Kristen Marischuk

RSW, MSW - Social Worker, psychotherapist

Kristen is an experienced social worker with over 16 years experience working with families, individuals and children.  Kristen has a Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner.  She has experience supporting people through any issues from a car accident to childhood trauma. Her skills help individuals by identifying elements of resilience and using them as a way to heal from trauma. Her focus is supporting and empowering people through periods of depression, generalized anxiety and stress uses a variety of therapeutic techniques in practice from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Individual sessions are tailored to the needs of the client. Kristen offers 55 minute individual sessions, and is currently accepting new clients.

Appointments with a Registered Social Worker may be covered under your work or extended health benefits. To confirm, check with your insurance under counselling/therapy services, specifically Social Worker (MSW), or psychotherapy.

Q & A with Counsellor Kristen:

What are the most common reasons for which people reach out to you?

The most common reason people reach out to me is because they’ve recognized that they are not feeling themselves and perhaps are in a bit of a “rut”.  Sometimes, people may even have a hard time defining what is wrong but they intuitively know that they aren’t feeling themselves and would like help in getting back to whatever “normal” is for them.

What happens during a first counseling session?

During the first counselling session, I go over limits of confidentiality and I like to get to know my clients and understand their goals for counselling.  I want to ensure that they get the most out of their experience with me and it’s helpful to get a sense of who the person is as that will inform what direction we could go with in terms of therapeutic intervention.  

• What is an MSW? What does that mean in terms of education, and services you provide?

An “MSW” stands for “Master of Social Work” and it’s a Graduate-level Degree from an accredited Faculty of Social Work.  In social work, there is an emphasis on our duty and obligation to seek social justice for all especially those whose voices are not heard, and how we can best support our communities through therapeutic intervention.  Many practitioners, myself included, seek additional credentials or certificates to become competent in specific therapeutic interventions.  For myself, I have begun studying trauma and its impact on body and different ways to support individuals who live with the impacts of trauma.  I have a desire to continue to learn more about this in years to come to enhance my knowledge and better service my clients.

• Are you covered under Extended Health Benefits?

Many health benefit companies include the “MSW” designation, meaning clients are able to submit their receipts and get their money returned. When searching your benefits information, look for Therapy/Counselling, specifically MSW credentials, or psychotherapy.

• Can you describe your most typical patient?

Most commonly my clients identify as female, are in their mid-twenties/early-thirties and are seeking support for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and general support.  

• How many times do people typically see you?

In my practice, it is certainly on a case by case basis and there are not a set number of appointments – I like to think of it as customized based on the client’s needs.

• What do you like best about being a counsellor?

The thing I like most about being a counsellor is providing individuals with a safe place for them to share their thoughts and emotions knowing that it will be met with no judgment and a compassionate ear.