About Vern Kehler

When you're around them they feel like they "get" you, and when you talk to them they feel safe, you feel comfortable around them, they will help you discover and access the brilliant insights and solutions you already hold within, they will help you heal, they will help you develop agency, they will definitely empower you, they will believe in you and help you believe in yourself, and they will have the training and experience to help you move towards healing, growth, agency, and Self development.

My Space

I work hard to create a zero-shame environment in therapy, leaving you space to work on the issues that led to, and maintain, your unique struggles, without the fear of being judged.

I work hard to help you feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I know from many years of experience that when clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood, they feel safe, empowered, energized, and motivated to do the hard work of changing, growing, and healing.

I work hard to create a space that feels comfortable and safe. To achieve this, I like to use some humour and make our time together as enjoyable as possible, as human as possible.

Your life, your goals: I believe adults set their own life and health goals. While I will gently challenge and encourage you towards healing and making changes to improve your well-being, I respect how far you wish to go with counselling and with making your desired life-changes. My goal is to work towards your empowerment.

My Work Experience

I've been working in counselling and related fields for over a decade. During this time I’ve had the amazing privilege and honour of walking with many adult individuals through some of their most difficult and most painful seasons of life.

What I Enjoy

Personal Experience with Counselling

I understand from personal experience that asking for help can be hard. It was my own experience with getting professional help from my counsellor that led me to become a therapist myself–my desire to pay-it-forward. Reaching out for professional help is one of the best investments I've made for my own health, well-being, and personal and professional growth.

So, I very much understand what it’s like to reach a point in life where professional help and support is needed. It’s actually not that scary once you’ve taken the first step (reaching out), and it is completely normal to need help every now and then. None of us should have to walk through hard times in life alone.

You don't have be be alone in this struggle. I would be glad to journey by your side, empower you, help you heal from trauma and past pains, and help you find agency over your own life again as you navigate your challenges.

My Specializations and Areas of Service

My specializations include but are certainly not limited to:

See All Areas of Service

My Beliefs About Change

I believe a single step of courage today can unlock unimagined potential and positive change for tomorrow.

I believe it takes great courage to change. Most change has the potential to be uncomfortable. And yet, change that comes from within is often also powerfully and gorgeously unstoppable. A healthy Self is a changing Self. Change is the essence of growth and development. Embrace change and you meet none other than your true, authentic, and empowered Self. When you change you are alive.

I believe it takes great courage to keep showing up when life has not always been easy to you.

I believe it takes great courage to pursue personal healing and growth. In fact, it's quite possible that you showing up here today was one of those moments of courage.

I believe that at it's finest, both healing and growth happen in the company of another human. A safe space in the presence of a non-judgmental listening and supportive ear. Because why not. If the majority of our lasting pain and trauma happens in the company of another human (i.e. in relationship), then healing at the deepest levels can often also only happen in the company of another [this time safe] human. A therapist can often be this safe human company. You should never have to journey it alone.

I believe courage and resilience are close companions. Courageous steps often lead to resilience, and in turn, resilience makes it easier to take courageous steps in the future. For some people, choosing to go to therapy takes a great deal of courage, but when they do, they often also grow their resilience.

I believe people are incredibly resilient even in the face of significant struggle and pain. However, sometimes going it alone gets to be too much and some support is so very much deserved and/or needed.

I believe that, with warm and compassionate therapeutic support, people find ways to tap into their resilience and courage and can overcome very difficult challenges.

Therapeutic Approach

My modalities of therapy include but are not limited to:

Education

I have a Master of Arts (MA) in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary.

I am a Certified Professional Counsellor (CPC) with the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists (PACCP).

In recent years I have also pursued various professional development opportunities, including training for EMDR therapy.

Quotes that Inspire Me

"Knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within" ― Gabor Maté

"Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives" ― Bessel van der Kolk

“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive" ― Brené Brown

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending" ― C. S. Lewis

Contact

About Me

Check Out Other Pages