Caroline Miege
Registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (RSW), Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (C.C.C.)
About me:
BSW,RSW,M.Ed (Counselling),CCC
I have specialized training/certification in Solutions Focused Therapy, Mindfulness based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, DBT,Trauma/PTSD treatment, ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), Certified Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist (ASDCS),Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) and EMDR.
I will bring my over 30 years of experience with counselling to you, offering culturally safe, neuroaffirming, trauma informed and evidence based treatments. We will build on your skills and strengths, working together and drawing from community to obtain the results you want from counselling.
I work with adults, focusing on treatment of trauma/PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, stress management, anger management, women's issues, self esteem, relationship issues, and career/workplace issues. I have specialized experience and training working with people who are neuro-divergent (ADHD, people on the autism spectrum, learning disabilities), helping to navigate school, community and workplace. I am able to support people through major life transitions such as chronic illness and losses of all kinds.
I am influenced by a number of therapeutic modalities, but my approach is based on being person-centered, meaning that I strive to understand the client’s point of view, and create a relationship that is caring, genuine and non-judgmental.
Other modalities that I frequently draw from are somatic therapy, EMDR, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and a neuroscience/poly-vagal theory approach.
I was born and raised on a farm in the Shuswap which has created a lifelong respect for the environment. A large part of supporting my mental health is by practicing nature based mindfulness. I believe that nature is essential to our health and well-being. I am European on my paternal side and Māori (Ngāti Awa) through my maternal lineage.
I have a bachelor of Social Work and a Master’s in Education (counselling). I am a Registered Social Worker in B.C. and Ontario. I do regular clinical supervision and professional development. My practice strives to be anti-oppressive and to provide culturally responsive care. I have supported clients who are Indigenous throughout Canada. I completed the SAN’YAS: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. As a social justice advocate I am an ally for the LGBQ2S+ community.
Services
I offer individual counselling for adults online or in-person.
I recommend a free 15 minute consultation before committing to a session.
In-Person Counselling: Available in Salmon Arm only at a downtown location (Suite 210 - #310 (Hudson AVE NE).
Walk and Talk Therapy: I use the same therapeutic modalities that I would in an office setting, but also take advantage of nature and movement. This is not an exercise session. We will walk at a slower space for either 2 or 4 km, with opportunity to stop and rest. Walk and Talk therapy can assist people to get “unstuck” when working through difficult times. It can be less anxiety provoking than sitting in a traditional office setting. People tend to be more at ease in nature and the rhythmic nature of walking is comforting. Walking and movement help to decrease the sympathetic nervous system response, essentially decreasing stress on a physical level. There is a minimum of one video or phone session prior to walk and talk therapy in order to complete consent and assessment.
Firest REsponders, vertrans, caf members
As a registered clinical counsellor specializing in the treatment of trauma I use evidence based trauma focused modalities within a practice that is occupationally aware (actively expanding specialized care through upcoming First Responder Occupational Awareness Training) as well as providing a confidential space specifically suited for those struggling navigating PTSD, Occupational Stress Injuries, Cumulative and Critical Incident trauma, Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma and Moral Injury
I offer direct billing through Medavie Blue Cross to eliminate out-of-pocket costs.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health struggles that people experience which can have major impact on a person’s day to day life. It is recommended to seek help before the depression reaches a clinical level as it is harder to bounce back when you lack energy to stay active and maintain social contacts. It is helpful to seek help when you notice the signs of depression are starting to affect your functioning.
Anxiety
Anxiety describes a group of disorders that cause worry, nervousness, and fear. These feelings of anxiety interfere with everyday life and are out of proportion to the triggering object or event.
neurodivergence
I have over 30 years of dedicated experience supporting neuro-divergent individuals across diverse community settings and hold certification as a ADHD Clinical Services Provider and Certified Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist. My private practice is a neuro-diversity affirming space designed for the unique way your brain works. I specialize exclusively in working with adults, with focus on navigating the complex journey of a late diagnosis. I understand that discovering your neurodivergence later in life often comes with a unique layer of grief for the years spent wondering why things felt so hard, and I am here to hold space for that healing. Together, we will gently address the heavy weight of workplace burnout and chronic exhaustion, moving away from trying to "fix" or mask who you are. Instead, we will collaborate on self-compassionate, practical strategies that honor your sensory needs and executive functioning. Whether you are navigating ADHD, autism, or the intricate intersection of both (AuDHD), you don’t have to figure it out alone—this is a safe space to unmask, process, and build a life that truly fits you.
Life Transitions
Transitions, such as retirement, job loss or having a child can bring unexpected challenges leaving people feeling lost, confused or overwhelmed. A counsellor can assist in navigating these changes and learning to cope in new ways.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress is a natural part of our life. What we need to take care of however, is excess build-up of stress over time that can affect our normal daily functioning
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Trauma
Trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are terms used for understanding the complex mind/body response to unpredictable/traumatic experiences that may create difficulties with:
Regulation (fight/flight/freeze)
Intense feelings of shame and overwhelm
Disconnection
Anger
Nightmares
Intrusive thoughts
Physical ailments
Recovery focuses on creating a sense of safety and respecting emotional and physical boundaries.
Grief and Loss
Everyone grieves differently. But if you understand your emotions, take care of yourself, and seek support, you can heal. I am a Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP
“The paradox of trauma is that is has both the power to transform and resurrect.”
Contact
Caroline Miege (she/her)