Reyna Dawes

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• Master of Social Work from University of Calgary

• Registered Social Worker with Alberta College of Social Work since 2009

• Approximately 7 years of therapy experience in both in-patient and community settings and over 14 years of experience working in mental health, substance use support and crisis intervention.

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My Counselling Journey

From an early age, I started volunteering and enjoyed helping others. This, in combination with my curiosity about people, is what led me to the field of social work and counselling.

I began my formal journey as a registered social worker in 2009 when I graduated from Mount Royal University with a diploma in Social Work. From there I went on to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and then a Master’s Degree in Social Work (Clinical Specialization).

I have worked in a variety of therapy roles offering family therapy, single session therapy, short-term therapy as well as group therapy. I have benefitted from extensive experience navigating the mental health system, gaining expertise doing mental health and psychosocial assessments with mobile crisis teams and in acute care settings.

 

Besides being a therapist, I am a wife and dog owner to a sweet little golden retriever. When not working, I enjoy travelling to different parts of the world and learning from other cultures – I believe this is an integral part of cultivating cultural competency, supporting inclusivity and anti-oppressive practices in therapy. I also spend my spare time adventuring outdoors (skiing, hiking, camping, scuba diving) and connecting with family and friends.

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My Therapeutic Approach

I offer a safe and accepting space that honors the expertise of clients lived experiences and strengths. I aim to empower clients through clarifying therapy goals and identifying barriers that get in the way of living a rich and meaningful life. It is important for me to view individual concerns within larger systems. As human beings, we do not exist in isolation, and are therefore influenced by family, community, and larger societal and cultural contexts within which we live.

I really enjoy working with adolescents, adults, families and groups. I have had the privilege of supporting clients regarding a variety of issues including: depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, life transitions, body image struggles, and situational crises.

 

My framework for practice is influenced by a variety of trainings in evidence-based therapies including:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) **Please see the section on Accelerated Resolution Therapy to find out more about this unique and effective intervention option.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Systemic Family Therapy – Interpersonal Pattern Scope (IP Scope)

• Gottman Method - Couples Therapy (Level I)

• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Narrative Therapy

• Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

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My clients truly leave me in awe of the strength and courage they possess throughout the therapy process. I feel grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside them in their journey of increased self-awareness and discovery.

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