PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
University of Arizona (Tucson), Ph.D. Counselling Psychology
University of Oregon (Eugene), M.Ed., Counselling Psychology
University of Alberta (Edmonton), Graduate Diploma, Ed. Psychology
University of Alberta (Edmonton), B.Ed., History/Sociology

CERTIFICATION
In British Columbia, Dr. Davies is a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
In Alberta, Dr. Davies is a Chartered Psychologist.

RECENT CLINICAL TRAINING

1. Couples on the Brink:  New Strategies for Working with Couples When Divorce is on the Table, William Doherty, (University of Minnesota), Seattle Washington, March 2012
2. Pragmatic Experiential Therapy for Couples, Dr. Brent Atkinson, Couples Research Institute, Geneva, Illinois January 2012
3.  Helping Couples Get Past the Affair, Dr. D. Syder,(Texas),  Vancouver, BC.  June 201
4.   Compassionate Therapy and Depression, Dr. Gilbert, (London, England)  Vancouver, BC  June 2009
5.  Mid-Life Transitions, Dr. James Hollis (Jung Institute, Texas), Parksville, BC  June 2008
6.  Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Advanced Study, Dr J. & J. Gottman, (The Gottman Institute) Seattle  July 2007

TRANSITIONS

For the past 17 years, Dr Davies has been dedicated to building emotional bridges and removing psychological barriers that prevent individuals from having healthy and meaningful lives.

Many people have difficulties with the transitions in their lives.  Whether one is suffering from separation or divorce, the loss of someone close to you, job loss or changes, health issues, retirement or midlife issues, there is one thing all of these issues have in common – they all involve transitions.

Transitions consist of loss – of what was familiar and known, of certainty, of opportunities, of personal history, and what “used to be”. Sometimes, especially painful transitions, will involve a loss of a “sense of self”, a loss of perspective and a loss of hope.  What we call a new beginning is often the end of what was, the ending of the way you previously conducted your life.

When we end something, we may experience a void, numbness, emptiness or a feeling of chaos.  This is an uncomfortable phase – it is the middle phase of transition (the neutral zone). We must let go of the comfortable old ways and habits of doing things and of what “used to be” This stage of the process is where major transformations take place and where consultation may be required to adapt to your new beginning.

Don views his role as a consultant and therapist as being influential in assisting clients to identify the psychological blocks and impasses that prevent them from functioning a more balanced and integrated life.

Through mutual collaboration he can help create strategies and identify the appropriate resources in order to reach a successful transition in three aspects:

a.       A renewed sense of self

b.      A changed perspective

c.       A renewed sense of hope and optimism

RELATIONSHIP ISSUES

For over 30 years, Don has helped couples explore their relationship and help them uncover solutions to make them stronger.  Through the therapeutic process, couples will learn new perspectives and strategies to make their situation more rewarding and less stressful.

Don’s dissertation for his PhD was about children of divorce; his experience and training enables blended families and single parent families to cope with changes and challenges that face the modern family unit.

Dr Davies continues to train with leading couples therapists, including the Gottmans and Dr Brent Atkinson.  Refer to ‘Recent Clinical Training’ for more information.

Relationship seminars on ‘Secrets of Successful Partners’ are held twice annually; for details and dates, contact Dr. Davies.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Dr Davies’ areas of practice include:

·         Life Transitions

·         Couples Counselling

·         Children of Divorce

·         Blended Families

·         Depression and Anxiety

·         Midlife  issues

·         Grief and Loss

·         Retirement

·         Workplace Issues

·         Professional Burnout