About Douglas Hanson, M.A., CCC, CCRC
Trauma-Informed Therapist, Certified in EMDR and
Approved EMDR Consultant in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Therapist Background
As a young man, I often found myself being called upon to help others who were having difficulty coping with life situations. I felt compassion for them and had a strong capacity to listen empathetically to their problems.
Because I was so interested in learning how to be an effective helper, I pursued the training and experience needed to become a psychotherapist.
Since becoming a trauma therapist, I have come to understand that my own early history of emotional neglect and physical abuse sensitized me to the emotional needs of others, particularly those who have suffered from a history of neglect, rejection, or abuse.
I am pleased that, over the years, I’ve become highly effective at counselling others to achieve freedom from suffering and trauma so they can have more fulfilling lives.
Healing trauma is my calling.
When clients who come to me with relationship struggles, depression, severe anxiety, or trauma leave therapy happy and excited about life, I feel that I’ve achieved my life’s purpose.
Over 3 Decades of Experience as a Professional Counsellor
I’m a compassionate, experienced therapist dedicated to helping my clients be free of pain. My professional background includes more than 3 decades of experience as a therapist in the following areas:
- Traumatic abuse (i.e., childhood sexual abuse from family or clergy, rape, and spousal abuse)
- Traumatic events such as military posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), abuse due to sexual orientation, workplace accidents, and physical assaults
- Depression
- Stress, anxiety, and panic attacks
- Borderline personality disorder
- Relationship struggles for individuals
- Anger management
- Addictions to cannabis, alcohol, pornography, sex, and gambling
- Life transition issues (e.g., grieving, chronic illness)
Trauma-Informed Therapist, Certified in EMDR and an Approved EMDR Consultant
Since 2014, I’ve focused my practice on treating people who have experienced trauma, often repeated and severe trauma (complex trauma), with EMDR Therapy.
These traumas include childhood emotional neglect and abuse, incest (male and female), childhood sexual abuse, ritualized sexual abuse, sadistic parental abuse, abuse for sexual orientation, military trauma, first responder trauma, workplace PTSD, adult rape, and Residential School Trauma.
To the best of my knowledge, I’m the only Certified EMDR therapist and Approved EMDR Consultant in Manitoba who focuses solely on treating severe and repeated trauma (known as complex PTSD), dissociation, and PTSD. I’ve completed advanced EMDR training in treating military, police, and first responders who’ve experienced PTSD as a result of active duty. I maintain regular paid consultations with international experts in EMDR trauma therapy.
Counselling Credentials
- MA in Counselling Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- BA in Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON
- Diploma in Social Work, Confederation College, Thunder Bay, ON
Specialized Therapy Training
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma – Certified EMDR Therapist
- Approved EMDR Consultant
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression and anxiety
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for the treatment of depression and anxiety
- Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy (EFT)
Professional Memberships
- Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
- Certified EMDR Therapist with the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA)
- Certified Canadian Rehabilitation Counsellor (CCRC), Commission on Rehabilitation Counsellor Certification (CRCC)
Publications
My early professional career focused on psychiatric rehabilitation and mental disability management. During this time, I wrote and published research articles in the following areas:
- The Effect of Rehabilitation Services on the Incidence and Duration of Disability
- The Financial Cost and Benefits of Rehabilitation Services on Workplace Disability
- The Humanitarian Benefit of Rehabilitation Services on Workplace Disability
- Job Accommodations for Individuals with Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
- Impact of Employer Attitudes towards Individuals with Mental Illnesses on Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Outcomes
On a Personal Note
I value a balanced life across the quadrants of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Relationships with my partner, children, and grandchildren are a priority.
I’m keen on meeting new people from varied backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. I enjoy travelling, the performing arts, including live theatre; music performances, including blues, jazz, and folk; and the visual arts.
I also exercise regularly and enjoy outdoor activities, including walking, camping, and boating. Becoming a therapist has taught me much about life. I have more patience and compassion for others and myself.
I have a healthy work-life balance. I’ve learned that we are all just a breath away from being a client with mental health problems. Yet, we have the resilience and ability to overcome even the most trying of challenges.
If you want greater happiness and fulfillment through psychotherapy, please contact me for a free, 10-minute phone consultation.
Together, we can determine how I can help you overcome your problems. I offer therapy sessions online via video conference.
*While I am based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, I provide online therapy worldwide via videoconference.