Matthew Gardner
Matthew Gardner grew up in London, England. He gained a BA in French with European Literature from Bristol University, and a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education from London University. After teaching High School French for 3 years, he travelled for two years in Central and South America, and spent much of the next decade travelling around India and Nepal, Southeast Asia, North Africa, Eastern Europe, North America, and Cuba. During this time, he worked as a travel writer, publishing eight guide books. Finally settling down in Canada, he began working toward his true vocation: Counselling.
Matthew has a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria, and is a member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. For years he has been associated with Greater Victoria Citizens' Counselling Centre, as a counsellor and assistant trainer. He has also worked for NEED Crisis Line, Cool Aid, in the Mental Health and Addictions department of VIHA, and as a Support Counsellor at Woodwynn Farms Therapeutic Community. Irrepressibly humanistic, Matthew passionately believes in the power and beauty of the human spirit. His goal in life is to help others appreciate and fulfil their highest potential. As a client-directed practitioner, he constantly strives to blend the many therapeutic strategies at his disposal in order to meet the individual needs of each unique client.
Matthew is happily married with two beautiful children. His passions include music, nature, travel, books, movies, soccer, spirituality, yoga, and food. |
