Kat Parker

I am an Indigenous, Queer, Neurodivergent Social Worker who has lived/living experience with mental health-related challenges. I am committed to ongoing self-reflection to ensure I am always working toward creating safer, welcoming spaces for those I have the privilege of working alongside. My approach to care is influenced by my own lived experiences navigating the healthcare system, which helps me better understand the diverse challenges people face when seeking care that prioritizes their individual needs and the integration of community-based supports.

I take an integrative approach and remain adaptable with therapeutic approaches based on individual needs and preferences. In my practice, I draw from various therapeutic modalities including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and am completing training to include the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. I am also trained in Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders and take a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to care.

My practice is rooted in the idea that each person deserves to define their own goals related to their well-being, including the integration of non-Western approaches to treatment/care. I use a trauma-informed approach that aims to deconstruct the hierarchies that exist within the “helping” professions. By prioritizing relationality and the importance of trust in this work, I strive to work alongside folks in a way that allows each person to identify their unique needs and how they feel most supported in the therapeutic space.