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 seeking knowledge to further enhance the mental health and well-being of others. I completed my Honors BA at the University of Guelph in 1998, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Family Studies. I was very interested in directly helping people gain insight to transform their lives. I continued my studies with the clinical Masters of Social Work program at the University of Toronto, graduating in 2001. Over a decade later, I completed a Post-Masters Diploma in Advanced Graduate Social Work Studies at the University of Calgary, in 2012.

I spent nearly a decade applying my curiosity gathering information as a psychosocial research assistant. Clinically, I have worked in community, hospital, 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 courses 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 that tapping into your hope and resilience will help you move from surviving to thriving.

I am currently studying to become an Expressive Arts Therapist…

And I am engaging in study and supervision with the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (Louisville, Kentucky), directed by Cathy Malchiodi. Advances in neuroscience have highlighted expressive arts approaches in the healing and integration of grief and trauma. I am excited to add this element to my practice and therapeutic offerings to you. 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. If you have extended health insurance, a portion of my services may be covered for you. I am also a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers. I have Advanced Certificates 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 privileged to live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, on the traditional lands and unceded territory of the Syilx people, with my husband and dogs. I enjoy swimming, reading, painting, collage, photography, and travelling.