• Kara Fogwell, RCC, RSW

    Kara is registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, the First Nations Health Authority, ICBC, and theĀ Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP).

    My goal as a professional has been evolving since the start of my career. There has always been a sense of client-centered, strength-based approaches in my work but these ideologies permeate all of my work with the VK Wellness Initiative. I want my clients to feel like they have entered a safe relationship, and opened new doors to self and change. I hope to guide my clients into a new relationship with themselves and foster the growth of their self-efficacy. I am truly honored to be the witness to such incredible change and growth ‘in the lives’ of each client with whom I have the pleasure of working with.

    I have worked in the human service sector for the past 21 years in a variety of fields. My experience includes working with individuals accessing counselling for a range of behavioral and psychological concerns. I also spent a large part of my career supporting individuals, children, and families with developmental delays or concerns. I have worked in many different programs supporting youth as well as programs working with young offenders. My work with families includes developmental support, parenting supports, advocacy, and accessing resources. I have spent time working with Indigenous services and appreciate the need for reconciliation and aim to support this in my work. Cultural humility is an idea and behavior that I find utterly invaluable. I have also provided many educational opportunities spanning many topics for a wide variety of audiences.

    My specific approaches are first and foremost related to the sense of security in the relationship you develop with me and our process. I use Emotion-Focused Therapy approaches which relate to models of attachment styles and support the client in understanding and changing their behaviour from this perspective. I also apply somatic approaches to the integration and processing of our past traumas focusing on polyvagal approaches to healing. The body often knows what the mind cannot work through. I appreciate the systemic lens for an understanding of our current circumstances. My experience has also led me to the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches for addressing different issues, specifically anxiety and depression, as a way of conceptualizing the current issue and finding a way to change the cycle the client may be stuck in. I am a certified Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapist and offer individual and group MBCT in my practice. Finally, I am a Christian and offer counselling to fellow followers of Jesus Christ that is based on biblical principles for healing. I am currently a student at Heritage Christian Seminary working on my Master’s in Theology with a long term goal of registering as a Chaplain.

    I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor as well as a Registered Social Worker in the province of British Columbia, Canada. I received my Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba in 2010 and completed my Master of Art’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2019. If you have any further questions regarding my certifications or training and experience please feel free to send me an email sometime or give me a call.

    I look forward to working on this initiative and meeting so many new wonderful people. l hope you find your experience here to be one you trust and one that inspires the hope and changes you truly deserve.

    ~May you be well~

    Contact Kara here: kara@vkwellness.ca