Candy Widdifield, M.Ed., RCC, CCC, RMT (IARP)

Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, Certified EMDR Therapist
#214 - 3001 Tutt Street, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 2H4
Currently not taking clients
Phone: 778-821-1745
Session Fees: $150 EMDR sessions (1.5 hrs.), $110 Reiki & Counselling combined (50 mins), $110 Life coaching (50 mins), $110 Counselling (50 mins)
This member is also available for online counseling.
Online-counseling methods: Phone, Webcam

Candy believes that each person has the potential to live a meaningful, successful life. She is passionate about her work and recognizes that lasting changes are created by connecting the mind and body, directing brain function, using incremental change strategies, and building on the strengths and resources that people have. Candy is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, a Canadian Certified Counsellor, a Certified EMDR Therapist, a Registered Reiki Master Teacher, and a member of the International Association of Reiki Practitioners.

Candy holds undergraduate degrees in Commerce, Education & Psychology (graduating with honours). After gaining practical experience in the areas of counselling and personal growth, she completed her Masters degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria in 2007. Since then Candy has assisted and empowered individuals to reclaim their capacity to thrive. Candy helps people find deeper meaning from their experiences. She is extensively trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic therapy, and in neuroscience (harnessing the brain’s ability to change). In 2015 she completed a year long certificate program in Positive Psychology, taught by a former Harvard professor and founder of the Wellbeing Institute. Positive Psychology is an evidence based field that builds on people's strengths and teaches them strategies to create more happiness, well-being and success in their lives. In addition to counselling, Candy offers life coaching for those interested in moving to a place of thriving in their lives. In addition to EMDR, Candy offers combined counselling & Reiki for those wanting a more holistic approach, as well as traditional Reiki sessions as complimentary care for those needing help in managing stress, pain, overcoming trauma, or regulating their nervous systems. Candy sees counselling as a co-creative process between the client and the counsellor. She recognizes the importance of feeling safe and connected when healing the wounds of the past and moving forward. Areas of specialization include: trauma, chronic stress-induced conditions, grief & loss, life transitions, personal growth, anxiety & depression, stress management, & parenting.

Candy Widdifield, B.Comm., B.Ed., B.A., M.Ed., RCC, CCC, RMT (IARP)

Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, Certified EMDR Therapist, Registered Reiki Master Teacherph. 778-821-1745
candy.thriving@gmail.com

Education M.Ed. in Counselling Psychology, University of Victoria, BC, 2007
Reiki Master Teacher, Victoria, BC, 2007
B.A. in Psychology, with distinction, University of Calgary, AB, 2005
B.Ed. majoring in Early Childhood Education, University of Calgary, AB, 2002
B.Comm. in Entrepreneurial Management, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, 1999. Recipient of the Dr. Nicholas Rubidge Award for enhancing student life on campus
Dipl. Of Business Administration in General Management, Camosun College, Victoria, BC, 1998

Personal Highlights
Professional member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association, and the International Association for Reiki Professionals
Completed a year-long course in Positive Psychology, focusing on how to increasing optimal mental health, & wellbeing, followed by a course in Positive Psychology Coaching
Certified EMDR therapist (including several advanced trainings, over 50 client hours and 20 hours of consultation)
Completed 40 hours of palliative care direct service volunteer training and 10 hours of bereavement training at the Central Okanagan Hospice Association
Former member of the Living and Learning Through Loss Society in Victoria BC
Certified Senior Facilitator of the Dynamic Neural Retraining System
Completed five modules of training in Somatic Transformation Therapy
Over 300 supervised client hours in individual and group settings
Over 15 years of individual and group work in personal development
Personal experience and training in limbic system neurorehabilitation, somatic psychotherapy, grief & loss, attachment, spiritual growth, Psych-K & subconscious programming, mindfulness, guided imagery, and expressive therapies with children, in addition to traditional counselling methods

Career-Related Experience

Kelowna BC, 2010 - 2014, Nov. 2015 - currentPrivate Practitioner - Counselling, EMDR, Life Coaching & Reiki
Offers short term counselling and in-depth psychotherapy sessions for adults who experience trauma, grief & loss, anxiety & depression, chronic illness, life transitions, personal growth, and parenting, drawing on training in EMDR, Somatic Transformation, Mindfulness, Client Centered Therapy, Grief &Loss, CBT, Psych-K and Attachment theory

Provides Reiki sessions for personal growth, chronic and terminal illness, pain, and stress management
Offers life coaching sessions for individuals looking thrive
Dynamic Neural Retraining System, Victoria BC, 2010 – April 2016

Limbic System Neural Rehabilitation Specialist
Certified Senior Program Faciliator & CoachHead of Coaching & Registrations (2011-Fall 2015)
Facilitated 5 day neuroplasticity programs geared toward individuals with Chronic Fatigue, MCS, Fibromyalgia, Electrical Hypersensitivity Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, and PTSD. The program teaches individuals to consciously act back on their brain to change the structure and function of their limbic system
Offer personal coaching sessions over the phone for individuals who have completed the program and require additional support
Provide training (& supervision previously) for all other DNRS coaches

Central Okanagan Hospice Association, Kelowna BC, 2010 – current
Reiki Master Teacher
Train hospice volunteers in basic levels of Reiki and assess competency of Reiki clinicians
Previously involved in developing procedures and guidelines for complementary care services
Assisted in the expansion of the complementary care at Hospice House

Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic, Sidney BC, 2008-2009
Private Practitioner - Counselling & Reiki
Offered talk therapy sessions as well as a combination of Reiki & Counselling
Worked with a range of clients in various life stages. Issues included: anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, parenting, grief & loss, personal growth.
Collaborated with the other health professionals in the office regarding clients

Greater Victoria School District #61, Victoria BC, 2007-2009
District Counsellor
Completed assessments, observations, and interviews to determine underlying issues
Provided one on one counselling using expressive therapies, CBT techniques, and Somatic Transformation therapy
Made referrals to appropriate outside agencies and groups
Conducted small group sessions for specific areas of difficulty
Consulted with teachers and parents, provided suggestions and strategies
Collaborated with outside agencies involved with the child or family
Created Individual Educations Plans
Areas of intervention included: ADHD, social issues, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger management, and parenting
Member of the school district’s Critical Incident Response Team

Living and Learning Through Loss, Victoria BC, 2006-2008
Grief & Loss Group Co-Facilitator
Co-facilitated eight-week groups for teens that had experienced one or multiple losses. Initial co-facilitations were part of an advanced practicum; continued group facilitation after practicum completion
Conducted individual grief and loss sessions
Provided psychoeducation on the grief process
Assisted teens in distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy coping behaviours and in creating their own healthy coping plans
Supported group members in expressing their thoughts and emotions around their losses, and in finding resources in their lives

Peninsula Community Services, Sidney BC, 2005-2008
Volunteer Counsellor
Completed 250 hours of training focused on both personal growth & counselling skills
Training highlights included: trauma healing, mindfulness, client-centered therapy, CBT, solution focus therapy, narrative therapy, grief and loss counselling.
Provided individual counselling for life transitions and mood disorders

Victoria Child and Youth Mental Health, Victoria BC, 2006-2007
Mental Health Therapist - Advanced Practicum
Completed intake interviews, initial assessments, assessment reports & treatment plans
Participated in integrated case management meetings and team intake meetings
Liaised with other professionals involved in each case
Areas of intervention included: ADHD, social issues, sibling rivalry, attachment, abuse, neglect & parentification, anxiety, depression, and parenting
Methods of intervention included: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Child-centered play therapy (CCPT), Cognitive Behaviour Play Therapy (CBPT), sandtray work, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and bibliotherapy

Rockheights Middle School, Victoria BC, 2006
School Counsellor - Initial Practicum
Provided individual counselling support to students aged 11-14 years
Consulted with teachers, contacted families and outside agencies when warranted
Areas of intervention included: bullying, self-injury, ADHD, anger management, depression, emotional meltdowns, drug use, neglect, & parentification

Professional Development Training

Currently completing requirements to become a Certified EMDR Therapist
Advanced EMDR workshop: Spiritual Trauma (April 2016)
Advanced EMDR workshop: Dissociation & Ego State Therapy (March 2016)
EMDR Basic Training (Sept. 2015 – Dec 2015) Course in Positive Psychology Coaching (Feb. 2015 – Apr. 2015)

Self-Compassion Step by Step audio program & extensive readings on Self-Compassion (Sept.-Dec. 2014)
Created & Facilitated a workshop on Developing Self-Compassion (Dec. 2014 - Jan 2015)
Certificate in Positive Psychology (Feb. 2014 – Jan. 2015)Art of Companioning the Mourner: Caregiving Principles & Practises (Sept. 25, 2014)
Mindfulness & Psychotherapy Training (Sept. – Dec. 2013)
NICABM Mindfulness Webinar Series (July 2013)
Psych-K® Health & Wellness Training (Feb. 2013)
Psych-K® Advanced Training (Feb. 2012)
Promoting Professional Value Congruence through Reflective Practice (Fall 2012)
Grief and loss one day workshop with Nancy Reeves (Aug. 2011)
Dynamic Neural Retraining System, Facilitator’s training (Dec. 2010 – May 2011)
Spirituality and End of Life Care, teleconference (Apr. 2011)
PSYCH-K® basic level training (Jan. 2011)
16 hours of distance learning on creating and sustaining attachment, Dr. Gordon Neufeld [Sept. 2010 (8hrs), July 2011 (8hrs)]
One day workshop with Dr. Gordon Neufeld on work with difficult children (Aug. 2010)
EAP skills training with Claire Sutton (April 2009)
Somatic Transformation Therapy – year 1 (Mar. 2008)
Somatic Transformation Therapy – year 2 (completed 2 of 3 modules, Fall 2008)
Critical Incident Response Training (Oct. 2008)
Restitution level 1 (April 2008), level 2 (Oct. 2008)
Reiki training – Masters level (Oct. 2007)
De-escalating potentially violent situations (Jan. 2008)
Grief and Loss masters level course facilitated by Nancy Reeves (2007)
Critical Incident Response Training (Nov. 2007)
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) (Aug./Sept. 2007)
Spirituality and parenting workshop (May 2007)
Barbara Coloroso parenting seminar (May 2007)
CRD workshop on ADHD (Dec. 2006)
Enlightenment Intensive Meditation Workshop (April 2006, May 2007)
“A day on drugs” workshop at the Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children (Mar. 2006)
Guided imagery seminar (Oct. 2005)
Addictions seminar (Oct. 2005)
Enneagram workshop (May 2004)
Virtues Project Facilitators workshop (May 2001)

References Available Upon Request

Candy Widdifield Reaches

Kelowna BC

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