Lisa Calder, MSW, RSW, RCC, BCRPT

About Me
Lisa Calder, MSW, RSW, RCC, BCRPT
I always knew I wanted to help others and have made it my lifelong mission…
I am a very creative and compassionate person who is dedicated to enhance the mental health and well-being of others. I completed my Honors BA at the University of Guelph in 1998, in Psychology and Child and Family Studies. I continued my studies with the Masters of Social Work (clinical) program at the University of Toronto, graduating in 2001. I completed a Post-Masters Diploma in Advanced Graduate Social Work Studies at the University of Calgary, in 2012.
I spent nearly a decade as a psychosocial research assistant. Clinically, I have worked in community, hospital, school, and government settings providing high quality mental health services over the past twenty-five years, as a clinician, team leader, and clinical supervisor. I have practiced in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. I have also taught at the college level in Human Services and Social Work. I believe ongoing learning and professional development helps me provide the best care. I also believe tapping into your hope and resilience will help you move from surviving to thriving.

Play Therapy & Expressive Arts Therapy
I am a Registered Play therapist with the British Columbia Association of Play Therapists. I also have applied to be registered with Canadian Association of Play Therapists. My training incorporates direct and non-direct approaches as I seek to integrate both for optimal growth and development. I utilize technique such as Sandtray Therapy, Puppetry, Expressive Art creation. I am influenced by Marie-Jose Dhase, Greg Lubimiv, and Lisa Dion, as mentors in play therapy.
Utilizing expressive arts in therapy can facilitate: stress relief, reduce anxiety, help process difficult emotions and solve problems, heal from grief and loss, and integrate trauma into a meaningful narrative of resilience. Often people have difficulty expressing intense emotions or putting words to difficult experiences. Expressive arts (visual art, drawing, music, dance, play, drama, writing, poetry) can help you express that which is hard to discuss or verbalize. You DO NOT need to be an artist to benefit from this type of therapy. An open mind and willingness to explore are helpful here.
For more info about play therapy
I also completed training in Expressive Arts Therapy with the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (Louisville, Kentucky), directed by Cathy Malchiodi and have an EXAT designation. Expressive arts approaches help us heal grief, loss, and trauma. Expressive Arts Therapy utilizes multiple modes and some examples are: drawing, painting, poetry, writing, collage, music, dance, movement and sculpture. You do not need to be an artist to engage in Expressive Arts Therapy! A willingness to explore and engage in the process of discovery is all you need. A few basic art supplies like paper, pencil crayons, paint, and magazine images can get you started.
I am a Registered Social Worker in good standing in the province of British Columbia and I am bound by the BCCSW Code of Ethics. I also am a RSW in Ontario for virtual service. If you have extended health insurance, my services are covered under most plans. I am a First Nations Health Authority provider. I am also registered as an Autism Provider for children ages 0-18. I am also a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers. I have Advanced training in the areas of Autism and Children's Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I also have advanced training in Attachment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness Strategies, Self-Compassion, Compassionate Inquiry, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Family & Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Systems Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. I am also a Registered Circle of Security Parenting Program provider.
I am privileged to live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, on the traditional lands and unceded territory of the Syilx people. I have a dog Rolo who is sometimes my canine companion and a visit from him can be requested. I enjoy swimming, reading, collage, photography, and travelling.
