GIIWITAA WHOLISTIC COUNSELLING SERVICES

Rhonda is a Clinical Social Worker/Therapist specializing in Trauma, Grief and Loss.  I combine Indigenous approaches and anti-oppressive practices to healing.

ABOUT ME

I began my career working with youth in a residential setting.  As a relief worker, I was driven by my passion to support and build connections with others.  I moved to Toronto and completed my Child and Youth Worker diploma.  This would only be the beginning of my lengthy academic journey.  I continued my education at the University of Toronto while working in child welfare.  These opportunities showed me that I needed to transfer to supportive services.  My time as a case manager taught me so much while working with families and individuals.  I became interested in learning more about trauma, grief, and loss as I saw so many people attempting to navigate through life while carrying their own deep wounds.  Trauma is not just a mindset, it impacts our total well being.

I have always been intrigued by the stories we carry as I believe stories completely shape who we are.  It is very important to give a platform to others to share their own story through their own narrative and allow people to speak their truth.  I knew I wanted to open my own private practice and therefore I needed to return back to school and complete the required education. I went to Ryerson University and completed a Bachelor of Social Work and then pursued my Masters in Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University.

In order to be successful in working with others, I felt very strongly that I too needed to do my own personal work and come to understand my own life story.  Sometimes this life journey feels rewarding at times and very insightful, other times it feels dark, lonely, and uncomfortable.  However, on my healing journey, I have learned and experienced the power of my own strength to change my narratives, mindset, energy and the way I carry myself and take up my space.  I had to become a curious observer while silencing the damaging inner critic that I carried within.  

I am thankful for the healers and helpers that were placed on my path.  I had to learn compassion for myself, recognize my weaknesses, and be proud of my strengths.  Today I strive for wholistic healing as I utilize land-based connections, spiritual healing, cognitive functioning with a heavy focus on support systems whether familial or community.  Everyone is completely different therefore I believe that a treatment plan has to be tailored specifically to your own healing needs, learning style, and beliefs.

At present, I run a private practice.  I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), therefore my services are covered by some health benefit plans.  I am also registered with Indigenous Services Canada so my services are covered under Indian Status.