University Education

Master of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University. Specialization: Clinical Work with Individuals, Families, and Groups

Master of Divinity, Wilfrid Laurier University. Specialization: Psychotherapy and Spirituality

During the course of his Master's degrees, John maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and learned the following therapeutic approaches:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

• Psychodynamic Therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Narrative Therapy

Advanced Post-Graduate Training

Following graduation, John has pursued advanced training in EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS, and DBR.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• EMDR Basic Training with the Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic

• EMDR for Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders with Dr. Philippe Gauvreau, PsyD

• Advanced EMDR for Complex Trauma and Dissociation with Kathleen Martin, LCSW

• The Art of EMDR with Kathleen Martin, LCSW and Roger Solomon, PhD

• Treating Dissociative Disorders with EMDR with Kathy Steele and Dolores Mosquera

• Mastering the Treatment of Complex Trauma: Effectively Working with Parts with Kathleen Martin, LCSW

• Polyvagal Theory and EMDR: Bring PVT Right into Session with Barbara Horne

• Working with Psychological Defences with Kathy Steele and Dolores Mosquera

• Minding the Body: Somatic Interventions to Enhance EMDR Effectiveness with Janina Fisher

• EMDR with Dissociative Clients with Janina Fisher

• Certified EMDR Therapist with EMDR International Association

• Approved EMDR Consultant with EMDR International Association

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

• Essentials of CBT through the Beck Institute

• CBT for Depression through the Beck Institute

• CBT for Trauma through the Traumatology Institute (Canada)

• CBT for Anxiety Disorders through the Beck Institute

• Certified CBT Therapist with the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• DBT Skills with Behavioral Tech

• DBT Intensive Training with Behavioral Tech

• Certified DBT Therapist with DBT-Linehan Board of Certification

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

• IFS Intensive: IFS Skills and Competencies with IFSCA

• IFS for EMDR Therapists with Bruce Hersey

• IFS-Informed EMDR with Bruce Hersey

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• ACT and Mindfulness for Trauma with Dr. Russ Harris

• ACT for Depression and Anxiety Disorders with Dr. Russ Harris

Deep Brain Reorienting

• DBR Basic Training with Frank Corrigan, MD

• DBR Training in Healing Attachment Pain and Attachment Shock with Frank Corrigan, MD

• DBR Applications in Dissociative and other Complex Trauma Disorders with Frank Corrigan, MD

Personal Healing Experience

John has also undergone his own healing journey, which has included:

• 16 years of his own counselling with therapists who specialized in CBT, EMDR, Psychodynamic Therapy, IFS, DBR, and Family Systems Therapy

• 16 years of meditation practice

• 16 years of studying psychology, world religions, and spirituality

• 8 months of living in monasteries around the world, including the Taizé Community (Christian) and Plum Village (Buddhist)

• 5 years as a member of Al-Anon, a 12-step group for families and friends of alcoholics, during which time he worked the Twelve Steps of AA

• Walking across Spain (800km) on the Camino de Santiago