Insight Psychological Therapists - Dawn Doucet Banting

Dawn Doucet Banting Headshot
Dawn Doucet Banting, Registered Provisional Psychologist, MC, BSW, RSW, (She/Her)

I believe in creating space for people to share their story. I have a warm, gentle approach and think that a large part of healing comes from exploring and processing experiences in a safe place. I like to help people grow and gain insight through supporting them to unravel life experiences in a validating and contained environment so that they can better understand the impact of their experiences, strengthen skills to manage related thoughts and emotions, and recreate stories and beliefs that are no longer helping them. I draw from a sound base of theories, and I relate from a heart-centred and compassionate place.

More About Dawn Doucet Banting

I have a Master of Counselling with a specialization in Counselling Psychology and have worked as a counsellor and social worker for several years. I have worked in the field of addictions, youth work, and family support and intervention having graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2002 . I also have specialized training in addictions including an Addiction Studies Extension Certificate. Additionally, I have completed several graduate level courses in art therapy and am completing additional training in play therapy. I have special interest in addictions, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues, and mental health including but not limited to anxiety and depression. I work with individuals (adults, children, and adolescents), as well as couples and families. Using a strengths and empowerment perspective, I actively support clients to recognize their inner and outer resources and to foster self-compassion. I use an eclectic approach which is tailored to clients’ needs and grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also use art- and play-based approaches, particularly in my work with children, youth and families. Primarily, I want people to feel supported and hopeful in their healing journeys.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

Have you, or anyone close to you, had to overcome any trauma, or mental health challenge?

This questions brings to mind a number of people in my life who have overcome challenges and/or continue to work on overcoming challenges. I am in awe of their strength and courage, as well as their commitment to taking care of themselves, reaching out for support, expressing their needs, and making decisions every day to support their wellbeing and mental health. I have much love and respect for them.

What is your favourite quote?

“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting – over and over announcing your place in the family of things.” – Mary Oliver from the poem Wild Geese

For me, this part of the poem speaks to our innate need for connection, belonging, grounding, and meaning and how each of us can each find those things in different places.

Qualifications

Master of Counselling, Athabasca University

Bachelor of Social Work, University of Manitoba

Addiction Studies Extension Certificate, Mount Royal University

Registered Social Worker

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists

Alberta College of Social Workers

Certifications

Gottman Method Couples Therapy- Level 1, The Gottman Institute

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina

Trauma-Informed Care, Alberta Health Services

Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment and Management, Alberta Health Services

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, University of California San Diego Center for Mindfulness

Grief Therapy as Meaning Construction: Creative Practices for Counselling the Bereaved, Presented by Robert Neimeyer, PhD

Clash of the Sex Drives: Helping Couples Resolve Mismatched Desire, The Buehler Institute

Developmental Pathway of Addiction and Mental Health- Motivational Interviewing & Stages of Change Model, Alberta Health Services

Motivational Interviewing Certificate- Level 1, Kerr Creative

Indigenous Awareness & Sensitivity, Alberta Health Services

The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, Kaizen Solutions

Introduction to AutPlay Therapy, taught by Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, RPT-S

Introduction to Play Therapy, Institute of Child Psychology

Languages

  • English

My areas of focus:

Anxiety & Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
Couples
  • Marriage and Relationship Concerns
Grief & Loss Care
  • Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues
Other Areas
  • Stress Management
Thrive (Child & Youth)
  • Family Issues

I have experience in:

  • Adolescent and Teen Issues
  • Aging Parents
  • Anger Management
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Becoming a Parent or the Addition of Children
  • Behavioural Issues
  • Changes in Health
  • Child & Youth Anxiety
  • Child & Youth Depression
  • Childhood Development Issues
  • Children & Youth 10 to 12 Years
  • Children 3 to 5 Years
  • Children 6 to 9 Years
  • Children's Mental Health
  • Communication Disorders
  • Compassion Fatigue
  • Divorce or Separation
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Food or Eating Issues
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Grief and Loss
  • Impulsivity in Children
  • Learning Disorders
  • Men's Mental Health
  • Parenting Issues & Support
  • Parenting LGBTQ+ Youth
  • Problem Gambling
  • Problem Internet/Gaming in Children & Youth
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Seniors and the Elderly Issues
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Teen's Mental Health
  • Trauma
  • Workplace Stress

My treatment approaches:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Gottman Couples Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Person Centered Therapy
  • Solution Focused Therapy