Shala Symonds
Shala Symonds (she/ her/ hers) is a Registered Social Worker with the B.C.College of Social Workers who holds a Master's degree from the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Shala has worked in the health and social service sectors for over 10 years. During the last four years Shala focused her practice on supporting patients, families, and caregivers through destabilizing times of change within hospitals and primary care clinical settings. With her present, compassionate, and collaborative approach, Shala supports individuals and families with navigating significant life transitions including, anxiety, grief, trauma, health and mental health crises.
ABOUT SHALA
Grounded in anti-oppression, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, and intersectional feminism, Shala aims to create a space where Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) can be centered, seen and heard. She views wellness holistically and recognizes the transformative potential of therapy that is rooted in social justice. Shala’s goal is to walk alongside clients in their healing journey, gently supporting them to overcome both cognitive and tangible barriers to their goals. Through a culmination of evidence-based approaches, including psychoeducation, mindfulness practice, CBT, and other modalities, Shala assists clients with breaking cycles of undesired behavior patterns, and supports the development of skills and tools for navigating life’s hardships.
CREDENTIALS & TRAINING
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Bachelors of Social Work (BSW)
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Masters of Social Work (MSW)
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Registered Social Worker (RSW) with BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW)
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Registered member of the BC Association of Social Workers (BCASAW)
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Essentials of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Training, Beck Institute
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Training
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Acute and Primary Care Social Work
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Adult Guardianship Training
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Brief Solutions Focused Therapy
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Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism Training
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Policy Analyst Support, Ontario Human Rights Commission Practicum (2015 - 2016)
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Research and Policy Analyst Assistant, Anti-Racism Directorate, Ontario Cabinet (2016 - 2017)
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Support Worker, Aboriginal Mothers’ Centre Society (Transitional Housing)
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Student Researcher, First Nations Health Authority
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San’Yas Indigenous Culturally Safety Training
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Youth Worker, For Youth Initiative (FYI)
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Associates of Arts Degree, Psychology Major
AVAILABILITY
In Person Appointments
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Wednesday & Friday
Virtual Appointments
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Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
SPECIALTIES IN COUNSELLING
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Anxiety
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Chronic Pain/Illness
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Cultural Identity
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Depression
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Grief & Loss
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Healthcare Workers
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Life Transitions
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PTSD
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Racial Identity
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Self-esteem
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Stress
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Teen/Adolescents
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Trauma
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Workplace Stress