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 Meet Shari

My path to becoming a therapist was not a straight one.  There were many forks in the road filled with opportunities and life experiences that contributed to who I am today.  I am grateful for the wisdom I have gained over the years from studying fine art, travelling abroad, studying early childhood development, teaching preschool aged children, seeking my own therapy, becoming a mother, and creating a life long partnership with my husband.  I am now a Registered Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience working with children, youth, individuals, families, and parents and caregivers.  I consider it a privilege to support individuals and families on their journeys toward wellness and change.  

I am a clinical supervisor to mental health clinicians including social workers, counsellors, therapists and psychotherapists.  I have a passion for training and mentoring new counsellors and therapists, and I have supervised the practicum placements of numbers of university social work and therapy graduate students.

I am an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster University and a faculty member at the Windz Centre (Brief Narrative Therapy Training Centre) where I teach brief and narrative therapy and a postmodern use of self.  Through these avenues I am able to educate and inspire others with the many insights and learnings that have resonated with me over the years in my work as a therapist and clinical supervisor. 

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Shari Lecker M.Ed., RP (she/her)

 Registered Psychotherapist

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I am a wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to many special people in my life.  I adore my dog Phoebe, a sweet and lovable Shorkie.  I enjoy reading, walking in nature, doing jigsaw puzzles, and being creative when time allows.  Adult colouring has recently become an activity that brings me mindfulness and a sense of calm and learning to paint birds with acrylics is my newest creative endeavour.

My approach  to therapy.

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My therapeutic approach is grounded in authenticity, genuineness, openness, and curiousity and I strive to create a therapeutic relationship that brings a sense of safety and support to address challenges and difficulties in a trusting environment.  I maintain a strength based, client focused approach in my clinical intervention and I work from a place of transparency and collaboration.  What this means is that I believe you have the capacity, skills and knowledge with you when you begin therapy.  We will work together to discover what you have with you that you can use toward your hoped for outcomes in therapy and I will encourage you to make your own informed choices.

 

Over the course of my practice, I have furthered my professional training and gained extensive knowledge and applied practice using evidence-based approaches such as Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), attachment focused therapy, and complex trauma therapy.  In addition to these approaches, I incorporate self-compassion and mindfulness practices that make it possible for us to stay present in the moment as uncomfortable emotions and thoughts arise.  

 

While my training and knowledge inform my clinical work, I do not see myself as an expert.  I work hard to be myself when I am with you, and I integrate my knowledge and experience with who I am to help you.  I ultimately believe that the relationship you will develop with me is what will carry you toward the growth and change you are seeking.  My intention as your therapist is for you to feel seen, heard, valued, and accepted as you bravely take this journey.

Shari's Credentials and Professional Associations

*Master of Education (M.Ed.) specializing in Counselling Psychology - McGill University

*Registered Psychotherapist (RP #001613) - College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

*Clinical Member - Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists

*Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) - MSc Psychotherapy - Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences - McMaster University

*Excellence Award in Social Work Practicum Teaching - Wilfrid Laurier University

*Faculty - Windz Centre - Brief Narrative Therapy Training

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