Dee Laverdure
MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker - IFOT Practioner
Fort Langley
From an educational purview, I hold a Masters in Social Work with a focus on Indigenous studies from Wilfrid Laurier University. This advanced degree, along with my extensive experience working with a Bachelor of Social Work, enabled me to therapeutically support youth, adults, couples, families, groups, and communities. Prior to this, I held a generalist Bachelor of Social Work degree that afforded me the ability to work therapeutically with youth, adults, couples, families, as well as with groups and communities. Other trainings brought me to understand and learn body-based therapies which eventually became the heartbeat of my practice.
In addition, I completed the Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Trauma Therapy (IFOT) program, which provided me with skills to support those dealing with personal and intergenerational trauma. IFOT, inspired by Eugen Gendlin’s Focusing-Oriented Therapy, is a body-centered approach that explores the body’s felt sense and helps uncover wisdom for healing and meaning-making. The process of IFOT, I believe, aligns well with my wholistic understandings that seek balance within the mind, body, heart, and spirit. Further, my practice also integrates various modalities such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, or attachment theory. Regardless of the specific approach, I believe what matters most is building trusting relationships that encourage the vulnerability necessary for healing.
Before I close this connection, I want to share that I am a registered Social Worker in good standing with the Province of BC and adhere to a strong ethical practice. I am also a member of the BC Association of Social Work who offer opportunities for ongoing growth in my practice.
For now, it has been good to connect and I trust you will find your way to the right place where you can find the support you are searching for. I wish you wellness in good heart.
My name is Diane Laverdure, and I am a grateful visitor to the territory of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations where I have lived, worked and played for nearly four decades. I am thankful for the hospitality of these Nations and strive to be a good relative and visitor as a Métis, Irish, white presenting guest.
I am glad you found your way here and are seeking support for your wellness. I know that finding a good fit in a therapeutic counsellor is especially important as it is in this relationship where we express some of our most vulnerable aspects of who we are. Hopefully, I can adequately express who I am and that will bring ease and trust in this searching.
To begin, I have worked in the helping field for over thirty years, with twenty years dedicated to a Clinical Social Work counselling practice. I have rooted my work within a trauma-informed, trauma-specific wholistic practice that is guided by anti-oppressive and anti-racist understandings. I am passionate about my work and, even in the shifting sands and changing landscapes in therapeutic communities, I remain solid and grounded in my love for supporting others. For me, being with individuals in vulnerable times is an honour and privilege.