“I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation.”

– Peter Levine, PhD

Jennifer Shillington, RCC

She/Her

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)

Virtual

jennifer@brooted.com

Who Am I

I am a holistic, intuitive somatic counsellor with 15 years of experience. I offer virtual sessions in the Comox Valley. The compass that guides my work is the notion that we are our own healers and therefore sovereign agents in our innate coming home experiences. 

More About Me

Personal healing is a complex and sometimes uncomfortable journey. It requires self-compassion and commitment. No one else can walk the road for you, but it is my role to support, to guide and work alongside you as you embark on this ‘coming home’ journey.

It is an honour to guide clients as they remember their ability to connect to internal resources, wisdom and build capacity to have a present and rich connection with themselves, others and the world around them.

This reclaiming of the self is a powerful journey. I support clients using nervous system education along with somatic interventions to promote self regulation; weathering life’s storms with an innate sturdiness. 

My Journey

I started journaling at the age of 12, even then I was insatiably curious about the human experience, my experience. I remember the specific moment I realized my counselling calling. I was a teenager in therapy with a lot of emotions to process and zero tools. This counselling experience was so profound I knew I was meant to empower others to heal, feel more connected and reignite a passion for life. Fast forward ten years later and I had two degrees and was sitting in front of my first client with all the nerves.

The outdoors has always been a place of solitude for my heart and soul. This is why I chose to be a Somatic Counsellor in the Comox Valley. I wanted to intersect my two deepest loves and therefore began offering outdoor therapy to youth. During these trainings I learnt to power of nature as a resource to cultivate change. I bring these natural based tools for regulation into my work today.

Throughout my journey I became fascinated by the intersection of trauma and the wisdom of the body. This led me to obtain my two year Somatic Attachment training with Lisa Mortimore.

As my life and career continue, my passion for holistic healing deepens. I have ongoing trainings for personal and professional development. I believe it is my responsibility to embark on my own healing in order to offer an embodied healing to those I hold space with.

Education & Professional Development
  • Master’s of Arts Degree in Counselling & Spirituality (2012)
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology, Carleton University (2010)
  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner training (ongoing)
  • Two year Somatic Attachment training, Lisa Mortimore (2020)
  • ICF Coaching Fundamentals
  • SAFER, suicide intervention and prevention
  • San’yas Indigenous Cultural Training
  • Ten days of Mindfulness Training, Yasodhara Ashram
  • Nervous System Tune up, Irene Lyon
    Rates & Insurance

    Covered by most insurances, including FNHA and CVAP.

    Rates:
    Couples – $190/60 minutes
    Individuals – $170/60 minutes

    Specialties & Interests

    Somatic Experiencing Trauma & PTSD Stress & Burnout Couples Anxiety Panic Attacks

    Real Stories from Jennifer’s Clients

    "In my first session with Jennifer I was able to sit with the discomfort of what was happening in my life and begin to recognize and accept why I was finding myself so affected by the events. Over the next few sessions, I felt like I had a perspective I had never had before. I was able to find a lightness within myself that had been hiding. I actually giggled! Jennifer’s somatic approach was integral in helping me release some of the ‘weight’ I had been carrying for others."

    “Jennifer has a unique gift and way of helping you arrive at the thoughts, feelings, and ideas that you need to hear most. I’ve always expected a good counsellor to give me a game plan and for me to run with it, but with Jen she asks the right questions, helping you uncover your next steps."

    “What makes Jennifer such a stand-apart counsellor is that she asks the right questions. She has an amazing ability to absorb the face value of what you’re saying and appreciate the root of it; but instead of telling you where it comes from herself, she guides you to carefully find it on your own. She walks alongside you on a powerful journey of self-discovery and growth, all the while supporting and empowering you to choose your own path. I would recommend her in a heartbeat.”

    “There are very few people who have mastered active listening the way Jennifer has. She has this ability to be completely present, ask the tough but powerful questions and get to the root of what you’re dealing with. In my time working with Jennifer, I can say that she’s undoubtedly one of the best professionals I’ve dealt with. She has such a wide variety of tools in her toolbox to deal with an issue from a well-rounded, holistic perspective. She’s had a significant impact on my life and also my team. The work we’re doing with her on an individual basis is making us more well-rounded humans, better colleagues and better friends.”

    "Every session with Jennifer I feel she’s right there on my journey with me, acknowledging where I am, and widening my perspective on what’s possible for me. For me, empathy is key in a good coaching session as I want to feel heard, as that isn’t always the case in the rest of my life; Jennifer never disappoints with her kind, gentle and proactive approach to our chats.”

    Reach Out to Jennifer Today

    To book with Jennifer fill out the form below.

    Location

    Sessions provided virtually throughout Canada

    In-person sessions held at:
    3091 - Unit B, Coburn Rd. Courtenay, BC V9N 9N8

    Contact

    250-531-0933
    info@brooted.com