How does Counselling Work?

Working with a counsellor for the first time can be a daunting process. Counselling is supposed to provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore what is going on in your life. You tell me as little, or as much as you feel comfortable.

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You are in the driver's seat.

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I’ve tried to answer the common questions I receive about my services below. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.

Do I need a Referral?

No you do not need a referral. You can self-refer.

Can You Provide Counselling in Different Languages?

Yes, indeed. Counselling is offered in English, French, and German. 

What Counselling Approaches Do You Use?

Christina’s approach is holistic, strength-based, and trauma informed. She draws from various modalities including: Family-Based Therapy, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Somatic approaches such as Focusing, mindfulness-based practices, as well as art-based methods.

Christina brings a warm-hearted approach to counselling with a deep respect for the integrity of the individual and their social and environmental context.

What Clinical Training and Experience Do You Have?

Ms. Gentile holds a M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria, BC. She received clinical training for eating disorders at the Eating Disorders (ED) Program in Victoria., as well as the ED team at the University of Victoria's Counselling Services. She has trained in Emotion-Focused Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family-Based Therapy, and trauma informed counselling methods. Through her work with the Stopping the Violence program, Ms. Gentile has gathered experience working with relationship issues and helping create healthy boundaries.

What Spiritual Training and Experience Do You Have?

Ms. Gentile holds a minor in religious studies and is a certified yoga instructor. She has received yoga training in India, Ottawa, ON, and Victoria, BC.

She has trained in Vipassana meditation, Sudarshan Krya yoga, and has done extensive research in the field of pranayama and breath control practices. 

In 2018, Ms. Gentile presented at the Annual Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association on breath control practices and their impact on mental health.

Ms. Gentile runs a grief and loss group at Acadia University. 

What Musical Training and Experience Do You Have?

Ms. Gentile grew up in a musical household, with both parents working as professional opera singers in Germany.

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Ms. Gentile holds a DEC from Cégep Saint-Laurent and a BFA in Music from Concordia University (voice). 

She has performed internationally as a performer and singer songwriter; worked as a voice actor for video games and audiobooks, and was employed as a Jazz singer for Princess Cruises in 2012.