Lisa Calder, MSW, RSW, BCRPT
About Me - Lisa Calder, MSW, RSW
I always knew I wanted to help others and have made it my lifelong mission…
I am a very creative and compassionate person who is dedicated to enhance the mental health and well-being of others. I completed my Honors BA at the University of Guelph in 1998, in Psychology and Child and Family Studies. I continued my studies with the Masters of Social Work (clinical) program at the University of Toronto, graduating in 2001. I completed a Post-Masters Diploma in Advanced Graduate Social Work Studies at the University of Calgary, in 2012.
I spent nearly a decade as a psychosocial research assistant. Clinically, I have worked in community, hospital, school, and government settings providing high quality mental health services over the past twenty years, as a clinician, team leader, and clinical supervisor. I have practiced in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. I have also taught at the college level in Human Services and Social Work. I believe ongoing learning and professional development helps me provide the best care. I also believe tapping into your hope and resilience will help you move from surviving to thriving.
Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy
I recently have completed all requirements for the BC Play Therapy Association training to become a Registered Play therapist in British Columbia. I also am completing my application to become registered with Canadian Association of Play Therapists. My training incorporates directive and non-directive approaches as I seek to integrate both for optimal growth and development. I utilize technique such as Sandtray Therapy, Puppetry, Expressive Art creation. I am influenced by Marie-Jose Dhase, Greg Lubimiv, and Lisa Dion, as mentors and teachers in play therapy, For more info about play therapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ovwAdxCs0 For more info about sandtray therapy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1uV8xnDodo
I also completed training in Expressive Arts Therapy with the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (Louisville, Kentucky), directed by Cathy Malchiodi. Expressive arts approaches help us heal grief, loss, and trauma. Expressive Arts Therapy utilizes multiple modes that can assist with emotional healing and well-being, some examples are: drawing, painting, poetry, writing, collage, music, dance, movement and sculpture. You do not need to be an artist to engage in Expressive Arts Therapy! A willingness to explore and engage in the process of discovery is all you need. A few basic art supplies like paper, pencil crayons, paint, and magazine images can get you started.
I am a Registered Social Worker in good standing in the province of British Columbia and I am bound by the BCCSW Code of Ethics. I also am a RSW in Ontario for virtual. If you have extended health insurance, my services may be covered for you. I am a First Nations Health Authority provider. I am also a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers. I have Advanced training in the areas of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout, Grief and Loss, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Tele-Mental Health Services. I also have advanced training in Attachment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness Strategies, Self-Compassion, Compassionate Inquiry, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Family & Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. I am also a Registered Circle of Security Parenting Program provider.
I am privileged to live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, on the traditional lands and unceded territory of the Syilx people. I have a dog Rolo who is in training to be a therapeutic support. I enjoy swimming, reading, painting, collage, photography, and travelling.