Christel Smith

Christel Smith is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Northern British Columbia. She is the founder of Scarlett Wellness Ltd., a private practice in Prince George, BC, where she provides ethical, trauma-informed, and evidence-based counselling for individuals navigating psychological, emotional, and relational challenges.
With over 15 years of prior service as a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and additional experience in the Canadian Armed Forces, Christel brings a deep understanding of the unique stresses faced by first responders, military members, and their families. Her professional practice integrates narrative therapy, mindfulness, somatic approaches, and animal-assisted interventions to support healing, resilience, and post-traumatic growth.

Christel specializes in working with trauma, operational stress injuries, anxiety, depression, moral injury, and life transitions. She is particularly passionate about fostering connection, self-compassion, and meaning-making for those impacted by occupational trauma. Her therapy dog, Yohan, is part of her animal-assisted therapy work, providing comfort and support in a safe and client-centered environment.

Christel is a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and the CCPA Animal-Assisted Therapy Chapter. She continues to advance her training in trauma-focused interventions, including narrative therapy, trauma-informed mindfulness, and EMDR.

Outside of counselling, Christel maintains a strong connection to nature and community through farming, outdoor activities, and her lifelong commitment to animal care and training.