Danielle Holtjer

Professional Clinical Counselling Certification

Certified with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors: Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) #14703

What do people say your biggest strength is?

The way I problem solve. I’m persistent, dedicated, and am able to see multiple perspectives to find a solution, while holding space for people to find what best works for them.

Something you’re proud of (challenge you’ve overcome, etc.)?

Recently? Getting my motorcycle license. I’m going to be honest, I’m awful on a bicycle. I don’t know if it’s because I have poor balance, or I didn’t spend as much time as I should’ve on a bike as a kid, or some innate fear of falling off and getting hurt…but I’ve always, always been challenged with riding bicycles. I’m the person you want to steer clear of if you see me riding along in a bike lane. That being said, I’ve always liked going fast on rollercoasters, snowboarding, etc., so a motorcycle seemed like it potentially might be fun. I registered in motorcycle skills course and immediately loved how much it challenged me and how liberating it was, despite being by far the most inexperienced rider in the class. I practiced tons outside of class which was both mentally and physically exhausting. But coming back from the test, with the approval paper in hand….that was a moment I’ll never forget.

What led you to counselling?

I was always fascinated by neuroscience – how the brain works, what motivates people, what stops people from achieving what they want to, what makes people happy. After working in a lab at UBC, I realized I didn’t want to be analyzing brains anymore, I wanted to be working directly with people, and not just observing, but actively helping them in their lives. I started volunteering for a crisis line and immediately loved it, and that led me to pursing a Master’s degree in counselling psychology which catapulted me into the therapy world.

Favourite book and why?

I’m a fan of Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. She’s taken the counselling world by storm recently and has developed a bit of a loud celebrity status, but I’m still a fan of her initial book. Most clients I see don’t feel “good enough…” not good enough at their jobs, not a good enough partner, friend, mother, father…. This book speaks to how “never enough” dominates society, and the importance of courage to battle that fear.

What/who inspires you?

My sister. She’s essentially the opposite of who I am and I love that. We have completely different hobbies, interests, dreams. We think very differently – I am fearless when she is cautious, she is fearless where I am cautious, things that bug me, don’t bug her. Sometimes she drives me up the wall because we don’t always see eye to eye, but when we are able to synchronize and get on the same page, it’s magic. She’s taught me a lot about myself, who I am not only as a sister, but as an independent woman who consistently strives to expand my perspective every day.

Favourite things to do?

I run (sometimes), play piano, and I’m an avid snowboarder. I gravitate towards adrenaline filled sports. I recently tried fly-boarding, it scared me but I find it challenges my self-doubt.

What would you tell a client who is meeting you for the first time?

I’m a very open, genuine counsellor. I don’t judge and will always be honest with you. I’ve been to therapy myself, I know how it feels to sit across from a counsellor and not know what to talk about, I know how it feels to feel hopeless, confused, or stuck in a problem that is overwhelming. Your experience is different than mine, but the foundational experience of challenging human emotion – that I get.

Other languages spoken

French