About Me

I've been teaching, writing and publishing at the University and College levels for many years and have experienced my own challenges both personally and professionally that have contributed for my compassion for others, including animals and the natural world. Having someone to care, listen and be present while we work through the sources of our suffering is needed for us to heal.

In addition to my education and training, which you can see below, I love to spend time with my dogs and cat, reading books, creating art, gardening, meditating and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

My academic website is available here: drnataliethomas.com

Education, Certifications, Trainings

MA Counselling Psychology, Yorkville Univesity

PhD, University of Waterloo, Philosophy

Specialized in ethics and animal ethics.

MA, University of Guelph, Philosophy

Specialized in environmental philosophy and ethics.

BA, University of Guelph, Philosophy

Certificate, Foundations of Mindfulness Meditation, University of Toronto

Certificate, Mindfulness Informed End of Life Care, University of Toronto

Certificate, Environmental Citizenship, University of Guelph

Additional trainings and courses include:

Wilfried Laurier University-Social Work Continuing Education

Trauma Certificate courses:
- Trauma-Sensitive Practice
- Mindfulness for Trauma
- Crisis Intervention
- Trauma and Addictions
- Introduction to Trauma
- Structural Dissociation Theory
Grief and Bereavement Certificate courses
- Grief Counselling
- Traumatic Bereavement
Counselling for Pet Loss
Internal Family Systems Level One Training (in progress)
EMDR (EMDRIA approved Basic Training)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Compassion Fatigue (Dr. Gabor Mate, PESI, Institute of Traumatology)
Working with the elderly
Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Mate)
Gottman Couple Therapy Level I
Depression Treatment for Older Adults
Disaster Mental Health Counselling (in progress)

Memberships:

Climate Psychology Alliance

Canadian Psychological Association

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association

Public Speaking Engagements:

'Don't Worry, Be Happy' University of Guelph Alumni webinar, 2022

'A Mindful, Compassionate Approach to Eco Anxiety and Grief' A Mindful Society Global Summit 2022

Approaches and Modalities

I use an integrative and holistic approach suited to the person I'm working with, depending on their own goals and preferences. My background in philosophy also gives me familiarity with existential issues and ethical dilemmas. Approaches to therapy I use include:

compassion-focused
person-centred
humanistic
strength-based
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Internal Family Systems/parts work
EMDR

If you are interested in knowing more about EMDR, please check out the EMDRIA website here: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/

I also incorporate existential and contemplative forms of psychotherapy for those wanting to investigate questions or issues around life's meaning and purpose, and those interested in learning therapeutic mindfulness meditation techniques.

Nature-based therapies and eco therapy, including activities like 'walk and talk' therapy are also available options for our sessions.

I have also completed an 8-week Compassion Cultivation Training course and the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course that inform my work, as do mindful self-compassion practices that have been shown to assist in healing feelings of shame and that improve resiliency.

Elements of positive psychology are also included in my approach, as is bibliotherapy.

I have a deep love of learning and am currently completing training in Internal Family Systems, Gottman Couple Therapy and Advanced Grief Counselling.

Coming soon: Groups for beginner mindfulness training and eco + climate anxiety and grief.