Susan Guttridge, BC MC, CCC
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About Monica Martin, BA, BSW, RSW

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​Contact Monica today
250-540-2410

Helping families through difficult experiences has been a focus throughout my career for over 20 years. In addition to utilizing child‐centered play/art therapy and sand tray work, I incorporate a number of other treatment approaches unique to each client and their developmental stage and experiences. These strategies allow children to reveal their anger, fears, sadness, or frustrations in order to better understand and express themselves. My holistic and creative approach allows clients to feel comfortable, heal, overcome obstacles, and embrace positive changes that can ultimately create a more satisfying quality of life.
It is difficult for parents to see their children in emotional distress. Difficult thoughts and emotions can create persistent and overwhelming feelings such as anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress. Together we will strategize to develop helpful and creative discipline techniques, reduce stress, and minimize painful emotions in practical and healthy ways.
My goal is to transform mental and emotional pain into sources of strength and self‐knowledge. I believe that people can make great changes in their life - and that when clients begin to trust the innate wisdom of the mind and body, they move closer toward wholeness and healing. 

Formal Education

Additional Training

  • Bachelor of Social Work
    (University of Victoria)
  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
    ​(University of British Columbia)

Professional Associations

  • Member of BC Association of Social Workers (2016)
  • Registered Social Worker, BC College of Social Workers (2015)


  • Integrated Art and Play Based Activities for Children Who Witness Abuse (Vancouver 2011)
  • Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (Dr. Bruce Perry MD PhD) (Vancouver Justice Institute, 2010)
  • Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics Case‐based Series (​Dr. Kevin Miller, RPSYCH (Vernon, 2009)
  • Supporting Children Exposed to Violence Against Women‐Expressive Arts Therapy (Vancouver, 2011)
  • Expressive Arts Therapy Workshop for Children Who Witness Abuse (Kelowna, 2007)
  • Managing Hostile Interactions (Kelowna 2014)
  • Technology Safety Training (Vernon 2014)
  • Working with Transgender and LGTB Population (Kelowna 2013)
  • Reducing Barriers for Women with Varying Levels of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse & Who are Fleeing Abuse (Vernon, 2012)
  • Reducing Barriers for Women‐Level 2 Course (Vernon, 2013)
  • Violence is Preventable‐Prevention and Awareness Training for Practitioners (2007)​
  • Cross-Cultural Awareness Training (Vancouver, 2014)

Approaches to Therapy

Areas of Focus

I work from a feminist framework and provide trauma-informed therapy in my practice. Additional therapeutic approaches I use include the following: 
  • Play and Art Therapy
  • Sand Play
  • Expressive Arts Therapy
  • Mindful-based Techniques
  • Meditation and Visualization
  • Strength-based focus
  • Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Attachment Theory
  • Interpersonal and Systemic Approaches
  • Psycho-Education
  • Parent Coaching
  • Parent-Teen Conflict
  • Mediation
  • Experiences of violence (including physical, psychological, sexual abuse)
  • Childhood experiences of abuse
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Grief and loss
  • Addiction and substance abuse
  • Parenting

For additional information,
contact Monica Martin at:
250-540-2410
monica@livehappycounselling.com

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  • Home
  • Susan Guttridge
  • Services
  • eCounselling
  • Blog
  • The Book
  • Monica Martin
  • Contact
  • Client Portal