Alyson has been an adjunct professor at UBC School of Social work for a period of 7 years. Recently she has taught in the Faculty of Education Counselling Psychology in the Fall term of 2020 and in the Summer of 2022. She has been a counsellor for over 30 years specializing in Group therapy, Individual trauma therapy, and Conflict Resolution. She is a clinical counsellor with a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of British Columbia and a Diploma in Conflict Resolution from Royal Roads University.

Alyson has taught a Trauma informed practice approach to students in a Counselling class, a Group work class, in several Integrative Seminars and some courses on Interviewing skills. She is an author of 4 published books and a chapter in Holistic Engagement: Transformative Social Work Education in the 21st Century. Her textbook, Experiential Unity Theory and Model was first published in 2012 and a second edition published in 2022 Experiential Unity Theory and Model: Treating Trauma in Therapy is aligned with the principles of a Trauma Informed Practice. Alyson has taught her model at both International and Canadian conferences and at a variety of workshops on Trauma informed Practice. She founded and is the Director of the Trauma Informed Practice Institute established in May 2021.

Alyson was born in Zimbabwe and trained as a social worker in South Africa. She launched her social work career in London, England and then emigrated to Vancouver, Canada. Her self-help book, Reclaim Your Soul: Your Path to Healing, published in 2014, also builds on trauma informed principles.

You can visit Alyson's website here.

Ursula was born in Alberta and is a member of the Siksika (Blackfoot) Nation. She acknowledges the unceded, ancestral territory of the Southern Stl’atl’imx near Pemberton, BC where she has lived since 2006. Ursula’s employment history includes varied fields such as: adventure tourism, emergency services, hospitality, community development and mental health. Her postsecondary education includes a bachelor of arts degree in cultural anthropology from the University of British Columbia, and a master of counselling degree from City University of Seattle. Ursula has worked in both indigenous health and education organizations over the years. For the past 6 years she has had her private clinical/consultant practice. Ursula is a clinical counsellor providing services to adults and youth. These services, in both individual and group formats, include: therapy, psycho-education, workshops and consultation. Much of her work focuses on complex trauma, land-based healing and wellness.

Taj is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), she is a member of the BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors). Taj has 2 degrees in Psychology, as well as a background in neuroscience and has published several research papers in the world’s top scientific journals. Taj has worked both independently and as a member of several inter-disciplinary mental health teams within the health authorities, including the UBC Mood Disorders centre for over 10 years.

She provides a range of evidence-based psychotherapy and counselling services from a person-centred, strengths-based and trauma informed perspective. Taj is engaged in therapeutic work as an individual and group therapist, a researcher as well as a clinical instructor. Her work focuses on chronic pain, anxiety, bipolar disorder, problems with emotion regulation, trauma and the many issues affecting quality of life.

Please visit www.mindmatterstherapy.ca for more information or contact: info@mindmatterstherapy.ca
Tel: (604) 690-6463

Asta received her Bachelor's of Social Work in Lithuania with practicums in mental health and correctional services. Upon moving to Canada, she pursued a career in academic administration and human resources. She brings over 17 years of organizational skills and experience working in universities, private education and the regulatory sector. Asta has initiated and developed numerous programs, collaborated with various health authorities and administered clinical examinations, while still keeping her social work values close to heart.

Reva is an administrative assistant whose work is focused on managing data, statistics, and flow of information. She took her Bachelor's degree in International ICT Business back in Indonesia, and received her Master's Degree in Business Administration in Canada. Reva holds a green belt certification of Lean Six Sigma to maximize efficiency, and published one international research journal in human resources. She has had more than three years of work experiences in administrative in private education and major international companies. Reva has been involved and lead several projects supporting companies on increasing productivity while being cost-effective. Currently, Reva is still active on her administrative works while pursuing her passion in human resources.