Gisele Harrison, MSW, RSW
Improve Relationships with Self & Others
Find Peace and Meaning in Life
I work with individuals and couples ages 15 and up to work towards knowing freedom from all forms of suffering often due to past trauma; neglect; separation/divorce; grief; health issues; chronic pain; depression; anxiety. I use a variety of approaches including mindfulness meditation; yoga; psychotherapy; Eye Movement Desensitization and Re-processing; Emotional Freedom Technique.
Clients say that I have a soothing voice and a comfortable peaceful office. They say that I am a good listener; compassionate; attuned; gentle yet direct and at times challenging.
I teach an 8-Week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and Zindel Segal that includes a full one-day silent meditation retreat. The program is based on
In the beginning stages of counselling my goal is to help people create stability, which can be achieved by developing or enhancing existing coping skills and finding balance through an expanded support system eating mindfully; and learning to incorporate quiet time for meditation and self-care.
Once life has become more stable - some people may choose to leave therapy while others may enter the second phase which involves change from the inside out. This stage may include processing past traumatic events, painful experiences, the development of negative self-esteem while learning to recognize unskilful habits and thought patterns that negatively impact self-esteem and confidence. This stage may include EMDR, EFT, a deeper mindfulness meditation practice; and/or restorative yoga. Changing from the inside out can result in freedom from the past; an ability to live in the present; and the skills to manage the inevitable storms of life that will present themselves in the future.
In the final phase of therapy everything gets tied together and often leads people to other practices that will be maintained throughout life (ie meditation; faith; exercise; yoga....). Although clients are already well on their way to freedom, the third phase is a time in therapy when people can really begin to experience more fullfilling relationships with themselves and with others.
Education/Training
Master of Social Work: Wilfrid Laurier University, 1999
Fundamentals of Volunteer Management Certificate: St. Clair College, 1991
Honours BA, International Relations: University of Windsor, 1989
200-Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training at Eastside Yoga with Dianne Bondy, (2011-2012)
The New Rules of Marriage with Terry Real (2 days), 2011
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Mind-Body Medicine with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli, 2011
Certification, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association, with Cindy Shrigley 2010
When the Body Says No, The Cost of Hidden Stress with Dr. Gabor Maté (1 day), 2010
In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts, Close Encounters with Addiction with Dr. Gabor Maté (2 days), 2010
Mindfulness Meditation in Clinical Practice (10-months – 22 days), 2009
Seeking Safety, An Evidence-Based Practice for Trauma and Substance Abuse (2 days), 2009
Tuning in to your Client, Zen and the Art of Engagement (1 day), 2009
Insight Meditation Silent Retreat with Molly Swan and Norman Feldman (7 days), 2009
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board: A Primer for Direct Service Workers (1/2 day), 2008
Dissociative Disorders and EMDR, Advanced Practice (1 day), 2007
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Advanced Training (5 days), 2006
Emotional Freedom Technique, Level II (2 days), 2006
Emotional Freedom Technique, Level I (1 day), 2006
Narrative Ideas in Therapeutic Practice, led by Judith Myers Avis, 2002
Therapy with Adolescents with Sam Osherson, 2001
Doing Therapy with Men with Sam Osherson, 2000
Hidden Wisdom of Parents with Sam Osherson, 2000
Jean Baker Miller Training Institute, Summer Advanced Training Institute, Relational/Cultural Resilience, Wellesley College MA (5 days), 2000
Spirituality and Psychotherapy, 1999
Jean Baker Miller Intensive Training Institute, level I, Wellesley College MA (3 days), 1999.
Anti-Racism: Train the Trainer (4 days), 1997
Bio
I am completely fluent in both French and in English. I am passionate about the counselling process both as a therapist and as a client. I love to learn and continue to find joy in expanding my approach through on-going training and development.
I find that whatever training I acquire (yoga teacher training; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing; working with dissociation; couple therapy; mindful meditation; Emotional Freedom Technique; group therapy; spiritual studies including the bible; Bhagavad Gita; teachings from the Bhudda; the yoga Sutras....) that I am that much closer to my eternal journey within.
I find pure joy in connecting with clients and helping them to connect with themselves and enhancing connections within their families and beyond. I am honoured to travel with them as a fellow pilgrim; coach; mentor; learner.
I myself have healed from past trauma and know that freedom is within each person's grasp - just as I know the sky is blue behind all the black rain clouds. Freedom and peace is not just available to a certain few lucky people. Suffering is part of life and freedom from pain and suffering is also within each of our grasps.
Regarding my work experience: I have been in full-time private practice since 2008. Prior to that I worked with survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence; children's mental health; family counselling and both battered women's shelters and a women's homeless shelter. I have taught social work and women's studies at the University of Windsor and have mentored dozens of social work students at both the BSW and MSW level. I have a strong personal meditation and yoga practice and in February 2012 will be a certified yoga instructor.
Memberships
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Ontario Association of Social Workers
EMDR International Association
EMDR Canada
Legal Education Action Fund
Other Languages
French And English
Payments Accepted
Cash or cheque (full or partial coverage by most extended health plans)
Hours:Monday to Saturday (day and evening appoint)
Cost/Session
$110
License:775883 (Ontario)
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Group Therapy
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Addiction
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Herpes and STD Counselling
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Adolescents
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Life and Wellness Coaching
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Anger Management
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Life Transitions
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Anxiety and Panic
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Loneliness
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Bicultural Difficulties
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Marriage Counselling
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Body Image Issues
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Men's Issues
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Caregiver Issues
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Chronic Illness
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Online / Teletherapy
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Couples
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Depression
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Relationship Issues
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Divorce
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Religious Counselling
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Domestic Violence
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Educational Therapy
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Stress Management
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Trauma and PTSD
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Gender Identity / Transgenderism
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Women's Issues
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Gifted / Talented Issues
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Work and Career Issues
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Grief and Loss
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Licenses/Certifications
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Certified EMDR Therapist (EMDRIA)
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EMDR Part 1 and 2 (EMDRIA)
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Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
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Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
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Registered Social Worker
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