Courtney Roskelley

She/Her

MEd, BEd, RCC Courtney works with children 7+, teens, their parents, and young adults.

Availability: In-Person: 

Mondays: 9:00am-4:00pm

Thursdays: 4:15pm-8:15pm

Online:

Every Other Friday: 9:00-4:00pm

Specializations:

• Autism

• OCD

• ADH(D)

• Anxiety

• Transition to Adulthood

• Career Planning

• School Concerns

• Learning Disabilities

• Self Harm

• Suicidal Ideation

• IEP Support Services

• Emotion Regulation

• Self Esteem/Shame

• LGBTQIA2S+

• Autistic Women and Girls

  
  

I believe neurodivergent youth thrive when they are recognized and celebrated for the unique ways they experience and interact with the world. 

Many neurodivergent folk grow up experiencing years of misunderstanding, shame, or pressure to mask who they are in order to fit in. In my work I aim to create a space where young people feel safe, heard, and understood as they are. From a foundation of self-understanding and self-acceptance, I aim to help individuals develop the confidence, skills, and self-advocacy to build a life that fits them—not a life they have to fit into.

Experience & Education:

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with nearly 10 years of experience supporting neurodivergent children, youth, and young adults. My career has consistently focused on neurodivergent individuals, including work as a teacher and school counsellor at a school supporting students with neurodiverse profiles.

I have experience supporting autistic children, youth and young adults as well as those with ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety and learning disabilities. My role as a counsellor has seen me support challenges involving emotional regulation, self-esteem/shame, social challenges, self-harm, school concerns, executive functioning, and family relationships. My background in education has given me extensive experience with IEPs, parent collaboration, and school-based support.

I have a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent youth through the transition to adulthood, particularly during the later high school years and after graduation when life can feel particularly unpredictable and challenging for both youth as well as families and caregivers. I enjoy helping individuals explore their strengths, interests, and goals while developing greater independence, job readiness skills, and confidence in navigating adult life.

I am passionate about working with autistic girls and women, who may be misunderstood or diagnosed later due to experiences with masking. I also find I am drawn to working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Approach & Modalities:

My approach is collaborative, strengths based and grounded in genuine curiosity about each young person’s experience. Initially I spend a lot of time listening, asking questions, and trying to understand what is important for the individual in front of me. We work collaboratively to identify personal goals while also working alongside the family system to understand how the individual can be better supported in their growth and development.

A large part of my work focuses on psychoeducation around neurodivergence and helping young people understand what is happening in their brains and bodies when challenges arise. I often take from elements of self-regulation, somatics, and nervous system support.

The modalities I draw from most often include DBT, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, and ACT. I also lean heavily on values based work to guide decisions, relationships, and goals.

I aim to meet young people where they are at and adapt my approach to their individual communication style, needs, strengths, and interests.

Communication Style:

I am warm, patient, empathetic, and genuine. I believe that vulnerability grows over time when we feel safe enough to be ourselves. By consistently showing up authentically as myself, I invite young people to gradually do the same.

I place a lot of value on building trust and connection, which can be particularly helpful when working with young people who are shy, vulnerable, or unsure about counselling. I particularly enjoy connecting with teens who may be hesitant at first to engage. I aim to create a space where young people feel comfortable being themselves and know that they will be listened to without judgment or dismissal.

I aim to communicate in a way that is both thoughtful and direct. I am naturally curious and creative, and enjoy exploring ideas deeply, asking questions, following a young person’s train of thought, and using humour, metaphors, and relatable examples to make sense of complex experiences. At the same time, I also bring a structured and practical approach to my work. I like to keep client goals at the forefront, break challenges down into manageable pieces, and leave sessions with concrete ideas and tools that young people can use in their everyday lives.

Fun Facts or Interests:

In my spare time, you will probably find me searching for my next treasure at one of Victoria’s many local thrift shops. I also love finding the best places for matcha in the city!

I love a good adventure. I previously worked in outdoor education and enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

I have a creative side and enjoy arts and crafts. Music is probably my favourite creative outlet. I love learning new songs on my ukulele.

Specialized Trainings & Certifications:

• Working with Children: Getting Comfortable with Different Levels of Risk 

• Understanding Eating Disorders 

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Therapy with Neurodiverse Clients: A Trauma Informed Somatic Approach

• Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS Model)

• Capstone Research:  Using Self-Regulation Strategies to Support the Care of Non-Suicidal Self Injury in Youth