Who I Am
Hi, I'm Liana [they/them]. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. This passion led me to become a certified music therapist (MTA) and later receive a master's degree in Counselling Psychology (MEd) and a designation as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC).
For many years, I have worked as counsellor, music therapist, support worker and community mentor for a variety of wonderful people. This includes socially marginalized populations, youth in foster care, medically vulnerable youth, neurodivergent people, and queer folx. I've served families, children/youth and people in romantic relationships who were struggling with traumatic experience, grief, spiritual questions, communication skills, identity, social isolation, interpersonal challenges, and even just making sense and meaning of the normal tangles of everyday life.
As a human, I am a queer, non-binary & neurodivergent musician with a love of nature, travel, photography, expressive movement and good coffee. As a clinician, I am guided by research, my education, social justice and my lived experience to serve you as best I can, bringing warmth, curiosity, flexibility and the belief that
you are capable.
Values
I believe that personal and professional integrity comes from living in harmony with your personal values. While we don’t need to share the same values to work well together, you may be interested in knowing some of my values:
PERSONAL: Authentic Living / Self-Expression / Self Care / Continuing Education / Accountability / Honesty / Vulnerability As Strength / Gratitude / Compassion / Non-Violent Communication / Humility / Cultural Competence / Integrity / Kindness / Playfulness
SOCIAL: Celebration of Diversity / Anti-racism / Social Justice / Healthy Sexuality / Sex, Kink, & Body Positivity / Freedom of Gender Expression / Erotic Orientation Positivity / Ethical Non Monogamy / Volunteerism / Trans Rights / Non-police Mental Health Crisis Response / Black Lives Matter / Community / Sex Worker Rights / Social Equality & Equity / Neurodiversity Awareness / Non-Violent Communication / Indigenous Sovereignty / Intersectionality / Pro-Choice / Knowledge & Resource Sharing / Access to Basic Needs / Harm Reduction / Celebration & Support Across Ages & Stages
Experience
education, certifications & professional interests
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Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), 2019
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Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology, Acadia University, 2018
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Certified Music Therapist (MTA), Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT), 2011
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Bachelor's in Music Therapy, Wilfrid Laurier University, 2006
Select additional trainings and continuing education in: Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) (Dr. Sue Johnson) / Neurobiology of Trauma (Dr. Bessel van Der Kolk) / Parental Relationships with Adult Children (Dr. Gabor Mate) / Addressing and Treating Sex Issues in Therapy - Level 2 (Martha Kauppi) / The Developmental Model of Couples Counselling (The Couple's Institute) / Crisis Text Line Counselling (Kids Help Phone) / Trauma-informed Polyamory / Gender Affirming Health Care / Mindfulness / Attachment Science
Professional Interests: Queer & trans folx / Romantic partnerships / Alternative & radical relationship structures / Psychadelic integration / Therapy in nature / Creative therapeutic techniques