David is a professional with over 18 years experience working in a variety of human services settings including schools, group residential homes, community outreach centres, and private counselling offices. This work has included both supervisory roles and direct client work. In these roles he has demonstrated an excellent ability to manage and work within interdisciplinary and inter-agency teams while delivering a high level of service to the clients. Currently, David’s focus is on individual counselling and private practice, however he continues to mix in workshops and consulting work with Children’s Services agencies.
David has a Master’s degree in Counselling and is a Registered Psychologist. For the past decade he has devoted his time to working with issues of trauma, addictions, high-risk youth, aggression and challenging behaviours. In the last 5 years, this has expanded to include challenges that couples and families face. As a counsellor, David’s therapeutic process is to respond to both presenting issues and the underlying causes with a focus of dealing with the issues as the client is ready. He believes that change and personal growth are often initiated through hard experience or a crisis and that transformation comes not from what is done to us, but rather how we respond. Therapy allows people to be intentional about that response and consider how their thoughts, habits, and behaviors influence their outcomes.
Teens tend to feel comfortable with David because he gives them a sense of control over their change and supports them in maintaining their independence while being very honest with them.
Couples describe David as being very balanced in his approach and able to help each understand the others’ perspective. Whatever problem a couple is facing, David seeks to make it an issue that both partners have a role in resolving. This is done without blaming either partner, but challenging each to see their partner in a new light.
In general, David’s relaxed style, genuine attitude, openness, and sense of humour make him approachable and understanding.
Client Groups
- Teens (15-18 yrs old)
- Adults
- Couples
- Parent-Teen Conflict
- Families
- Supervision of Provisional Psychologists
Areas of Interest
- Couples Counselling
- Communication
- Conflict
- Trust
- Family Counselling
- Parent-Teen conflict
- Co-parenting
- Reunification Therapy
- Addictions
- Anger Management
- Anxiety, Depression
- Emotion Management
- Trauma
- Grief & Loss
- Relationship
- Professional Supervision
Education
- Master of Counselling (2014); City University of Seattle, Edmonton, AB
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Honours (2004); Trinity Western University, Langley, BC
- University Transfer, Psychology (2002); Camosun College, Victoria, BC
Other Training
- Basic Mediation Training (Alberta Family Mediation Society), Dec 2020
- Borderline Personality Disorder – Understanding & Supporting (Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute), May 2019
- Aboriginal Awareness (Heritage Family Services), Dec 2014
- Suicide & Self Harm Intervention (Heritage Family Services), Feb 2014
- Teaching Parenting (Family Centre), Feb 2012
- Solution-Focused Therapy(Family Centre), Feb 2012
- Family Violence (Family Centre), Feb 2012
- Resiliency (Family Centre), Feb 2012
- Theory of Change (Family Centre), Feb 2012
- Critical Incident Reports (Family Centre), Feb 2012
- ASIST Suicide Intervention Training, Jan 2010
- Western Canada Mental Health and Addictions Conference, Dec 2008
- Prince’s Trust XL Adviser Training, England, Nov 2004
Insurance & Direct Billing
David is covered by most insurance companies, however you should confirm your coverage with your provider.
David is able to direct bill to the following:
- Alberta Blue Cross
- ASEBP (Alberta Teacher’s Association)
- FNIHB (First Nations Non-Insured Health Benefits)
- Canada Life
- Greenshield
- Medavie Blue Cross (RCMP and Veteran’s Affairs)
- Worker’s Compensation Board
To book an appointment or get more more information about any of our therapists please Email or phone.