Hello, I am Autumn (RCC#19849)! 

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As mentioned on the main page I do have an extensive professional experience working in mental health since 2010. My passion is bringing the benefits of nature and mental health to urban environments where often both can be dismissed, overlooked and have histories of exclusive access based on economic and cultural backgrounds.

 

As a child I grew up foraging with my family to supplement the food stamps we were given.  I have some of the richest memories of these times harvesting nettles, fiddleheads, berries/fruits, mushrooms and even digging clams and crabbing.  From a young age I noticed that when we were in nature the stress and the pressures of the world tended be relieved momentarily.  It seemed easier to breathe, stretch, move and grow.

 

These thoughts followed me throughout my losses and gains in life. When I started working in the DTES I was drawn to community garden and community kitchen work as a way to connect with the more than human parts of the world, increase community confidence and dignity, and increase access to nourishment in community.

 

This led to focusing my clinical career on creating meaningful change on the individual level that ripples throughout the community in a connective way.  My clinical mentors included Marie José Dhease at the Centre for Expressive Therapy as well the Vancouver School for Narrative Therapy and Human Nature Counselling’s Nature-Based Therapy teachings.  

 

Beyond the clinical world I also tend to lean heavily on the systemic analysis perspectives of social permaculture teachings from an array of sources that give me hope in a time of much ecogrief, climate anxiety and under utilized sustainability practices.  

 

While in the past I have posted a long list of clinical trainings, I am finding that this does not honour the teachings I have received from First Nations and Indigenous voices that I have been honoured to share time with. Listing clinical trainings does not honour the individuals that have seen me in both professional and personal capacities and taught me so much of what it means to navigate life and the grief, growth and turmoil of living. 

 

While my clinical degrees greatly inform my practice so do the many books, journal articles, podcasts and conversations I devour eagerly on a regular basis. If it is important to you to have a record of my formal education, which I also understand the need to view such things when trusting someone with your vulnerability, please don’t hesitate to reach out and I am happy to share with you.​

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You can also visit my profiles at Psychology Today, the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, or Counselling BC

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I look forward to sharing space with you.