Shalini Dhunnoo, M.C., R. Psych.
Registered Psychologist
Counselling Therapist
First off, Shalini would like to say good for you for taking a step towards wellness by visiting this page and thank you for taking the time to read a bit about her counselling perspectives and focus.
She understands that there are so many different factors in life that can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Counselling is a way to more objectively reflect on your experiences and develop coping skills to improve your quality of life.
Shalini views counselling as a collaborative conversation where the client is the expert of their experiences and where she can bring forth clinical understandings and experience, and importantly, empathy. She emphasizes working with clients in a way that is real, good-humored, and goal focused. Her interest in counselling resulted from her own trauma and mental health struggles and as a result, she believes in treating individuals as humans first. She values cultural humility, and addressing concerns based on client needs and strengths.
Shalini has experience and continues to work with children (starting at age 8), youth, adults and seniors of varying cultural backgrounds, with a range of concerns. She works with issues related to stress, depression, anxiety, trauma experiences, family/relationship concerns, cultural dynamics (with a decolonizing lens), work, school, and other day-to-day stressors, chronic pain, self-esteem, and general coping skills. She applies a variety of counselling approaches to fit the client, including: cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to help one understand the link between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours; narrative therapy to help clients understand life stories, reframe experiences and perspectives towards personal growth, and emphasize personal strengths; solution-focused therapy to emphasize client goals and problem solving; and existential therapy to define values and find meaning in life experiences.
Shalini received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, majoring in psychology and sociology, followed by her Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle. She is a registered psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Shalini believes that it is important to stay current with cultural views of mental health and clinical skills and engages in ongoing education.
Shalini Dhunnoo, M.C., R.Psych
Registered Psychologist
780-628-5446
2307 – 90B Street SW Edmonton
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