Meet Shana Cardinal

 I am a Registered Social Worker (#2365) with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) and have my Masters of Education Psychology from the University of Regina where I specialized in working with at-risk and marginalized clients with complex needs. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Philosophy with the Faulty of Education at the University of Regina. 

My counselling & therapeutic practice and philosophy are based upon my worldview as an Indigenous woman. My research into Indigenous epistemologies indicates that Indigenous professionals who have strong cultural ties and practices are able to provide a culturally-appropriate and relevant counselling and therapeutic experience, especially when working with First Nations and Métis clients.

Indigenous professionals provide insight into First Nations and Métis culture, heritage, traditions, beliefs, values and ceremonies. We are also able to work with our clients using a variety of First Nations and Métis practices such as talking and sharing circles, medicine wheel teachings, land-based activities, access to Elders and Knowledge Keepers, daily reflection, storytelling, and other valuable knowledge and expertise. 

I have spent the past ten years working directly with children, youth and families, utilizing an integrated service model based upon “holistic practice.”

Respect for the client’s personal and cultural knowledge is at the centre of the caring relationship. From that respect, change and improvement grows. Many mental health challenges have social and historical roots. With practice, clients can learn to move beyond the past towards a healthier life. My counselling practice is not about labelling; it is about helping people understand their own strengths and resilience.

Shana is a trauma informed and anti-oppressive practitioner who follows a strengths-based framework when working with children, youth, individuals and families. She is highly knowledgeable of child development, attachment difficulties, intergenerational trauma, trauma, PTSD, and the effects of residential school. She has extensive experience working with Indigenous peoples and communities.

Shana is an empathetic, creative, and caring individual who believes everyone deserves to be happy, self-confident, at peace, and mentally well.

I enjoy being able to bridge the gap between holistic and western therapy while providing a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which to heal. I am always looking to integrate new treatments and therapies into my practice and believe that continued learning is important for any good holistic therapist. I love empowering clients to understand themselves and discover the gentle power of the healing arts.

Counselling services are provided from childhood to adolescence through to adulthood. I believe in a person-centered philosophy to help you find strength and develop new skills. Every client is an expert of their lived experience. Counselling is not about finding disorders or dysfunction. It is about recognizing the obstacles in your path and finding ways to overcome those obstacles. My approaches to counselling typically involve solution-focused and cognitive behavioural methods. Other ideas are brought in as needed.

I adhere to the ethical standards and protocols set forth by my profession, which are those outlined by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), the Canadian Counselling Association (CCA), the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW), and the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). 

Types of Therapy:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) 
• Art Therapy techniques 
• Play Therapy techniques
• Strengths Based Therapy 
• Culturally Sensitive 
• Trauma & Resilience Focused 

Cardinal Sage Holistic Wellness 

Owner & Primary Therapist

February 2020 – present

Current Board Member: MACSI (2023)

Current Board Member: RHCAB-Regina Homelessness (2021-Present)

Current: Metis Nation Saskatchewan - C92 An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families

Experience: 25+ Years in Public Education 

Experience: 15+ Years in Emergency after hours child welfare

University of Regina

Regina, Saskatchewan

PhD Student, Faculty of Education

Underway

University of Regina

Regina, Saskatchewan

Masters Degree, Educational Psychology

April 2013

University of Regina

Regina, Saskatchewan

Bachelor of Social Work, 

Faculty of Social Work

June 2010

First Nations University of Canada

Regina, Saskatchewan

Intercultural Leadership Certificate

April 2009

Individuals

• Children (6-12 years)
• Youth (13-18 years)
• Adults
• Elders/Seniors

Small Groups

• Children (6-12 years)
• Youth (13-18 years)

Employee & Family Assistance Programs (EFAP) 

                 (Please check with your employer)Indigenous Service Canada – Approved Mental Health Therapist

• Non-Insured Health Benefits Program (NIHB)
• Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP)
• Indian Day School (IDS)
• Murder Missing Indigenous Woman and Girls (MMIWG)

Intergenerational Trauma

Stress Management, Including School Stress

Anxiety/Depression

Assertiveness

Sexual / Gender Identity

Child Behaviour

Learning Disabilities / Dyslexia

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Childhood and Adult Trauma

Grief/Loss

Emotional Distress

Family Issues

Relationship Difficulties (not marriage or family counselling)