Helping Indigenous People Prioritize Mental Health in the New Year
DR.DANA
SHE:KON ... BOOZHOO ... HI!
I'M DR. DANA
I'm an Indigenous psychologist and NIHB provider that provides therapy in Ontario.
I'M NOT YOUR TYPICAL THERAPIST
I'm passionate about helping high achieving Indigenous people overcome life's challenges.
I offer a unique perspective in therapy of bridging together Indigenous worldview values and evidence based mental health practices to help Indigenous individuals and organizations develop their own resiliency and happiness practices.
My doctorate in clinical psychology focused on Indigenous mental health practices and I have spent almost 20 years helping Indigenous people integrate these practices into cognitive behavioral techniques to help increase resiliency, happiness, and wellness.
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My interest in specializing in resiliency is inspired by our Indigenous people. We have experienced so many struggles and yet continue to meet the challenges and raise above.
PROUDLY INDIGENOUS
I know what it's like to grow up on the rez, I'm from the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. I'm not trained to be "culturally sensitive", I grew up surrounded by our Mohawk language, our traditional teachings, and our Indigenous culture. I've been told numerous times from people in therapy that they appreciate not having to explain life on the rez, racism, colonization, residential schools, 60s scoop, the medicine wheel, relationships with our aunties and uncles, and self identity challenges that may pop up being Indigenous and living in a western society. ​​I get it, there's no need to try and find the words to explain these issues or to have to give an explanation at all.
When I'm not in session, you can usually find me juggling motherhood, trying to squeeze in a workout, and appreciating moments of
rest, relaxation, and reflection.
WE COULD BE A GOOD FIT FOR THERAPY IF YOU LIKE TO
- ​Learn about what makes you tick
- Want to tackle life's obstacle courses
- Learn tools to help you master happiness and resiliency
- Are open to looking at the psychological roadblocks that keep you stuck and unable to move forward
3 Key Things I Believe In
I believe mental health impacts all areas of your life. Your ability to love yourself. Your ability to spend quality time with those you love. Your ability to do the things that bring you joy. Your ability to take care of your physical health. Your mental health literally impacts everything. But what I've witnessed in therapy, is that when you address the stress, anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma the other areas of your life improve too.
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I believe when you find the right therapist, counselling can be helpful. Having scared space to tell your story with a trusted psychologist is what's needed to move forward. Research study, after research study, shows that it is the therapeutic relationship that makes a difference in the outcome of therapy. My goal is to meet you where you are and together we move forward to help you gain insights, perspectives, and find joy again in your life.
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Lastly, I firmly believe that "WHAT WE RESIST, PERSISTS". Meaning if you don't address the issues that are causing you distress ... the stress, anxiety, burnout, depression ... whatever it is, it will continue to cause you distress until you address the issue head on. This is something you don't have to tackle by yourself. I am here to help you address the issues and we move at your pace.
Over the course of my career as a therapist, I have helped people
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Overcome burnout
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Ditch the depression and find joy in their daily life
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Harness their anxiety and feel calm and content
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Feel balanced, rooted, and grounded
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Sleep better
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Prioritize their mental health
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Regulate their emotions
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Improve their mindset
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Manage stress
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Heal from trauma
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Learn to love themselves
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Be more productive