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.
Therapy Techniques
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
Professional Experience
Cardinal Sage Holistic Wellness
Owner & Primary Therapist
July 2020 – present
Regina Board of Education
School Counsellor
September 2000 – present
Education
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
Who We Serve
- Individual
- Children (6-12 years)
- Youth (13-18 years)
- Adults
- Seniors/Elders
- 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)
- Murder Missing Indigenous Woman and Girls (MMIWG)
- Indian Day School (IDS)
- New-Comer Families
- Adopting Families
Types of Issues Addressed
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
Trauma
Family Issues
Relationship Difficulties (not marriage or family counselling)