Kate Swaney, MC, RCC
Hey, I’m Kate! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor offering in-person and virtual support on a variety of topics, though I have specialized experience in disordered eating, complex trauma, and navigating relationship changes, including separation and divorce. I provide warmth and compassion coupled with evidence-based approaches to help you navigate life's small moments in search of the big picture.
I believe in collaboration, community, and accessibility in mental healthcare - and that’s why I joined the Vancouver Therapy Collective as an associate in 2026.
What to expect in working with me? Compassion, empathy, and just a little bit of laughter.
My approach.
The foundation of my counselling approach is authenticity. Our first few sessions will focus on building safety and connection, and I will want to learn as much about you and your experience as I can.
I find that therapy naturally changes alongside you, and I will be attuned to your readiness for change throughout our work together. At the start, I find that clear and concise practices can be helpful to increase motivation. This includes CBT, nervous system regulation, and take-home activities. Later, and as our relationship strengthens, more intensive modalities may be helpful, such as Internal Family Systems and parts work, experiential emotional processing (AEDP), and trauma-processing interventions.
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My capstone research described current treatment models for anorexia nervosa/atypical anorexia nervosa, and explored the impact of emerging generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies in this space.
I found that there are promising developments in GenAI that could help bridge some gaps in current therapeutic models for eating disorder recovery - but there are many glaring issues and risks. Clear policies, accountabilities, and multi-disciplinary approaches are needed for GenAI to be responsibly integrated into current counselling models.
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I am a member of the Eating Disorder Association of Canada, and a National Eating Disorder Information Centre approved care provider. I have professional certification training in clinical trauma (CCTP-I & II), and am interested in continuing my training in trauma processing through the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. I am also interested in pursuing training with the Justice Institute of BC to help facilitate work in divorce and separation.
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My background is in brand marketing, and I have worked with a number of large organizations to create brand, communications, and community engagement strategies. At times, my background in marketing and communications informs my clinical work. For example, we might look at social media and how it creates and reinforces diet and hustle culture.
Working with body image.
Our relationships with our bodies can be incredibly complicated. If you've been hurt or have suffered trauma, there's a good chance that your body is not a place of comfort. I will help you establish safety and respect within your body, while unraveling harmful beliefs and behaviours.
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.
Self-Esteem, perfectionism, and self-worth.
Many people come to therapy looking to improve their self-esteem and confidence. Sometimes this is coupled with a feeling that ‘people-pleasing’ and ‘perfection-seeking’ are the only ways we can be accepted and appear ‘good enough’ in our daily lives. Does this sound familiar?
Working together, we will explore ways to release these stuck beliefs and embrace your authentic self. This can be a challenging process, because it means taking off the mask that has felt protective for so long. I will walk beside you through this process, as you navigate finding ways to stop pleasing others at the expense of your own worth and happiness.
My counselling services.
I offer individual counselling virtually across BC, and in-person in the Fairview/Kitsilano area of Vancouver. I typically recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions to begin, with a reduced appointment cadence further into our work together.
I am available Sunday through Thursday, and have some limited availability in the evening on some of these days. Please share a few preferred appointment times in your initial consultation request, and we can discuss scheduling further during this first meeting.
My rates.
Individual counselling sessions are $160 for a 50 minute session.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) (#28107), and many extended healthcare & benefit plans cover RCCs. You should check with your provider for specific information.
I am unable to direct bill but I will provide you with a receipt that can be used for reimbursement.
I offer a limited number of sliding scale places in my practice, and although these spaces are currently filled I would be happy to add you to the waitlist or recommend one of our low-cost practicum counsellors.
Book an appointment.
I offer all new clients a first free 15 minute introduction call. This helps us learn more about each other, give you a sense of what it would be like to work with me, and offer you a chance to ask any questions you might have.
To to book a first appointment with me, please fill out the contact form.