Kathleen Lafferty, BA, MCP, RCC is a clinical counsellor in Victoria, BC. She specializes in self esteem, body image, and eating disorders. She started her private therapy practice in 2021 and loves running her own business and helping individuals who are struggling with mental health issues and personal growth.
If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
Feeling like you are not worthy or good enough is a waste of your precious life energy…You have always been enough. Don’t worry so much and appreciate your experiences [even the negative ones], they are there to teach you.
When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?
I knew I wanted to be a psychotherapist since I was a teenager and worked hard to finish my education as soon as I could. My plan was to go into private practice after working at an agency for a few years. Life events created a situation where I ended up moving to Victoria, which turned out to be the perfect opportunity to start my business. It was the result of hard work, and then the universe guiding me into this particular career path, even if I didn’t feel necessarily prepared for it when I started. It was definitely the right move!
What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?
It is really amazing to work in the healing professions. To actually watch someone’s healing transformation is a profound experience. I see and hear many stories of suffering, and when you can sit with an individual who is deeply hurt, in their pain, and help to transform it into wisdom, compassion, and love, it is really beautiful.
Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it? “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change. – Carl Rogers This is a quote that I have on my email footer. It was a turning point in my own life when I realized this to be true – change begins with unconditional acceptance of who you are right now. Now I try to impart this message to my clients every day. 5. What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work? My number one priority is making sure clients leave each session feeling better than they did when they came in. And self care is also really important – it is easy to get burned out in the helping professions and looking after your own needs is vital to maintaining a long-term viable practice.
Connect with Kathleen:
Website: www.cadborobaycounselling.com
Instagram: @cadboro_bay_counselling
LinkedIn: Kathleen Lafferty
