John Greenshields BA

I am currently completing a practicum through Aspire Too as a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge. For the past eight years, I have worked with groups and individuals as a counselor in the field of mental health and addictions. The focus of my professional practice has been helping individuals struggling with addiction and the issues surrounding addiction, including depression and anxiety, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. I am a recovering addict myself, and I bring that understanding to my practice.

I studied and taught history prior to entering the counseling field, and much of work in addictions and mental health has been with First Nations organizations. I have been privileged to work closely with and develop professional relationships with some First Nations individuals. As a counselor and as a settler, I have some awareness of the way the history of this region continues to impact First Nations. I strive to also bring that understanding to my practice.

I tend towards client-centered therapies that are strength-based and focused on practical and actionable steps towards wellness. Although I am still learning, I provide trauma-informed care, and I employ a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

I work with individuals who are 16+ in the following areas:

• Addiction
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Trauma
• PTSD
• Suicidal ideation
• Self-harm
• Stress Management