Counselling Practice Website
Practice Information
My name is Dawn. I am a Registered Social Worker, with over 25 years of clinical experience working in the field of mental health. I am passionate about my work with adults. My goal is to assist those who are struggling with unresolved, unprocessed, undigested challenging experiences that are holding them back from living a full rich life.
Yes, life can be a struggle sometimes. Reaching out for help takes strength and courage. We can't always manage on our own. It is not uncommon to have difficult experiences in our relationships. These experiences may even be referred to as 'relational trauma'. The working through these difficult experiences can happen when a person engages in a therapeutic counselling relationship. The process of working through with trained therapist can assist in the organizing, meaning making and healing of our experiences. I am here to assist with those struggling with depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, disrupted attachment, and other mental health or relational issues. I consider myself a depth therapist and use a Bringing the Body into Practice: Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy approach, whose focus is relational, embodied, collaborative and trauma informed. I offer in-person and virtual sessions with adults.
Call me for a free video consult to see if we are a good fit.
Professional Disclosure Statement
Therapy can be conducted in a number of different ways, depending upon the therapist and his or her qualifications. This professional disclosure statement provides a description of my professional qualifications, your rights and my approach to therapy. The British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice provide principles that describe the relationship with clients, my responsibility to clients, records, confidentiality and fees. Prior to the commencement of therapy, informed consent must be obtained.
Professional Qualifications:
- Master of Social Work, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC
- Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy: Bringing the Body into Practice, Dr. Lisa Mortimore, Victoria, BC.
Professional membership:
- British Columbia College of Social Worker (8349)
- British Columbia Association of Social Workers (1004717)
Your Rights:
My services will be rendered in a professional manner consistent with code of ethics and standards of practice as described by the British Columbia College of Social Workers. If at any time, for any reason you are dissatisfied with my services, please let me know. If I am not available to resolve your concerns, you may report your complaint in writing to the British Columbia College of Social Workers at #302 – 1705 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 5C6.
My Relationship with Clients:
The social work relationship is a component of professional service, is a mutual endeavor between active participants providing and using social work expertise. Clients and social workers jointly address relevant social and/or personal problems of concern to clients. You have the right and capacity to determine and achieve your goals and objectives.
My Responsibility to Clients:
I will provide accurate and complete information regarding the extent, nature and limitations of any services available to them. I will respond to client queries, concerns and/or complaints in a timely and reasonable manner.
Records:
All of our communication becomes part of the clinical record. I keep systematic, dated, and legible records for each client. The record reflects the service provided. The records are my property, but you have a right to the information within your record.
Confidentiality:
I respect the privacy of clients by holding in strict confidence all information about clients. I can not disclose or release any information about you or your file to any third parties unless I receive your signed authorization in writing permitting me to do so. This does not apply if disclosure is required or allowed by law. The limits of confidentiality are as follows: a) I have reasonable suspicion that you are a danger to yourself or someone else, b) you disclose abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child under the age of 16 c.) I am ordered by the court to disclose information, d) you involved me in a lawsuit.
Fees:
I offer a free initial 30-minute telephone or in-person consultation to determine the suitability of services.
Fees are $140 for an hour session. Payment is due at the end of each session.
I reserve a client session for you. In the event an appointment cannot be kept, cancelation notice is requested at least 24 hours prior to the appointment time, so that someone else may utilize the time. In the absence of notification, you will be invoiced a cancelation or no show fee. If you are absent or cancel three consecutive sessions, I may ask to terminate our counselling relationship, and provide you with appropriate referrals.