|
EDUCATION & TRAINING |
|
You may notice on my email signature there are a number of letters behind my name.
Katya Sivak, BA, MA, RCC, RCC. I know that choosing a right counsellor can be very confusing, especially if you are trying to understand what all the letters following counsellors’ names mean. You can read about my education and training below. If you are curious about other designations you may see behind a therapist’s name, please read an article attempting to decipher the enigma of letters behind a therapist’s name. |
I recognize that my cisgender, able-body, straight-passing, white-passing and settler privileges allowed me to access education centred on colonial learning. I am continuously doing work to decolonize my education. |
EDUCATION
BA – Bachelor of Arts. Specifically in Psychology
MA – Master of Arts. Specifically in Counselling Psychology
MA – Master of Arts. Specifically in Counselling Psychology
I have a great desire to connect with people. My education taught me how to make those connections effectively. My masters program has given me the education necessary to work in the helping field and the self examination necessary to make me a more effective counsellor.
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, University of Victoria | 2013
Thesis: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Pregnant Women
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of British Columbia | 2007
Thesis: Coping Strategies of Women Working in Antarctica
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, University of Victoria | 2013
Thesis: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Pregnant Women
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of British Columbia | 2007
Thesis: Coping Strategies of Women Working in Antarctica
ACCREDITATIONS
I am proud to be a member of professional counselling organizations dedicated to enhancing mental health in Canada and ensuring I meet the highest standards of professional practice and accountability.
- Canadian Clinical Counsellor with CCPA (#7400)
- Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC (#11114)
SUPPLEMENTAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
I find great pleasure in learning new ways that improve my skill as a helping field professional. I continuously challenge myself to continue learning and furthering my professional development.
Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy
In 2022 I have completed Therapsil Psilocybin-Assisted Training Program for therapists. TheraPsil’s fundamental mission is to provide access to psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to Canadians in medical need. I am currently TheraPsil Affiliate and working towards TheraPsil Psychotherapy Associate designation.
In addition to clinical professional trainings, over the last 13 years I have develop deep relationship with beautiful Plant Teachers. These intimate relationships have been teaching and healing and guiding my work with clients.
In addition to clinical professional trainings, over the last 13 years I have develop deep relationship with beautiful Plant Teachers. These intimate relationships have been teaching and healing and guiding my work with clients.
Somatic Experiencing
In 2018 I have completed two out of three years of Somatic Experiencing Practioner training. Somatic experiencing is a form of alternative therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on the client's perceived body sensations (or somatic experiences). When I complete all the requirements you might see the letters SEP standing for Somatic Experiencing Practitioner behind my name. When you see SEP behind a person’s name it means they completed all the requirements of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute.
In 2018 I have completed two out of three years of Somatic Experiencing Practioner training. Somatic experiencing is a form of alternative therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on the client's perceived body sensations (or somatic experiences). When I complete all the requirements you might see the letters SEP standing for Somatic Experiencing Practitioner behind my name. When you see SEP behind a person’s name it means they completed all the requirements of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute.
Certifications
- Core Indigenous Cultural Safety Foundations (February, 2019)
- Somatic Experiencing Intermediate Level III (October, 2018)
- Somatic Experiencing Intermediate Level II (May, 2018)
- Somatic Experiencing Intermediate Level I (February, 2018)
- Somatic Experiencing Beginner Level III (October, 2017)
- Somatic Experiencing Beginner Level II (May, 2017)
- Somatic Experiencing Beginner Level I (February, 2017)
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Crisis Prevention Institute (2015)
- Grief and Loss Training for Professionals, Grief and Loss Society of BC (2014)
- Professional Development in University Teaching, UVIC (2013)
- Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy Training Program, Level I, Pacific Satir Society (2012)
- Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, UVic (2018)
- Telephone Crisis Intervention Counselling, BC Crisis Line (2007)
Workshops
- Dream Retreat. Tokopa; Saltspring Island (2019)
- Courting the Dream. Tokopa; (2019)
- Dreamwalking: A Course On Dreams. Tokopa. (2018)
- Working Relationally with Conflicted Couple Relationships (2015)
- Healing from Trauma using, Satir Institute of the Pacific (2014)
- Healing Beyond Depression, Satir Institute of the Pacific (2014)
- Parenting: Within, Between, Among, Satir Institute of the Pacific (2013)
- Mindful Motherhood for Pregnant Women and New Mothers (2013)
- Counselling Traumatized Clients: An Integrated Multimodal Group Approach (2012)
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Students Self-Compassion and Empowerment (2011)
- Nature Based Approach to Therapeutic Change (2011)
- Dream Interpretation in Counselling & Psychotherapy (2010)
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Wheel of the Year Women's Circle with Yarina Yarina, Ukraine. (2021 - 2023)
Transitions, Grief, Soul Healing in Slavic Traditions, Anna Vokina, Russia. (2016 - 2021)
Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula Training with Jessica Austin & Gloria Lemay, Canada. (2021)
Pleasure Witch Academy. Confronting Internalized Oppression with Luna Dietrich, US. (2020)
13 Moon Womb Circle with Melanie O’Leary, Canada. (2018-2019)
Rewilding for Women Inner Circle with Sabrina Lynn, Australia (2018-2019)
Intuitive Plant Medicine with Asia Suller, US (2018)
Transitions, Grief, Soul Healing in Slavic Traditions, Anna Vokina, Russia. (2016 - 2021)
Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula Training with Jessica Austin & Gloria Lemay, Canada. (2021)
Pleasure Witch Academy. Confronting Internalized Oppression with Luna Dietrich, US. (2020)
13 Moon Womb Circle with Melanie O’Leary, Canada. (2018-2019)
Rewilding for Women Inner Circle with Sabrina Lynn, Australia (2018-2019)
Intuitive Plant Medicine with Asia Suller, US (2018)
COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL ENGAGEMNT
- Board Director for BCACC (2018 - 2020)
- Roots of Empathy Parent-Infant Volunteer (2016 -2017)
- BCACC Regional Representative, Region 4, Vancouver, BC (2014 - 2016)
- Board Director for Pacific Postpartum Support Society (2014 - 2016)
- Faculty of Graduate Studies Deans' Lunchtime Lecture Series Presenter (09/2011 - 07/2012)
- UVic Committee on Award for Teaching Excellence Student Representative (10/2011 - 04/2012)
- UVic Department of Education Graduate Admissions Committee Student Representative (08/2011 - 05/2011)Roots of Empathy Parent-Infant Volunteer (09/2010 - 05/2011)
COUNSELLING EXPERINCE
Trauma Counsellor
Private Practice, Vancouver BC www.KatyaSivak.ca | September 2013 – Present
Providing psychotherapy services to motor vehicle accident (MVA) clients. Formulate strategic treatment plans for clients which meet their post-accident psychological needs. Facilitate chronic pain management counselling services by outlining post-accident issues which may have been caused by anger, resentment and frustration. Perform psychological evaluations and pre-screening prior to the development of treatment plans. Maintain comprehensive records of assessment sessions and applied treatment methods.
Clinical Counsellor for Employment Services (WorkBC)
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, Delta, BC | October 2014 – Present
I support clients who have persistent multiple barriers to employment. I help clients overcome symptoms of trauma that negatively impact their chances of obtaining and maintaining employment or successful completing a training program.
Family Counsellor
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, Delta, BC | October 2014 – Present
After being hired for a maternity leave Youth Counsellor Position, I was thrilled when four months later agency has offered me a Family Counsellor position. I am honored to offer families safe and nonjudgmental environment where they can solve family conflicts, connect with each other, and grow together.
Youth Counsellor
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, Delta, BC | May 2014 – October 2014
I offered youth a client-centered, therapeutic environment where youth could safely talk about many issues including mental health, addictions, struggle with peers, and conflict at home.
Support Group Facilitator
Ovarian Cancer Canada, Vancouver, BC | September 2012-2019
My grief and loss training guides me to do counselling work, where I support and facilitate hope and healing for women diagnosed with cancer as they go through life transforming changes.
International Boarding School Counsellor
Bodwell High School, North Vancouver, BC | August 2013-May 2014
I showed up every day to make a positive difference in the lives of students. I was able to connect with students and parents and enhance student’s experience at an international boarding school.
University Counsellor
University of Victoria Counselling Services, Victoria, BC | Aug. 2011- May 2012 .
I took pride in fostering student success and well-being through individual and group counselling. Facilitated a number of groups including Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Mindfulness for Depression and Anxiety, and Mindfulness Based Grief and Loss Group.
Crisis Line Counsellor
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC | January 2007-July 2009
As I offered hope and made a difference in my community by supporting clients in distressed crisis, I have discovered my career path. I Contributed 500 hours to this cause and demonstrated exceptional skills in showing empathy, assessing risk, building rapport and establishing trust while helping callers move from crisis to coping.
Private Practice, Vancouver BC www.KatyaSivak.ca | September 2013 – Present
Providing psychotherapy services to motor vehicle accident (MVA) clients. Formulate strategic treatment plans for clients which meet their post-accident psychological needs. Facilitate chronic pain management counselling services by outlining post-accident issues which may have been caused by anger, resentment and frustration. Perform psychological evaluations and pre-screening prior to the development of treatment plans. Maintain comprehensive records of assessment sessions and applied treatment methods.
Clinical Counsellor for Employment Services (WorkBC)
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, Delta, BC | October 2014 – Present
I support clients who have persistent multiple barriers to employment. I help clients overcome symptoms of trauma that negatively impact their chances of obtaining and maintaining employment or successful completing a training program.
Family Counsellor
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, Delta, BC | October 2014 – Present
After being hired for a maternity leave Youth Counsellor Position, I was thrilled when four months later agency has offered me a Family Counsellor position. I am honored to offer families safe and nonjudgmental environment where they can solve family conflicts, connect with each other, and grow together.
Youth Counsellor
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC, Delta, BC | May 2014 – October 2014
I offered youth a client-centered, therapeutic environment where youth could safely talk about many issues including mental health, addictions, struggle with peers, and conflict at home.
Support Group Facilitator
Ovarian Cancer Canada, Vancouver, BC | September 2012-2019
My grief and loss training guides me to do counselling work, where I support and facilitate hope and healing for women diagnosed with cancer as they go through life transforming changes.
International Boarding School Counsellor
Bodwell High School, North Vancouver, BC | August 2013-May 2014
I showed up every day to make a positive difference in the lives of students. I was able to connect with students and parents and enhance student’s experience at an international boarding school.
University Counsellor
University of Victoria Counselling Services, Victoria, BC | Aug. 2011- May 2012 .
I took pride in fostering student success and well-being through individual and group counselling. Facilitated a number of groups including Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, Mindfulness for Depression and Anxiety, and Mindfulness Based Grief and Loss Group.
Crisis Line Counsellor
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC | January 2007-July 2009
As I offered hope and made a difference in my community by supporting clients in distressed crisis, I have discovered my career path. I Contributed 500 hours to this cause and demonstrated exceptional skills in showing empathy, assessing risk, building rapport and establishing trust while helping callers move from crisis to coping.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Learning Strategies for University Success Lab Instructor
University of Victoria | 09/2011- 04/2012 .
Created learning environment that is welcoming, challenging, inclusive, and promote risk-taking.
Teaching Assistant: Counselling Theories; Interpersonal Skills; Administration of Education in BC
University of Victoria | 09/2009 - 05/2010 .
Provided classroom climate of relationships and carrying, allowing students to learn about and practice counselling skills
Online Workshop Facilitator: Integrative Complexity
University of British Columbia | 08/2009 - 08/2010 .
As I developed and facilitated online workshops I have discovered my passion for teaching
University of Victoria | 09/2011- 04/2012 .
Created learning environment that is welcoming, challenging, inclusive, and promote risk-taking.
Teaching Assistant: Counselling Theories; Interpersonal Skills; Administration of Education in BC
University of Victoria | 09/2009 - 05/2010 .
Provided classroom climate of relationships and carrying, allowing students to learn about and practice counselling skills
Online Workshop Facilitator: Integrative Complexity
University of British Columbia | 08/2009 - 08/2010 .
As I developed and facilitated online workshops I have discovered my passion for teaching
PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Sivak, K. (2014, May). Practical Guidelines for Facilitating Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Pregnant Women. Talk presented at the International Association of Counselling, Victoria, Canada.
Sivak, K., & Tasker, S. (2014, May). Assessing Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Pregnant Women with Previous Difficult Postpartum Mood. Poster accepted for presented at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Annual Conference, Victoria, Canada.
Legkaia, K., & Tasker, S.(2012, May). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for pregnant women. Poster presented at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Annual Conference, Calgary, Canada.
Legkaia, K. (2012, February). Value changes in the narratives of astronauts. Faculty of Graduate Studies in the Deans' Lunchtime Lecture Series.
Legkaia, K., Brcic, J., & Suedfeld, P. (2011, June) Coping strategies and intimacy of women in extreme environments. Poster presented at Canadian Psychology Association Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Legkaia, K., Brcic, J., & Suedfeld, P. (2009, June). What kinds of social support do astronauts seek? Paper presented at the 17th IAA Human in Space Symposium, Moscow, Russia.
Sivak, K., & Tasker, S. (2014, May). Assessing Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Pregnant Women with Previous Difficult Postpartum Mood. Poster accepted for presented at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Annual Conference, Victoria, Canada.
Legkaia, K., & Tasker, S.(2012, May). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for pregnant women. Poster presented at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Annual Conference, Calgary, Canada.
Legkaia, K. (2012, February). Value changes in the narratives of astronauts. Faculty of Graduate Studies in the Deans' Lunchtime Lecture Series.
Legkaia, K., Brcic, J., & Suedfeld, P. (2011, June) Coping strategies and intimacy of women in extreme environments. Poster presented at Canadian Psychology Association Conference, Toronto, Canada.
Legkaia, K., Brcic, J., & Suedfeld, P. (2009, June). What kinds of social support do astronauts seek? Paper presented at the 17th IAA Human in Space Symposium, Moscow, Russia.
PUBLICATIONS
Suedfeld P, Legkaia K, Brcic J. Changes in the hierarchy of value references associated with flying in space. J Pers. 2010 Oct;78(5):1411-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2010.00656.x. Epub 2010 Jul 20. PMID: 20663027.
Suedfeld, P., Brcic, J., & Legkaia, K.(2009). Coping with the problems of space flight: Reports from astronauts and cosmonauts. Acta Astronautica, 65(3), 312-324.
Psychological assessment at a distance: Values and integrative complexity of the 2008 U.S. presidential candidates. 2008 ispp annual meeting section chairs
Suedfeld, P., Brcic, J., & Legkaia, K.(2009). Coping with the problems of space flight: Reports from astronauts and cosmonauts. Acta Astronautica, 65(3), 312-324.
Psychological assessment at a distance: Values and integrative complexity of the 2008 U.S. presidential candidates. 2008 ispp annual meeting section chairs
