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Vancouver | Clinical Faculty, Division of Community Health
Adler Community Health Services

Mike Smith, M.Psych

Overview

Overview

I identify as a biracial (Afro-Jamaican/Caucasian) cisgender man who is consistently attempting to be aware of and consider the impact of culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, language, systems, oppression, and personal experiences in order to help support others in their growth. I am very passionate about helping graduate students become the next wave of socially responsible, highly skilled, and uniquely aware practitioners.

I have two roles at Adler University – Vancouver Campus; as Adjunct Faculty I sometimes teach courses in either the MCP or the MCP-AT programs and as fulltime Clinical Faculty I focus on clinical supervision, program development, and the training of graduate students at community partner sites with Adler Community Health Services (ACHS).

I have been working as a Counsellor and Art Therapist for the past twenty years, and as a Clinical Supervisor for the last ten. I specialize in using a relational psychotherapy approach with attachment struggles, trauma, and interpersonal relationships, which I integrate with multiple models of therapy including CBT, DBT, and CPT; I bring this lens into both supervision and training. I have a small private practice where I provide clinical consultation/supervision and over the years I have held various positions at for-profit and non-profit agencies, health authorities, and educational institutions.

I have clinically supervised Registered Clinical Counsellors using verbal, play, and expressive arts therapies while working in a variety of programs including an Indigenous child and youth wellness program, a general child and youth counselling program, a Sexual Abuse Intervention Program (SAIP) for children and youth, a family preservation and support program, and an adult individual/couple/family counselling program. I am an approved First Nations Health Authority provider and have training and experience supporting youth and their families who identify as Trans, Non-Binary, Gender Fluid, Two-Spirit and Questioning; I consider myself an ally to the queer community.

I am always excited to work with students who are interested in personal growth and the growth of others. Please email or call me at 236-521-2452 if you have questions or would like more information about me.

Education

Education

  • 2023 Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy and Art Therapy Supervision and Ethics
    The Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute, Online
  • 2022 Certificate in Clinical Supervision
    Psychologists Association of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
  • 2010 Advanced Diploma in Art Therapy
    Vancouver Art Therapy Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia
  • 2004 Master of Psychology – Counselling Psychology
    Curtin University, Perth, Australia
  • 2000 B.S., Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minor in Sociology
    University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
Professional Background

Current Positions

  • Clinical Faculty, Adler Community Health Services
    Adjunct Faculty, Counselling Psychology Programs
    Adler University
    Vancouver, BC
  • Clinical Instructor
    Vancouver Art Therapy Institute
    Vancouver, BC
  • Registered Clinical Counsellor – Approved Clinical Supervisor
    ABC Counselling
    Vancouver, BC

Former Positions

  • Program Manager and Clinical Supervisor
    Family Services of the North Shore
    Vancouver, BC
  • Mental Health Therapist
    Burnaby Mental Health and Substance Use
    Burnaby, BC
  • Group Facilitator
    Stroh Healthcare
    Delta, BC
  • Youth and Family Counsellor
    BC Children’s Hospital
    Vancouver, BC
  • Clinical Counsellor
    Connexus Family Services
    Vanderhoof, BC

Current Licensures

  • BC Association of Clinical Counsellors: Registered Clinical Counsellor – Approved Clinical Supervisor #2732
  • BC Art Therapy Association – Registered Art Therapist #0610R

Professional Memberships

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor – Approved Clinical Supervisor
    BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
  • Registered Art Therapist
    BC Art Therapy Association

Select Awards and Recognition

  • 1996 Gold Award, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Areas of Expertise

  • Attachment
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Complex Trauma
  • Art Therapy

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