Advanced Graduate
Level Interns

Dawne completed a Bachelor of Arts in Religion (Ambrose, 2001) and later followed with a Master of Divinity (Regent College, 2013). At Cornerstone, Dawne is completing the practicum portion of a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her academic and ministry pursuits have culminated a spiritually-integrated approach to providing compassionate care and counselling to people seeking help. This focus emerged during the ten years she was involved with prison ministry, where it became clear that compassion is not only turning toward people in suffering, but also gaining the knowledge and skills to best help. She is looking forward to offering unconditional compassionate care and support for people seeking understanding and healing from issues and wounds sustained through the realities of life.

Inspirational Quotes:

“The freedom question is not whether we can do whatever we want but whether we can do what we most deeply want.” ― Gerald May, quoted in The Truths that Free Us by Ruth Haley Barton

“In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning…” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

How do you believe counselling can help?

Counselling, at its best, is a relational way to support and help others to confront and work at overcoming their challenges. In fact, one intriguing study notes that when someone is present with an individual facing a steep hill to climb, the hill literally looks less steep (this includes both metaphorical and physical hills). A counsellor can be that trusted presence who supports people in finding the courage to confront the steep realities of life’s challenges. In the context of a trusted therapeutic relationship, counselling can offer a secure base for individuals to do the hard work of exploring their inner worlds. Through this process, counselling may bring new perspectives, knowledge, self-insight, self-compassion, new approaches to old issues, and more.

Your approach to counselling:

I have trained specifically in Relational Cultural Theory which is based on the idea that we are all hard-wired for connection and that disconnection and isolation are at the root of a great many mental health issues. Founded upon attachment theory and social neuroscience, the RCT model emphasizes that it is within mutuality and growth-fostering relationships that people heal; this important tenet informs my approach to counselling.

I believe every individual is of inestimable worth and value, no matter their circumstances. This belief underwrites my commitment to being nonjudgmental and to having unconditional positive regard for every person. I have also extensively studied compassion science and seek to integrate this into the modalities I utilize, particularly Compassion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, backgrounded by elements of Family Systems Therapy

Toby completed his undergraduate degree at MacEwan University in 2016, where he Majored in Psychology and Minored in Sociology. He is currently working on completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University, and he plans to graduate in 2022.

Friends and family would describe Toby as someone of kindred spirit, easy to talk to and a good listener. He has always been genuinely passionate about helping others and learning about them and what makes them who they are.

When he is not working or completing school work, Toby enjoys driving to the mountains, going for hikes, bicycling, and kayaking. He is also a bit of a fitness enthusiast.

Inspirational Quotes:

“Fight for your dreams, and your dreams will fight for you.” ― Paulo Coelho

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” ― Norman Vincent Peale

How do you believe counselling can help?

I believe counselling aims to help individuals learn to deal with and overcome issues that cause them emotional pain or make them uncomfortable. I also believe that counselling can provide a safe and regular place for individuals to talk and explore their complicated feelings.

Your approach to counselling:

My approach to counselling will look at a few avenues as I am relatively new. The methods that resonate with me are mindfulness-based counselling (MBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and client-centred therapy. I enjoy the concept of mindfulness-based therapy as it is the process in which the client will focus on their sensations, thoughts, and bodily states without judgment. Although MBT is sometimes paired with Cognitive behavioural therapy, CBT is another approach that focuses on how one’s thoughts and behaviours dictate their feelings in a given situation. Finally, client-centred therapy. I believe that people already have the qualities to prosper in any situation, given the proper guidance. Client center therapy can help clients reach their full potential.

I am currently a student in the final stages of completing my Master of Counseling degree. I also hold an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alberta. My previous work as a registered nurse in women’s health allowed me to walk with families as they navigated hardship and unexpected losses. This experience cultivated a desire to continue my education with a focus on providing holistic care, beyond physical needs, to enhance the wellbeing of individuals. I am also passionate about issues of social justice, the accessibility of mental health resources, and I am committed to fostering inclusivity in my practice.

Inspirational Quotes:

“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly—growth is a process” ― Rupi Kaur

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all.” ― Hellen Keller

How do you believe counselling can help?

I believe counselling provides a unique opportunity for individuals to explore many facets of their life in a safe and supportive environment. Within this context, we might experience a change in perspective, learn new skills, and harness an inner strength that empowers us to make effective, values-driven change. Through counselling, we can lead a rich and meaningful life while effectively handling the inevitable pain and challenges that will arise.

Your approach to counselling:

The therapeutic relationship is at the core of the counselling process, as I believe we have an essential need to connect with others. Primarily, I hope to provide a nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, heard, and respected. I generally integrate the modalities of cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and somatic approaches. However, our work together is collaborative and flexible, and we will tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and goals.

Shedean completed her undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in criminology at Lakehead University. She went on to complete a post-graduate certificate in addiction counselling: treatment and prevention. Shedean is currently completing her master of counselling  degree at the City University of Seattle and has attained a position as a practicum student at Cornerstone. Shedean has gained much experience in addictions counselling; however, the desire to broaden her scope to be able to provide a more holistic approach to the needs of her clients led to her return to school.

Inspirational Quotes:

“It can be difficult to control what happens to me; but, I can control what happens within me.”

How do you believe counselling can help?

Shedean believes that an individual’s childhood and life experiences play a role in the way they think, feel and behave. Through counselling, individuals get support with changing unhelpful patterns in their life and develop insight to create new ways of being.

Your approach to counselling:

Shedean takes a respectful, open and curious approach to therapy with the goal of creating a safe space. Each individual comes with their own experience and being able to meet the person where they are at will allow for client centred care. Although Shedean’s primary theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), she also draws from dialectical behavioural therapy skills, and emotion-focused therapy. Overall, Shedean takes a strength-based approach and works with her clients collaboratively to help them move forward.