Rachel’s approach is grounded in a person-centred and trauma-informed perspective, where she values a collaborative therapeutic relationship — recognizing that each person is the expert of their own experiences. Deeply empathetic and genuine in her interactions, Rachel seeks to empower individuals to recognize their resiliency and strengths, and to cultivate the skills and confidence needed to face life’s challenges.

Originally from Manitoba, Rachel grew up in a healthcare family where the importance of balancing and nourishing one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health was always emphasized. Finding that balance amidst life’s many demands continues to be something she strives for and encourages in her work. As the saying goes, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Rachel brings this belief into her counselling practice, supporting clients in setting healthy boundaries so they can live more balanced and fulfilling lives.

In sessions, Rachel helps clients explore both the present and the past — focusing on what’s happening in their lives now while also reflecting on early family experiences to uncover the “blueprint” that shaped how they learned to move through the world. This blueprint influences how we communicate, handle conflict, express emotions, and connect with others. By understanding these patterns, clients can begin to explore, process, and gently reshape the parts of their story that no longer serve them — helping them move toward the version of themselves they most want to be.

Why Continuing Education Is Important

Education and ongoing professional development are essential parts of being an effective counsellor. Counselling is a constantly evolving field — new research, theories, and approaches continue to emerge as we learn more about the human mind, relationships, and trauma. Continuing to learn ensures that us as counsellors are using the most current, evidence-based practices to support their clients.

Ongoing education also helps us to:

• Maintain ethical and professional standards — staying aligned with the guidelines of professional associations and regulatory bodies.

• Enhance clinical skills — developing new techniques and interventions to meet the diverse needs of clients.

• Engage in self-reflection and growth — deepening personal insight and awareness to better support therapeutic relationships.

• Provide trauma-informed, inclusive care — staying informed about cultural competence, neurodiversity, and emerging mental health research.

Ultimately, a commitment to lifelong learning allows counsellors to offer therapy that is safe, effective, and responsive to the unique needs of each individual they work with.

"As I walk alongside you on your journey, I bring a commitment to continuing education and the use of empirically supported, up-to-date theoretical approaches—ensuring our work together is informed, effective, and tailored to your needs."

- Rachel Gerhardt, RCC & CCC

Education & Professional Development

As a dedicated Clinical Counsellor, Rachel hold a Master’s in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University and am committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and compassionate care. Her practice adheres to the ethical guidelines of both the British Columbia Association for Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). To ensure she continue to uphold these standards, she engages regularly in trauma supervision and professional consultations.

She is trained in a variety of trauma-informed modalities, including:

• Observed Experiential Integration (OEI) Levels I & II – a trauma-processing approach using eye movements, similar to EMDR

• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

• Somatic Processing

• Polyvagal Safe and Sound Protocol

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels I & II

She works from a strengths-based and person-centred approach, helping clients build deeper emotional awareness and connection so they can feel more grounded and capable in their daily lives.

Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, body image, relationships with food and physical activity, and women’s issues (including pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum). She also support individuals experiencing stress and burnout, and she works with teens, adults, and couples.

Academic Background

Alongside her clinical training, Rachel brings an extensive academic background and a passion for lifelong learning. She has four degrees, two Bachelor’s and two Master’s.

• Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University (Graduate degree)

• Master’s in Health Studies (MHS) from Athabasca University (Graduate Degree)

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA) from the University of Saskatchewan

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics (BSc) from Brandon University

She believes that no two people are alike, and counselling should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. Her goal is to offer therapy that is tailored to each individual—integrating multiple modalities to best support their unique journey toward healing and self-understanding.