Christie Harrison, MEd
Christie is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) working at our Red Deer location.
She works with adults, ages 16 and up and has a particular interest in working with new and experienced moms.
Christie has a compassionate, collaborative approach. She knows that being human means we all experience ups and downs in life and sometimes, we could use extra support to navigate them. Christie offers a safe, judgement free space to explore concerns, develop clarity and practice practical strategies to move forward.
“A safe, compassionate space allows us to understand ourselves more deeply, which allows us to make small changes. Small changes compound and not only can we overcome difficulties, we can grow and thrive.”
Christie’s Education and Approach to Counselling
Christie has a Master’s degree in counselling from the University of Northern BC. She is registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Core Advanced Training
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-based therapy that focuses on relieving symptoms by improving interpersonal functioning. It addresses current problems and relationships rather than childhood or developmental issues. Therapists take an active, supportive and hopeful role, and they offer options for change.
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a short-term, structured humanistic approach to couples therapy developed by Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg. The EFT model uses attachment theory and prioritizes emotion and emotional regulation as the key components of relational interaction. EFT focuses on negative communication patterns, and takes direct steps to develop trust, create a more secure bond, and move the relationship in a positive direction.
Christie has completed a certificate in Maternal Mental Health (2018) and Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training (2021) through Postpartum Support International.
Person centered counselling is a humanistic approach that involves listening deeply with unconditional positive regard, acceptance and empathy. The therapist fosters self-acceptance and trusts in peoples’ capacity to understand and solve their own problems when given the space to do so.
“The curious paradox is, when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Continuing Education
Christie strongly believes in continuing to grow and develop as a therapist, and as a human being! She’s taken additional training in:
Individual Counselling
CBT Essentials, APT Institute
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Vancouver Island Centre for EFT
Advanced Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, University of Northern BC
Trauma Informed Practice 6 week series, University of Northern BC
Coaching and Career Transition
Coaching Outside the Box Certificate, College of New Caledonia
ASPECT Career Development Training (Career Counselling)
Working with Couples, Families and Groups
Family Violence: Impact on Separation and Divorce, The Justice Institute
Lighting the Way, Infant and Child Development conference, University of Northern BC
Therapists’ Interpersonal Process Group (2 years)
Weekly postgraduate workshops: Couples, Family and Group Counselling, UNBC
Community Care Centre (2 years)
American Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama Conference
Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute Winter Intensive
Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association Conference
Cultural Awareness
First Nations Protocol, Culture and Traditions (Northern Carrier), College of New Caledonia
First Nations Counselling, University of Northern BC
Reading and Personal Study
Self-Compassion
Compassion Focused Therapy
Mindfulness and Meditation
“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others.”
