Kathleen Gingras
Therapy
I am dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive. I began my career in 2007 and transitioned my practice to Victoria in 2014. I specialize in supporting adults, couples, families, teens and children (ages 8+), bringing a warm, ‘real-world’ approach to every session.
Professional Credentials
Licensed as: Registered Psychologist, in the province of British Columbia. Registration Number: #2221 Education: MSc in Marriage and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University, 2007
Theoretical Orientation:
Cognitive-Behavioural, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Integrative, Attachment-Based, Narrative Treatment Approaches, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Gottman, Emotional Focused Therapy, Relation Life Therapy, Dan Siegel and Gordon Neufeld.
Areas of Specialization:
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Couples Counselling, Family Systems, Blended Families, Parenting Support and Attachment, Teens, Children (8+), Burnout and Grief.
Professional Affiliations
Member of: Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), BC, College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHPCBC), BC Psychological Association (BCPA) As a registered professional, I am regulated by the College of Health and Care Professionals (CHPCBC) which ensures that I adhere to professional standards of practice and ethical guidelines.
What I am Reading
Some of my Favorites:
Parenting & Adolescence
- Lisa Damour, PhD – Practical guidance for navigating the emotional lives of teenagers.
- Dan Siegel, MD & Gordon Neufeld, PhD – Experts on brain development, attachment, and the power of "showing up."
- Eli Harwood, MA, LPC – Author of Securely Attached, she offers practical workbooks and prompts to help adults transform their attachment patterns.
- Jonathan Haidt, PhD – Social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation; explores the "great rewiring of childhood" and the importance of play-based over phone-based development
Couples, Attchment & Relationships
- The Gottman Institute – Research-based strategies for improving relationship health and communication.
- Sue Johnson, EdD – The pioneer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Her book Hold Me Tight is the gold standard for creating secure, lasting bonds.
- Amir Levine, MD & Rachel Heller, MA – Authors of Attached, a popular guide to the science of adult attachment and how it affects dating and partnerships.
- Julie Menanno, LMFT – Author of Secure Love, specializing in navigating the anxious-avoidant dynamic in modern relationships.
- Stan Tatkin, PsyD – Author of Wired for Love, using neuroscience and attachment theory to help couples create a "couple bubble" of safety.
- Terry Real – Relational Life Therapy (RLT) for addressing power dynamics and deep disconnection.
Self-Care & Wellness
-
Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski – A vital resource for understanding and completing the stress response cycle.
-
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Explores how trauma is stored in the body and the various paths to recovery.
- Tara Brach, PhD – Radical Acceptance: Combines clinical psychology with mindfulness practices to help readers move past feelings of unworthiness and self-judgment.
- Dr. Kristin Neff – Self-Compassion: Provides the research and practical exercises for treating oneself with the same kindness we give to others, which is often the missing piece in burnout recovery.
- Ingrid Clayton, PhD – Author of Believing Me; she provides a deeply validating look at the "fawn" response, self-gaslighting, and the journey of recovering from invisible trauma.
