About Bronwyn Dickson
My Approach to Therapy
My approach to therapy is person-centered and relational. I also incorporate feminist principles into my practice. What this means for you is that I will work with you collaboratively and will attempt to understand your current struggles as you experience them. I will also encourage you to steer the direction of therapy and I will never assume that I am the expert holding all the answers. Instead, I believe you are the expert in your life and my role is to support you in finding ways to overcome obstacles to connecting with your own expertise and inner wisdom.
I also believe that both therapist and client contribute to what happens in the therapy relationship. As such, I encourage ongoing discussions about any feelings which may arise during our work together.
Professional Training and Qualifications
My educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Social Work and also I hold undergraduate degrees in both social work and psychology. I have also completed a three-year post-graduate psychotherapy training program through the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy and have received my training relating to animal bereavement through the Canadian Centre for Pet Loss Bereavement (CCPLB).
Memberships
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
- Ontario Association of Social Workers
Relationship with Animals
 Through my own relationships with my companion animals and also in my work as a psychotherapist, I have learned that animals can offer an enormous capacity to heal past wounds, buffer the affects of stress, and keep us very grounded in the present moment.
When we encounter an animal that is able to look at us with nothing but loving eyes, acceptance, and tolerance, something in us shifts. If only for a moment we start to feel better about ourselves. As we stroke our pets we are physiologically calmer, tend to breath fuller, our blood pressure lowers, and we are in the present moment completely.
My professional exploration around the potential for relationships to result in both healing and harmful impacts, also led me to reflect on the relationships in my own life. What I discovered was that, past and present, many of my most meaningful, healing, and fulfilling relationships were with animals.
It is these experiences of loss and love with my animal companions that served as a catalyst to focus my psychotherapy practice on issues of animal bereavement.
|
