Ginelle Peterson

I am a Registered Social Worker in the Province of Saskatchewan, licensed for clinical practice. I started my career with the Government of Saskatchewan in 2003 fresh from the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. I worked in various capacities within social services and justice prior to leaving the provincial government in 2006. For the past 18 years, I have been employed as a federal public servant and have been a sworn Peace Officer for the entirety of my career. Although I have moved away from front line work in my current management role; I continue to be an active member of our employee assistance program and advocating for workplace mental health. For the past four years, I have also worked as a casual crisis worker. My employment experience has provided unparalleled experience facing direct, vicarious & intergenerational trauma, grief, and working with people who are in crisis and distress. In my practice, I work with a variety of first responders and public safety personnel as well as diverse groups of people from the community from children to the elderly; providing individual, couples and family counselling.

In my clinical practice, I place significant value on developing a supportive and effective therapeutic relationship. I value being authentic, honest, relatable, and realistic while practicing within the highest levels of integrity and confidentiality. I always ensure that my clinical practice is evidence-based and grounded in science, research and best practice while being practical and focused on meeting my clients’ goals. In our sessions, I will utilize an eclectic trauma and culturally informed approach; often moving between treatment modalities including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I am a certified R2 Resilience Expert through the Resilience Research Center at Dalhousie University; and incorporate this specialized training into many of my sessions.

Healing does not mean the damage never existed; it means the damage no longer controls your life. As a therapist, I do not have a magic wand. I can’t make the hard things go away; but I can help you process through the hard things, so your experiences do not negatively impact your day to day life. I don’t have all of the answers and I don’t know what’s best for you; but I will help you identify your strengths and explore what treatment modality works for you in your specific situation. During our sessions, I may tell you things that you do not want to hear; but will always do so in the most professional and respectful manner possible. Therapy is about growth, and we cannot grow if we are not challenged.

I am an approved service provider through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program with Indigenous Services Canada as well as through the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Blue Cross. I am also a member of both the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

“Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and the responsibility to pick

yourself up.” – Mary Holloway