Lesley Dalzell

Lesley’s interest in mental health started while working as a Registered Massage Therapist 20 years ago. She noticed while treating individuals who had been in motor vehicle accidents, that many who recovered more quickly and fully, seemed to hold the belief that they would. It started her thinking that there appeared to be a difference in perspective held within client belief systems and in their sense of control over themselves and the world.

In 2005, Lesley completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology. As part of this course of study, she had the unique opportunity to take neuroscience courses and to work in the neuroscience lab at the university. Her thesis work, which was eventually published in the peer-reviewed journal Synapse:  Fear conditioning is associated with synaptogenesis in the lateral amygdala 65 (6) 513-519, 2011, examined neural plasticity in the amygdala. Science has always been fascinating to Lesley and the interface between body and mind, even more so.

In 2009, Lesley completed a Master of Social Work with a clinical focus. It had been her hope to eventually work as a therapist and support people through their journey towards healing, integration, and health. Along this path, she has worked in youth residential care, child welfare, family health teams, and for a lead community mental health agency. Lesley’s work has been predominantly with youth, families, and individuals. Her areas of special interest include, but are not limited to, attachment theory, developmental theory, motivation and emotion, trauma, and brain science. She uses a mix of few different therapeutic approaches with clients which include mindfulness, CBT, DBT principles, and EMDR. Lesley has completed additional training in single session therapy, solution-focused therapy, adult attachment, and CBT. She also works in private practice and provides online counselling support services to youth.

Most recently, Lesley is studying to be an EMDR therapist and is completing a certification in Trauma work. She is enthusiastic about this therapeutic intervention specifically as it feels like the culmination of many different courses of study for Lesley. She appreciates the numerous different levels of client engagement through this treatment – physiologically, emotionally, and mentally. Lesley holds great hope for the work she will be able to facilitate for clients, who deserve the best in what therapeutic support can offer.