Justine Cottingham-Leblanc, MSW, RSW
Owner & Therapist
Get to know me
Originally from Ontario, I’ve had the privilege of living in Yukon Territory, Atlantic Canada, and have now called northern British Columbia my home for the past four years. A life-long lover of movement, these days you may find me hiking with my spouse and dogs, at the gym, or enjoying yoga at home. Trying to walk the talk, I maintain a regular Vipassana meditation practice, and have been a yoga teacher since 2017. I have experience working in the community, government, as well as the non-profit sector.
After having worked in the helping profession on and off for a number of years, I decided to further my education. I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work with a specialization in clinical social work with individuals, families, and groups. My undergraduate degree was completed at Memorial University of Newfoundland and my Master’s at the University of Calgary.
Both in my personal and professional lives I am driven by genuine curiosity; I allow compassion to guide my interactions with others. Over the years I’ve worked with youth, adults, families, and groups helping them through a wide range of issues.
Justine Cottingham-Leblanc, MSW, RSW
Owner & Therapist
Get to know me
Originally from Ontario, I’ve had the privilege of living in Yukon Territory, Atlantic Canada, and have now called northern British Columbia my home for the past four years. A life-long lover of movement, these days you may find me hiking with my spouse and dogs, at the gym, or enjoying yoga at home. Trying to walk the talk, I maintain a regular Vipassana meditation practice, and have been a yoga teacher since 2017. I have experience working in the community, government, as well as the non-profit sector.
After having worked in the helping profession on and off for a number of years, I decided to further my education. I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work with a specialization in clinical social work with individuals, families, and groups. My undergraduate degree was completed at Memorial University of Newfoundland and my Master’s at the University of Calgary.
Both in my personal and professional lives I am driven by genuine curiosity; I allow compassion to guide my interactions with others. Over the years I’ve worked with youth, adults, families, and groups helping them through a wide range of issues.
The Values of Retold.
Guided by compassion, I provide therapeutic counselling to people who are ready to experience meaningful change, deepen their healing, and improve their overall wellbeing. These are the four foundational values I bring to everything I offer my clients:
Inclusivity & Accessibility
Retold’s virtual doors are open to all people in British Columbia. In order to make therapy as accessible as possible, I provide sliding scale services, not just now as we all grapple with the effects of the pandemic, but at all times.
Integrity
I do what I say I will do, when I say I will do it.
Compassion & Acceptance
I aim to create an environment in which you feel emotionally safe and secure. With emotional safety, you are able to share your stories and recount lived experiences. Therapist-client confidentiality is paramount.
Evidence-based therapeutic counselling.
A variety of models inform my practice with a focus on mindfulness-based interventions and narrative therapy. Here are some of the models and approaches I may use when working with clients.
- Narrative Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI)
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
- Buddhist Psychology
- Trauma Informed
- Emotion-Focused
- Positive Psychology
Firmly rooted in the belief that each individual is the expert of their own life, I adapt my approach based on your needs. If a more skills-based approach is what you are looking for, that is what you will get. We will discuss what you are seeking during your initial complimentary consultation.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
BRENÉ BROWN, Ph.D., LMSW
I am equipped with education, training, and experience and with a range of therapeutic models, I have the knowledge to support you in the following areas:
- Addiction – Substances, Behavioural (E.G. Gambling, Shopping, Sex, Internet)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Coping Skills
- Mood Difficulties
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Self Esteem
- Self-Harming
- Stress
- Thinking Disorders
- Relationship issues
- Infidelity
- Peer Relationships
- Family Conflict
- Grief & Loss
- Sleep or Insomnia
- Spirituality
- Transitions in Life
- Women’s Issues
- LGBTQ+
- Work Related Stress, Burnout
Evidence-based therapeutic counselling.
A variety of models inform my practice with a focus on mindfulness-based interventions and narrative therapy. Here are some of the models and approaches I may use when working with clients.
- Narrative Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI)
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
- Buddhist Psychology
- Trauma Informed
- Emotion-Focused
- Positive Psychology
Firmly rooted in the belief that each individual is the expert of their own life, I adapt my approach based on your needs. If a more skills-based approach is what you are looking for, that is what you will get. We will discuss what you are seeking during your initial complimentary consultation.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
BRENÉ BROWN, Ph.D., LMSW
I am equipped with education, training, and experience and with a range of therapeutic models, I have the knowledge to support you in the following areas:
- Addiction – Substances, Behavioural (E.G. Gambling, Shopping, Sex, Internet)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Coping Skills
- Mood Difficulties
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Self Esteem
- Self-Harming
- Stress
- Thinking Disorders
- Relationship issues
- Infidelity
- Peer Relationships
- Family Conflict
- Grief & Loss
- Sleep or Insomnia
- Spirituality
- Transitions in Life
- Women’s Issues
- LGBTQ+
- Work Related Stress, Burnout
Professional Associations.
The following associations provide me with professional guidelines and guidance.
