Ruby Peterson, BSW, M.Ed. CCC, 

 

Gilakas'la! I am a proud and culturally strong Indigenous Canadian Certified Counsellor, with 25 years experience in the Wellness field, specializing in grief and `intergenerational Trauma healing.

 

I was born and raised in the village of Alert Bay, BC with my mother, and a large extended family.  I am grateful to say My granny and grandpa were a big presence in my younger years until I left home at 16  to complete high school in the city.  After school I  joined the military Reserves and travelled for almost 9 years before life's realities brought me back to my Indigenous teachings.  After some guidance from Cree and Ojibway elders in Ontario, I returned home to embrace my family and the healing of my soul wound.  This is an ongoing journey for me.

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I attended the University of Victoria, where I intentionally held Indigenous story and teachings throughout my education. My teachers of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge came from Cree, Ojibway, Nuu-chah-nulth, Makaw, Navajo and my own Kwakwakawakw relatives.  I have taken my experience and integrated into my own unique counselling approach, that combines Indigenous Knowledge and Western Counselling practices.  As a constant learner in the field, I seek learning opportunities that compliment our Indigenous practices.

 

My intention is to  provide a safe, sacred supportive atmosphere to assist you when you feel overwhelmed with grief, loss, relationship issues, abuses and trauma - including historical - I help you to understand to the natural and normal traumatic responses like fear, anger, rage, substance use, self abuse, anxiety -to name a few - and discover your wisdom strength, and answers for your best life.  My own healing is ongoing, and as I grow and develop, the gifts I can offer, deepens into the sacred mysteries of life.

 

I offer culturally sensitive empowering approach that holds context in our Indigenous history of intergenerational trauma - AND our powerful strengths and resilience of ancestral Indigenous knowing of the sacred. Western therapies I share include body-centred, narrative, mindfulness, and play therapy counselling practices.  

 

I believe each of us holds the wisdom we need in life, and with gentle, respectful safe space, we can restore our heart, mind and spirit and heal our soul wounds.

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