Derek Van Dalen
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MACP
Available Appointments: In-Person & Video
Looking for help takes courage, and I’m glad that you are looking for a good fit for your unique needs and circumstances.
I enjoy listening to people share their stories, as every story tells the personal circumstances and events which has influenced their lives. Through listening, I gain insight into how I can come alongside you to build on your existing strengths, develop new insights and personalize resources for you to help you find hope, healing and renewal.
My life experience, my work as a therapist and my studies in psychology have provided insight and expertise in how the mind, brain, body, and soul can interact with external factors to shape thoughts, feelings, and moods. I find that looking at situations with an understanding of experiences, current environments and emotions can provide meaningful ways to understand ourselves and lead to possibilities for profound change.
Each person and each client is unique, which motivates me to apply approaches which are most suitable for them. I have experience working with diverse client situations, including shame, trauma, complex PTSD, toxic work environments, burnout, anxiety, grief, crisis, depression, adult ADHD, and couples therapy. I also am skilled in working with people who have experienced trauma from religion or a faith community, as well as resourcing faith and religion for healing.
Trauma and distressing experiences are remembered by our bodies, which calls for a holistic approach. By drawing on a wide range of therapy approaches including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), attachment, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Flash, mindfulness, parts work – ego state interventions, and body-based exercises, we can work together to process painful experiences and bring resolution to trauma.
Working on making changes in the way we feel and behave can be challenging, and a trusted and stable guide is essential. I bring my personal strengths, healing from trauma experiences and difficult work situations, while drawing on my experience as a husband for over 27 years, a father of two adults, and previous work as a professional engineer and a pastor. I know the importance of family, friends, and work while navigating different stages of life and career. I have an interest in working with people to develop a life worth living as individuals, couples, and parents.
I am often described as accepting, caring, and encouraging. Therapy is hard work, and I find humor and playfulness can assist with healing. I look forward to meeting with you to determine if we might be able to work together so you can take your next steps. Please follow the link to book a free consultation with me.
Derek's Training and Education
I have received training in:
- Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and Gottman Method for Couples Therapy – Level 1 & 2
- EMDR, Flash and Ego State Therapy
- Complex Trauma - Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Level 2 – (CCTP)
- Mindfulness
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
My therapeutic approach is also informed by readings and consultations in areas such as attachment, dissociation, emotion focused therapy, ADHD, cognitive behavioural therapy, internal family systems, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, polyvagal theory, and somatic therapy.
My formal education includes:
- Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Providence Theological Seminary
- Master of Divinity from Regent College
- Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Waterloo
Derek at Home
I enjoy spending time with my wife, adult children, extended family members and friends. Watching sports and movies, regular exercise, walking, cycling, hiking, stand up paddleboarding, backcountry camping and skiing are some of the activities I find refreshing. I also enjoy giving back to my community through volunteering, having served as a volunteer crisis line counsellor, volunteer firefighter, and facilitator of an online mindfulness meditation group.
Derek's Professional Affiliations
