Beth Van Reenen
RSSW, Counselling
Beth Van Reenen, RSSW, is a Registered Social Service Worker and Certified Grief Educator with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s most tender and transformative seasons. Beth brings a grounded, compassionate, and client-centred approach to her work at Castillo Counselling, where she walks alongside individuals navigating grief, life challenges, and complex emotional challenges.
Beth’s practice is rooted in deep presence, dignity, and the belief that healing is possible when people feel understood, supported, and empowered. Her extensive background includes 23 years with Lambton College as a Learning Specialist and faculty member, where she supported students with diverse needs, coached individuals in life skills, and facilitated mental health-focused learning environments.
In addition to her formal training as an RSSW, Beth is a Certified Grief Educator (trained by David Kessler) and a Certified Trauma & Resilience Specialist – Clinical, equipping her with both the knowledge and the heart to help clients process loss, rebuild safety, and reconnect with meaning. She also draws from her training in suicide intervention, mental health first aid, and hospice palliative care, allowing her to meet clients with sensitivity, strength, and skill during difficult times.
Beth’s approach integrates evidence-informed strategies with a warm, relational style. Whether working with individuals who are grieving, supporting clients through life changes, or helping people rediscover hope after hardship, Beth creates a space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
Outside of her counselling work, Beth is passionate about community education, group facilitation, and empowering others with tools for resilience and emotional well-being. She brings a lifelong commitment to service, learning, and walking alongside others with grace and compassion.
If you would like to meet Beth and see whether she may be the right counsellor for you, she offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation by phone or online. To set up a consultation, please call or text 226-246-4669 or fill out our quick form.
Education
- Social Service Worker Diploma — Lambton College (1990)
Certifications & Professional Credentials
- Certified Grief Educator — Training with Dr. David Kessler, Grief.com (2025)
- Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist (Clinical Course) — STARR Commonwealth, Dr. Caelan Soma (2025)
- Standard First Aid & CPR with AED — Canadian Red Cross (Valid 2025–2028)
- Psychological First Aid — Canadian Red Cross (Valid 2025–2028)
Professional Training & Continuing Education
Beth has completed extensive training in grief support, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, mental health, and life skills coaching.
Crisis Intervention & Mental Health Training
- ASIST — Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training — Lambton College (2017)
- Mental Health First Aid Training — Lambton College (2013)
Trauma, Resilience & Grief Support
- Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist — Clinical Course — STARR Commonwealth, Dr. Caelan Soma (2025)
- Certified Grief Educator Training — Dr. David Kessler, Grief.com (2025)
Hospice & Palliative Care
- Fundamentals of Hospice Palliative Care Program — Coordinated through St. Joseph’s Hospice (2011)
Life Skills Coaching & Facilitation
- Life Skills Coach Training — Level I — Lambton College (1994)
- Life Skills Coach Training — Level II — YMCA (1995)
- True Colors Facilitation Training — Level I & II — Facilitated by Dee Cox (1995–1996)
Accessibility & Institutional Training
- AODA Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy Training — Lambton College (2016)
- AODA Training — Faculty and Support Staff — Lambton College (2014)
Volunteer Experience
- Life Seasons Counselling Agency — Fund Development Committee Member (2017–2022)
- Lambton Crisis Pregnancy Centre — Board Member, Hotline Crisis Worker, and Fundraising Committee Member (1990–2017)
- Sarnia–Lambton Rebound — Life Skills Coach and Facilitator (1996–2000)