DISCOVER HEALING PATHS

 Hello :) 

 

My name is Marianne Lacerte and I am grateful for this opportunity to share a little about myself.  I am an Indigenous person of mixed heritage, including Dakelh, Lebanese and Ukranian ancestry.  I am a member of the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, and very proud to be a member of this beautiful and resilient community.  I am a mom to 3 school-aged children, and also a proud auntie to many nieces and nephews that light up my days.  

 

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria, and spent many years doing frontline and outreach work with Urban Indigenous families in Victoria.  Prior to starting grad school I trained and worked as a birth doula and childbirth educator, and I have continued to volunteer my time in this capacity supporting Indigenous and bipoc birthers and families.  My Master’s of Social Work degree is from University of Toronto, with a specialization in Indigenous Trauma and Resilience.  

 

In my therapy practice I specialize in trauma treatment, and particularly in supporting those who have survived sexual trauma.   I have also been privileged to offer support to clients experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, as well as those living with anxiety, depression, and life transitions.  I have worked with grief and loss both as an end-of-life doula and in my therapy practice, and am especially mindful of the intergenerational loss of our traditional and cultural ways that many Indigenous people have experienced.  I take a gentle and client-centered approach to supporting those facing questions related to gender and sexuality, and am passionate about creating welcoming and affirming space for all those along the gender continuum.  I am also passionate about helping to build self esteem as well as supporting the development of healthy communication and relationship skills.

  

I have a deep respect for the courage required to reach out for help to make changes for a healthier future.  Anyone that is seeking help already shows a great deal of resilience, and I am inspired every day by the folks I have the privilege of working with.