About Me
I’m Claire Skillen, a registered clinical counsellor with a background that spans health, social services, leadership, and community work. My approach is person centered, collaborative, and trauma informed, grounded in a deep belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of feeling genuinely seen and heard. I bring both professional training and lived experience into the work I do, including military service, recovery from serious injury, and years in leadership roles, which allows me to meet clients with empathy, curiosity, and real world understanding.
Hi, I’m Claire Skillen
MACP, MBA, B.Sc. CHR, RCC, EMDR Trained
I’m a registered clinical counsellor offering trauma informed, person centered virtual therapy for adults. At the heart of my practice is a deep belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of connection, curiosity, and compassion. I work collaboratively with clients to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and grounded, where you can explore your experiences at your own pace and in your own way.
My approach honours both the complexity of lived experience and the courage it takes to begin healing. I don’t believe in fixing people. I believe in supporting people to better understand themselves, build self trust, and reconnect with their strengths.
My Story
My path to becoming a counsellor has been anything but linear. Over the past 20 plus years, I’ve worked across a wide range of sectors, including health, social services, leadership, and community based organizations. I’ve always been drawn to roles centered around growth, change, and supporting others through meaningful transitions.
Alongside my professional journey, I bring lived experience into the work I do. This includes military service, recovery from serious physical injury, time spent in senior leadership and board roles, and navigating my own life transitions. These experiences have shaped how I show up with clients, not as an expert above you, but as a human walking alongside you.
Nature, mindfulness, curiosity, and honest conversation are foundational to my own well being and are deeply woven into my therapeutic work.
How I Work
My approach is person centered, trauma informed, and collaborative. This means I see you as the expert in your own life, and we work together to explore what’s happening, what feels stuck, and what you would like to shift.
I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches depending on your needs and goals, including EMDR, ACT, DBT, somatic practices, solution focused therapy, and CBT. Sessions are flexible, relational, and grounded in safety and consent.
You don’t need to have the right words or a clear plan when you start. We begin wherever you are.
Who I Work With
I work primarily with adults (18 plus) and welcome clients from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. My practice is inclusive, neurodiverse affirming, and LGBTQ+ friendly.
I offer virtual sessions to clients across British Columbia and other Canadian provinces where permitted, and may also work with international clients depending on regulatory guidelines.
If you are unsure whether we’re a good fit, that’s completely okay. A free discovery call is a gentle way to explore this together.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you are looking for ongoing support or just want to explore your options, you are welcome here. Start by learning more about the services I offer or book a free discovery call to see if we are the right fit.