I have lived through experiences that keep me grounded, real and humble. I understand struggles and obstacles that life can throw at you when you least expect it. I understand the depths of emotional despair and how challenging it can be to see the sunshine again. I believe the sun keeps shining bright somewhere within all of us. Sometimes it takes time to calm the storm in order to let your sunshine through.
Director of Clinical Services
SHANNON WALKER
I grew up witness to the struggles one can have with the health system when seeking mental health treatment. I decided at a young age that I wanted to assist those who struggle with mental health to find peace and clarity in life.
I began working with high-risk Indigenous women who struggled with acute schizophrenia and addiction while completing studies in Psychology. I worked with the women as a team to build self esteem, learn healthy coping mechanisms, learn about their mental health, basic communication skills, self regulation techniques, harm reduction techniques and identify short- and long-term goals for their health and their relationships.
During this time, I worked collaboratively with community mental health teams and inpatient psychiatric units to assist the women in their healing journey while ensuring they receive excellent care that was free of judgement and discrimination. I decided it was time to gain experience and knowledge in clinical psychology.
While working at a psychiatric hospital as part of a team, I treated patients who struggled with addiction, trauma, and acute mental illness. I supported patients by promoting self-growth and patience as they learned new ways of healthy living.
I have run my own mental health clinic for the last 4 years. I strive to provide prompt high quality care to those in need. It is an honour to walk the journey of healing with each of my clients. I continue to be dedicated to assist clients in discovering what healing looks like for them.
Types of Therapy Used:
Narrative Therapy - Client is the expert, recreate your story, find your power and learn to share your power with the world.
CBT Psycho Education – Learn interactions between thoughts, feelings, actions. Challenge your negative thoughts.
DBT - Psychotherapy used to treat suicidal ideation, mood disorders and, substance abuse and, behaviour patterns including self harm.
Somatic Experiencing - Learn to identify body sensations and how they relate to emotions. Learn to control the automatic sensations and reactions your body has.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy - Goal oriented therapy that gives opportunity for the client and the therapist to work through the client’s challenges without working on past events in depth. The focus is on the client’s present and future circumstances.
