“Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said Einstein.
My education and training reflect my commitment to provide exceptional services in the pursuit of personal transformation.
The following are my deeper dives into educational pursuits – 6 month studies or longer.
Master of Counselling – City University of Seattle
Bachelor of Arts, Women’s Studies (Hons) – University of Alberta
Relational Somatic Therapy Program – Opening to Grace Somatic Studies
Sexual Health Educator Certificate (SHEC) graduate – Options for Sexual Health
Traditional Chinese Medicine (2.5 years of a 5 year doctorate) – Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences.
I include this because it remains relevant and informs my practice in important ways. Coupled with my somatic therapy training, this approach to understanding the body and mind as inextricably connected means that as a counsellor, I am always attending to both states.
The following are my shorter trainings.
Somatic Study with Mariah Moser
Rekindling Desire with Esther Perel
Motivational Interviewing with Paul Burke
DBT Online Training with Marsha Linehan
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy with John R. Wagner
Core Addictions Practice with Interior Health Authority
Trauma-Informed Practice with Interior Health Authority
Indigenous Cultural Competency with Interior Health Authority
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Consultation with Christine Padesky
Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) with Options for Sexual Health
Beyond Addiction – The Yogic Path to Recovery with Sat Kaur Khalsa
Narrative Therapy – Foundations Level Training with Stephen Madigan
I have extensive training and experience in leading Dialectical Behaviour Therapy groups, both for adolescents and adults. Based on both acceptance and change, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy offers skills to help with mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is helpful for a wide range of mental health issues, including eating disorders, addictions, and overcoming trauma. It was developed to help people who struggle with intense emotions and mood swings; suicidality and self-harm; impulsive behaviours; loneliness and fear of abandonment. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy offers practical skills which can be taught both in individual sessions as well as groups. Below is a list of all the groups I have facilitated.
Life Beyond Bipolar
Overcoming Anxiety
Survivors of Violence Solidarity
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Girls’ Empowerment Movement (GEM) – Guest Facilitator
Core Skills for Stress Management, Anger Management, & Self-Esteem
Nelson & District Women’s Centre – Coordinating Collective (2014-2017)
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors – Editorial Advisory Committee member for INSIGHTS magazine (2017-present)
Learn about my clinical interests here.
Work with Deirdre here.