Get To Know a Compassionate Counsellor for Kids and Families
Christine Dela Cruz is a highly skilled, experienced, and dedicated Clinical Social Worker. As a registered member of Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW) and Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), she serves various individuals and families, helping them achieve mental well‑being by building upon their strengths and helping clients understand their needs.
Educational Background
Christine earned an Advanced Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in Psychology followed by a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Manitoba. She is also a Certified Anger Management Specialist-II (CAMS-II), a quality program recognized by the National Anger Management Association. As an industry professional committed to ongoing education, she seeks out training on the following:
Strengths-Based Counselling
Christine is an empathetic, caring individual who strives to help clients ease their burdens and develop realistic plans for change. She applies a strengths-based perspective in counselling, which means she views her clients as the experts in their own lives. To help them overcome their struggles, she facilitates a safe place for each individual to share their story and understand their needs.
Professional Experience
Christine has over two decades of experience in working with children, adults, and families with various backgrounds. She has counselled many different populations and has a truly balanced approach to working with people.
Working With Children
Christine has extensive experience working with children and teenagers who have experienced attachment disruptions and difficulties with nurturing, consistent, and safe relationships. Viewing behavior as communication, Christine supports children and teens learn to express their needs in more productive ways and helps facilitate positive change by teaching effective communication and coping skills in the context of a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.
Working with Adults
Christine began her career working in the field of adult corrections, followed by a decade working in government supporting military Veterans and their families. She supported her clients by working through some of the following issues:
Understanding Trauma and Indigenous History
When she was taking up her Master of Social Work degree, Christine interned for a First Nation community as a member of the mental health team, where she also later became formally employed. She worked with children and families and specialized in understanding how colonialism led to intergenerational trauma in Indigenous families.
Founding Her Own Practice
Christine opened the doors to Life Story Counselling in January 2012 to provide mental health counselling services to the community and surrounding area.