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A PERSONAL STORY

Hi, my name is Alyson (or Aly) Kowalewsky and I'm so glad you found my website.

 

I am many things and have many stories.

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I am a social worker, a counsellor, a volunteer, an advocate, a pal, a daughter, a partner, an auntie, a rabble rouser, and a dog companion

 

I was born and raised on the homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, also known as Victoria, BC, and continue to call these lands my home as a white settler. I am a cis-gender woman (she/her), queer, middle-class, and have Ukrainian and English ancestry.

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I love to spend time hiking with my dog, camping, crafting, reading fiction, playing ball sports, watching 90s action flicks, playing board games, and eating seafood. I am skilled in the art of cultivating cozy. 

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I value curiosity, kindness, playfulness, service, and social justice. 

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I believe whole-heartedly in the transformative power of therapy and am grateful for the mentors, teachers, counsellors, and collaborators who have walked alongside me in my journey.

 

I am a lifelong learner and unlearner who has made mistakes along the way. I am grateful for these teachings and for the future learning I will do through more mistakes.

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I can't wait to get know you and your stories.

Alyson Kowalewsky
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A PROFESSIONAL STORY

I have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Victoria and a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Clinical Specialization in clinical practice with individuals, groups, and families from the University of Calgary.

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I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW), #12092. I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors, #23110.

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I have over 10+ years experience in mental health and substance use settings, primarily in the public system of care, with children, youth, and adults in both outpatient, inpatient, and outreach settings.

 

I currently work in public health care as an a substance use counsellor and group facilitator, and at an inpatient mental health hospital for children and youth as a counsellor. I volunteer at a local non-profit that aims to provide accessible counselling to the community.

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I participate in a weekly DBT Consult team and participate in regular clinical supervision.

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Alyson Kowalewsky
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SELECT TRAINING

The practice of ongoing professional development and training is essential part of ethical therapeutic practice. I am dedicated to the process of learning and unlearning. The following is a non-inclusive list of recent/current trainings:

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  • Narrative Therapy - Levels 1 & 2 + VSNT.Live Member (Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy)

  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) - DBT Core Training (DBT Vancouver), DBT Skills for Adolescents and Families (Psychwire), Comprehensive/Intensive Plus In Process (Psychwire)

  • Single Session Therapy - Levels 1 & II 

  • Motivational Interviewing 

  • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Levels 1 & 2 

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A)

  • Therapeutic Arts Facilitation

  • San'yas Cultural Safety Training 

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