Katherine has over 25 years' experience working with children, youth, and their families. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s of Education in Counselling and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care Counselling.
“I strive to provide a safe, caring place to share and be yourself. I believe people can uncover within themselves a way of coping and relating to their experiences in life, with strength and perseverance. I believe in the resiliency of the human spirit. My aim is to help alleviate pain where possible, encourage growth, and work alongside you as you navigate through troubled waters, in a way that helps you feel at home in your sense of self, and to live authentically.”
Katherine brings a wealth of experience from her 25-year career with the Surrey School District, where she supported students with moderate to intensive behavioural, social, and emotional complexities. She currently serves the community as a Mental Health Clinician, providing direct clinical services including intake, assessment, treatment, and crisis intervention for children, youth, and families. Her combined school-based and community counselling experience equips her to support individuals from many walks of life with empathy and adaptability.
She is formally trained in:
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (Levels 1 and 2)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (Levels 1 and 2)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Levels 1, 2, and 3)
Katherine also has extensive experience supporting youth and adults with developmental disabilities, including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and takes joy in seeing her clients thrive and grow in life skills.
As a compassionate counsellor, she works from a relational, person-centred, strengths-based, and trauma-informed lens. She integrates emotionally focused, solution-focused, cognitive behavioural, mindfulness-based, and humanistic approaches—always tailoring her work to fit the unique needs and preferences of each client through the therapeutic relationship.
Katherine’s approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a deep belief in the power of healing relationships. She focuses her private practice on supporting youth and adults navigating a variety of concerns, including:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief & Loss
• Trauma
• Emotional Regulation
• Personal Growth
• Life Transitions
• Self-Esteem
• Conflict in Relationships
• Communication Skills
“I look forward to building a genuine connection with you, to help you thrive on your life journey. You are worth it.”
~ Katherine Ouano
