Sheri Clark, MSW, RSW

If we were meeting in person, I would offer you a coffee, tea (I always have tea), or water before settling into my office where I hope you’d find the chairs cozy, the light soft and that you would feel comfortable enough to move a cushion or perhaps explore some of the items on my side table… my handy crystal ball (I’m not sure how accurate it is), fidget toys, and my unicorn horn- because there is some magic in therapy.  I have moved to a predominantly virtual practice, but these things are still with me.

 

It may be helpful for you to know a little about how I came into this field and who I am as a therapist/ social worker and clinical supervisor.

 

In the previous century, in a decade known as the 90’s, I was in grade 11 English and was introduced to two key concepts that laid the foundation for the therapist I have become.  First, is the idea that “context determines meaning”.  A core principle of social work is working with the person in the context of their environment because the environment, people, culture, experiences etc. shapes who we are.  And that it is essential to meet a person “where they are at” in therapy.

 

Second, I had the opportunity to learn about Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung and the concept of archetypes as universal symbols and a collective unconscious intrigued me. Grade 11 English laid a foundation that I still return to 30+ years later.

 

In OAC (grade 13?) Family Studies, I learned about John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth’s work on Attachment Theory, and Erik Ericson’s stages of psychosocial development. The importance of foundational relationships and the security (or lack thereof) they provide was reviewed again in my MSW.  So was Ericson’s stages of development, as it is important to understanding and realistic expectations for a person depending on their age and stage of life.  Milestones of social emotional growth can be stumbling points where therapy is helpful. 

 

In my undergraduate studies, I did a double degree in Sociology and Psychology. Erving Goffman’s “Presentation of Self in Everyday Life” and “Asylums” helped shape how I understand social systems and our interactions with them. My ability to think critically about social location and power are rooted in this sociological and feminist foundation.

 

After completing my undergraduate degree, I began my MSW (Master of Social Work) at Wilfrid Laurier University.  I graduated in 2001 with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University, with a focus on Individuals, Families and Groups.  I have worked in the field with an emphasis on mental health and healthcare for the last 23 years.

 

My career has taken me though child and youth mental health, to hospital social work, inpatient, and outpatient mental health programs in hospitals and in family health teams.  In 2019 I began the transition to private practice in a part time capacity where I now work full time.

 

I have completed ongoing professional development in modalities of CBT, DBT, IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy), Depth and Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, EMDR, Trauma Treatment, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness (including Transformative Mindfulness Methods and Mindfulness Based Inner Repatterning, Developing Resilience through Applied Mindfulness and Mindfulness Based Sustainable Development), coping skill development and  providing Clinical Supervision.  I practice from a person centred, trauma informed model of care. These are a few of my early learnings that has supported me in being the social worker/therapist that I am today.

 

Being able to implement theoretical knowledge in a practical and creative way is one of my gifts.  I am often met with the unexpected in therapy, which I welcome with open arms (and often the phrase... “I can’t make this stuff up”).

 

There are many therapists who express an area of specialty or focus.  I have taken a different approach.  It has been important for me to be a well-rounded therapist who has a depth of knowledge and experience.  Working with individuals at various life stages and challenges helps me stay balanced, engaged, and appreciative of the work of therapy.  It has also allowed me the flexibility to work with people who have more complex, or several areas of concern that are overlapping.