Shawna Dash

Introducing

Welcome! Hello, wonderful human(s)! My name is Shawna (she/her), and I am a white, cis, hetero woman, and a settler on stolen Indigenous lands, often referred to as Vancouver. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Health Education and a Master's in Counselling Psychology – weaving together learned and living knowledge of the body, mind, and power of community. I believe that you hold wisdom within, that your experiences are valid, and that the methods you use to cope and interact in the world make perfect sense. I work from the heart to form a soft landing where you can explore the things that make you human, and I also see how systems impact us and the need for social justice. Your stories are sacred, and I consider it an honour to hold hope and compassion with you. (more below)

Prior to becoming an RCC, I worked in higher education (athletics, marketing, engagement), hospitality (sales, customer service), and within the non-profit sector (events, fundraising, development). I like to say that if I was something in the fridge it would probably be fruit salad since I’m a colourful mix of experiences. I started going to therapy when I finally realized I was burnt out from work, disconnected to my body, and feeling lost despite trying to present as perfect to the world. Therapy encouraged me to find my way back home to myself – I became a student again in my 30s, left relationships and spaces which didn’t serve me, and ultimately restored my sense of self and the belief that I can do hard things. My journey (still ongoing!) also showed me that change is inevitable and that I am worthy of love and belonging.

No matter what you are going though, I always ensure my clients hold control and choice throughout the process. I view the first stage in therapy to be all about finding solid ground and clarity. We spend time establishing safety and trust between us, ensuring you have holistic care, and getting clear on what you want from therapy. Once there is a foundation, we get more exploratory and find new ways of being that feel better mentally and physically to you (I’m with you every step of the way as you move towards the restoration, acceptance, or closure you need). Finally, we experience the shifts from your therapy work and creative energy, and ideally you feel more connected, satisfied, peaceful, and accomplished. The length and frequency of sessions is tailored to each individual, but we typically discuss a plan that meets you where you are at near the very start.

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Shawna looks forward to welcoming you just as you are, and she holds deep respect for your inner wisdoms and life experiences. She is identifies as a white, cis, hetero, able-bodied female, and as an uninvited settler on stolen Indigenous lands often referred to as Vancouver. Shawna grew up and completed her schooling on Coast Salish territory, and utilizes both a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Health Education and Master’s in Counselling Psychology to assist humans on their therapy journey.

When it comes to healing, Shawna knows that this will look different to each individual depending on their comfort levels, endured pains, and soul wounds. Her goal is to provide therapy that is from the heart, anti-oppressive, and guided by the client. Shawna is a systemic thinker (seeing how oppression and environment impacts us), and weaves together learned and living knowledge of the body, mind, and spirit. To Shawna, healing work is intuitive and relational – that transformative hope and power is found when we connect with others as a collective. Shawna knows your stories are sacred, and her goal is to help you find your way back home to you and communities of care.

Shawna has worked and volunteered for Indigenous-led healing practices at Restorative Counselling, the Restorative Wellness Project, and Restorative Community Health Society. She has worked therapeutically with individuals, couples, and groups virtually and in-person, and also works part-time with youth with substance challenges at a live-in home program.

Get to know Shawna Dash