BA Psych
Clinical Coordinating Intern
She/Her

Karleigh Williams

I am a graduate from Simon Fraser University, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. I additionally studied topics in counselling and human development, as well as criminology. After attending the Justice Institute of British Columbia, I now hold a certificate in Trauma and Crisis Intervention. Growing up in a family of first responders, I am familiar with the impacts of the career on first responders and their families.

My background includes being a part of an emergency support services team, supporting callers on a crisis line, working in municipal public service, and assisting with research in a psychology lab. I have worked with a wide range of populations, which has granted me valuable experience in understanding how I can provide meaningful support.

I bring an authentic and judgement free approach to my client interactions. I am adaptable in the sense that I can hold space for emotion but fill that space with a shared laugh just as easily. My goal is to make your transition into counselling feel like a warm welcome. My education journey is ever evolving, with future goals of applying to graduate programs in Counselling Psychology. At Skylark, I bring my unique skill set to a team of amazing clinic coordinators.

Book a Counsellor-Match Consultation

Words to live by

Take a moment to celebrate the little wins.
They deserve to be celebrated too.

Q & A With our Staff

A little bit more about me

Education

  • Douglas College (Sept 2019 – Apr 2021)
    Undergraduate studies in Psychology, Criminology, and electives
  • Simon Fraser University (Apr 2021 – Dec 2024)
    Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
    Minor in Counselling and Human Development
    Minor in Criminology
    Police Studies Certificate
  • Justice Institute of British Columbia (Jan – Dec 2025)
    Certificate in Trauma and Crisis Intervention

Certifications

  • Trauma and Crisis Intervention Certificate (Justice Institute of British Columbia, Dec 2025)
  • Mental Health First Aid Standard Training (Open Minds, May 2025)
  • Canadian Mental Health Association Resilient Minds Training: Building the Psychological Strength of Community Workers (Canadian Mental Health Association, Sept 2024)

What led you to counselling?

Counselling found me at a time in my life when I didn’t know just how much it would mean to me in the future. I always loved to read growing up and when I stumbled across a book on psychology, I found a passion for learning more about the brain and human behaviour. I ended up embarking on my own journey with support for mental wellness, which was terrifying at first but ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. My mom was a first responder, which was another huge inspiration for what led me to counselling. Through my lived experience as a daughter of a first responder, my eyes were opened to the world of first responder mental health.

What do people say your biggest strength is?

I have been told that my biggest strength is my ability to listen and connect with others. I always bring my authentic self to every conversation, making sure that it is a judgment free space. Through many of my experiences, I have learned that being human and making mistakes goes hand in hand. These things have taught me that creating a supportive environment for others makes such a positive difference.

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

I would say that I am proud of myself for graduating from university, despite the many challenges along the way! I sometimes find it difficult to let myself feel proud about my accomplishments, which is something I am getting better at by celebrating the little victories along the way. I realized that I really enjoy cheering on others, so I decided it was time to show myself the same support. I really noticed this mindset shift on my graduation day when I let it sink in that I had done it... I graduated! That was a big moment for me! I am incredibly proud of so many people, including anyone who has found their way to this website... welcome!

What/who inspires you?

I truly find inspiration in the stories that uniquely make a person who they are. Everyone has a story, and I am always honoured when I get the chance to hear pieces of those stories. I believe that there is something to learn from everyone and everything, which has shown me just how many places I can find inspiration.

Favourite things to do?

I am someone who never really feels bored! I am an artsy person as I really enjoy painting, reading, and writing. I have a goal of one day writing a book (or two, or three)! I am passionate about health and wellness, something that I have learned not to take for granted. I used to be so intimidated by the gym, and working out in general, which is why I started my fitness journey through kickboxing. I realized that working out was something I liked doing when I found a way to make it fun!

One thing you’ve learned from working with people?

Working with others has shown me how resilient people can be. I have learned that not everyone is going to feel like their best self every day (including me)! I came to realize that one person’s best day could be another person’s worst day, and that everyone experiences each day in a different way. Working with others allowed me to gain an understanding of my capacity to grow and learn.

Favourite book and why?

I love to read, so this is a tough one! I always come back to The Hunger Games and Divergent as being my favourite reads, probably because they were two of my earliest favourite books. I also love The Body Keeps the Score, which was a more recent favourite of mine. Poetry is also something I really enjoy reading, such as the book Milk and Honey.

What is your process for turning a bad day into a good one?

Bad days happen! Having a bad day is inevitable and part of being human... everyone has them! I try to think about a bad day as something that will pass with time. My process of turning a bad day into a good one usually comes after the fact, when I reflect on the bad day. I think about how that day has changed me, what I learned from it, and how I have grown. Then after doing that, a lot of the time I can find the silver linings within the bad days. Sometimes it might look like learning from a mistake, reminding myself how thankful I am, or simply being relieved that I can start a new day. Not every day is going to be a good day, but not every day is going to be a bad one either.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I have a dog and she is the greatest gift this life has given me. She has complex medical needs, but they don’t stop her from being a ray of sunshine with the funniest personality.