Indigenous Counselling Therapist
Mamisewin Creation Story
As the founder and lead Counselling Therapist at Mamisewin Counselling & Consulting Services, I am grateful that you took the time to view my website. I created this agency, due to the need for more Indigenous led mental health services. There is currently a lack of culturally sensitive trauma-informed counselling agencies that are developed, facilitated, and operated by Indigenous people. As an Indigenous Cree Nehiyaw, I recognize the unique challenges faced by individuals who have experienced intergenerational trauma, cultural genocide and systemic racism. These traumas can have lasting impacts on mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, which is why healing strategies need to incorporate wellness from a holistic approach.
My approach to trauma therapy goes beyond traditional talk therapy methods. I work from an understanding that therapy is not just about talking through your experiences; it's about addressing the root of the trauma and facilitating healing on a holistic level. Our bodies carry the weight of trauma, while our minds struggle to process the experiences that live within us. Thus, we need to work on restructuring the brain and nervous systems for comprehensive healing.
Drawing from personal lived experiences, I understand the importance of seeking mental health support for your own wellness and to help with healing from trauma. I have survived my own challenges in life including eating disorders, postpartum depression, relationship violence, sexual exploitation, childhood abuse and family violence. I have overcome a lot of struggles as a young single mother, raising two children, going to university, and working full-time. One of my children was also born prematurely and had several ongoing medical issues that required intensive medical procedures. While I struggled to balance and mange my life, I knew that I needed to work on my own mental health issues and sought out my own supports. From this, I knew that after completing my master’s in counselling in 2019, I wanted to have my own agency, and provide therapy to those that may also have survived similar struggles and are seeking supports.
I have professional, academic training in various western therapeutic modalities including:
· Play/Art/ Drama Therapy
· Somatic Theory/ Polyvagal Theory
· Trauma-Informed Yoga
· EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
· Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
· Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
· Solution -Focused Therapy (SFT)
Working from a two -eyed seeing approach, I integrate Western modalities in addressing the psychological needs of clients, families, and community, with a holistic framework that includes Indigenous spirituality and cultural traditions. I believe in a collaborative approach to healing, where clients are empowered to explore their inner strengths and identities. I welcome all individuals, and families in my counselling space. I am inclusive and provide non-judgmental therapy to those that are ready to embark on a journey of healing that honors your whole being, I am here to support you every step of the way. Please call or email me to discuss how I can support you,
Hiy Hiy
Joanna Gladue, MC, CCC, CCPA
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This 20-minute session allows you to meet with the counselling therapist online, or on the phone, and discuss what you would like to work on, and your reason for seeking therapy. During this conversation, you and your therapist can decide if the counselling relationship might work for both of you. You can use this opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you might have, and to discuss whether in-person or online sessions are preferable
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The first 50-minute session will be an opportunity for you and your counselling therapist to start building a therapeutic alliance. You will be asked to provide history about yourself, and your past or current issues. This history gathering will involve a lot of questions, however, understand that this is all a part of the process in ensuring that the counseling therapist gets to know you better. You will also set goals and objectives, which will establish your intentions for therapy. You can ask questions at this session, to better understand the process, remember, this is a collaborative journey; the therapist is there to walk beside you.
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The sessions that follow the first session will take place either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis depending on your needs. Both the therapist and you can co-create this schedule. The intent of the ongoing sessions will be to work through your reasons for attending therapy, and to ensure that we have outcomes or goals in mind. Understand that this can be a very traumatic and challenging process, especially when we discuss our trauma, and possible early childhood experiences. Please know that the therapist will provide the space and opportunity for you to move through your trauma at a pace you feel comfortable with.
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Individual Child/Youth Session $150.00
Individual Adult $150.00
Parent & Child/Youth Session $150.00
Couples Counselling Session $150.00
If you do not have benefits, please contact Joanna to discuss sliding scale rates.
Mamisewin Counselling Process
If you do not have benefits, please contact Joanna to discuss sliding scale rates
Mamisewin Counselling & Consulting Services proudly offers a welcoming and affirming space for all BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ individuals and their families, providing compassionate support and guidance.
