Kate Swaney, MC

About Kate

Heya! I'm Kate (she / her).

I'm so happy you're here, and look forward to getting to know you.

My Approach to Counselling

The foundation of my counselling approach is authenticity. Our  first few sessions will focus on building safety and connection.

I provide warmth and compassion, evidence-based approaches, and just a touch of laughter to help you through transformative and pivotal moments.

Equitable Care and Body Acceptance

I hold a body neutral stance in my work and personal life. It is unfair to demand unconditional 'love' and 'celebration' of the body when it has potentially been a source of pain for many people. Body positivity and love can be a part of your wellness path, but it is not a prerequisite. Instead, I propose body acceptance, respect, and neutrality. I reject and challenge the anti-fat biases in the medical system, and believe that bodies of all sizes deserve equitable care.

Kate Swaney Counsellor on Zoom

How your email finds me 🤓

double rainbow in kitsilano

Experience, Training, & Certifications

Master of Counselling, October 2025 
RCC & CCC Eligible, certification expected early 2026
Clinical Complex Trauma Professional Training Certification Level I & II, PESI Canada
Crisis Responder for 988 Crisis Suicide Helpline
Trauma Recovery Polyvagal Training, Mind Body Institute

What to Expect

Throughout our sessions, I will listen to your story and ask contemplative questions that evoke curiosity. We will look at your strengths, and find ways that they might support change that aligns with your goals.

Our work may lead to some difficult memories, emotions, and feelings in the body and mind which we will explore slowly and with caution.  We will work to build your capacity for safety in these moments. 

I will offer space for you to challenge yourself and to reflect on your progress. I'll hold you accountable to the transformation that you've promised to yourself. We will explore whether the story you're writing for yourself is what you truly want. Being confronted with your own behaviours can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it is often what we need to get out of our own way.  

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"I finally found my rhythm when I realized that even the steps backwards were part of the dance."

Kate Swaney with Heeler, the greatest dog that ever lived.

My sweet old boy, Heeler and I. Greatest dog that ever lived! 🌈

Theoretical Lens

I have a background in marketing and communications, and critical media theory sometimes plays a role in my work. For example, we might look at social media and how it creates and reinforces diet culture, hustle culture, and the 'thin ideal'.

Personal & Social Location

My ancestry is Canadian white settler and New Zealand white settler, and I grew up in a small town in BC on the unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.
I am a cis-gender woman in my early 40s. I reluctantly identify as an elder-millennial. 

Set Your Path to Recovery

Think we might be a good match? Let's connect.

Explore Services
Get in Touch
pexels-photo-5699418

Set Your Path to Recovery

Think we might be a good match? Let's connect.

Explore Services
Get in Touch
sunseet heeler small

"I finally found my rhythm when I realized that even the steps backwards were part of the dance."

— Melody Godfred
Poet & Author