact of Indian Residential Schools on Cultural Identity: A Qualitative Study using Storytelling as Narrative. Canadian Indigenous Perspectives and Practises of Spirituality. PhD Dissertation: Carole Patrick, Dec. 2017.
- The Elders Speak: Indian Residential Schools and Loss of Traditional Language. A Qualitative Approach. C. Patrick, May 17, 2014. Unpublished Manuscript.
- The Elders Speak: The Impact of Indian Residential Schools on Traditional Parenting.
- A Pilot Study using a Qualitative approach. C. Patrick, Dec. 14, 2013. Unpublished Manuscript.
- Research:
- MA/Applied Behavioral Sciences (Systems Counselling) 1995 (Bastyr University, Seattle)
- BA – Criminology 1979 (Simon Fraser University, Burnaby)
- Harvard Medical School- Dept. of Psychiatry, Continuing Education
- Mind/Body Medicine – 2014
- Complex Trauma – 2015
- Treating Adult Attachment Pathology – 2017
Awards
- 2009: Deputy Minister’s Award for Suicide Prevention Strategies from a Community Approach
- 2010: Public Service Award of Excellence for Youth Suicide Prevention