ABOUT INDIGENOUS MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY
A therapy space built for Indigenous issues.
Indigenous Mental Health Therapy was created to help Indigenous people feel
comfortable, understood, and heard in the therapy space. It's therapy that combines expert
psychological knowledge with values and perspectives of Indigenous
culture. It's a space that honours our seven generations, complex history, and
celebrates what it means to be Indigenous!
She:kon ... Boozhoo ... Aanii
My name is Dr. Dana
I'm Dr. Dana, a licensed clinical psychologist and the person behind Indigenous Mental Health Therapy. I started this practice after meeting too many Indigenous people who felt therapy wasn't built for them. I wanted to build the room I wish more of us had access to: specialized, culturally grounded, trauma-informed care, that understands the impact of colonization, residential schools, and the 60s scoop has had on our mental health.
APPROACH TO THERAPY
Welcome to the therapy practice that celebrates what it means to be Indigenous.
My approach to therapy is very different from other therapists.
I offer a unique perspective in therapy of bridging together psychological science, evidence based mental health practices, and Indigenous perspectives and values.
I've revised this page soooo many times. I want this page to help you decide if we'd be a good fit to work together. Because let's face it, it's a big decision to go to therapy and it's even harder to find the right psychologist.
My goal is for you to feel comfortable in therapy. My doctorate degree may be in clinical psychology, but my approach to therapy is very casual. It's important to me that you feel seen, heard, and understood.
I also want you to know that you can discuss anything ... trauma, anxiety, sex, money, thoughts of harming yourself. I've been doing this for almost 20 years, nothing you say will be surprising or shocking. In fact, it's all part of trying to navigating life and emotions.
As for what to expect in sessions, therapy is an active process, we are constantly learning and trying to understand the things that are leading to stress, burnout, and anxiety. Maybe it's thoughts of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or feeling like you need to achieve to feel loved. Whatever it is, we get to the bottom of it.
You can also expect to laugh in sessions. Will we be talking about serious issues? Absolutely! But I'm a firm believer that laughter is medicine and when appropriately timed, laughter is a great mental health tool.
“
Laughter is medicine
PROUDLY INDIGENOUS
I know what it's like to grow up on the rez.
I'm from the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation.
I grew up surrounded by our Mohawk language, our traditional teachings, and our Indigenous culture.
I often hear from clients that they appreciate not having to explain to their therapist what growing up on the rez is like. Colonization. Residential schools. 60s scoop. The value of the relationships with our aunties and uncles. Racism in the work place and even the health care system.
It's hard enough to tell your story, you shouldn't have to explain the political, social, and historical factors that have an impact too.
IN BETWEEN SESSIONS
When I'm not in session, you can usually find me juggling motherhood, trying to squeeze in a workout, or actively avoiding doing the dishes.
CREDENTIALS
When you're looking for a therapist, you want to know they're qualified to help.
I have been practicing therapy as a clinical psychologist for nearly 20 years, with a focus on Indigenous mental health. I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, inpatient programs, and community mental health programs.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Lakehead University
M.A., Clinical Psychology, Lakehead University
B.A., Psychology, Carleton University
Certificate, Intensive DBT Training, Behavioral Tech Institute
Certificate, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Beck Institute
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.
Ontario Psychological Association
Psychology Today
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business