Hi, I’m Sheena. My pronouns are she/they.
I’m a trauma and mental health practitioner. I help people recover from childhood trauma, relational trauma, and systemic trauma using a blend of somatic experiencing, parts work, and general human compassion. I'm queer and neurodivergent, and I occupy land in amiskwacîwâskahikan on Treaty 6 (known by its colonial name as Edmonton, Alberta).
I am not a therapist. This is intentional. I operate outside of the mental health industrial complex because I've seen how it hurts people. I've seen how modern-day psychology is rooted in Eurocentric, colonial beliefs that uphold the systems of capitalism and incarceration. I've seen well-meaning therapists shame and blame their clients rather than the oppressive systems that harmed them. I've seen mental health "trailblazers" steal ancestral knowledge from Indigenous Peoples and re-package it as their original ideas.
And I've decided that I don’t want any part of that system. I am, first and foremost, a healer. I won't jeopardize that by putting credentials and degrees over the people I help.
So I help people in my own way, not in a way that was dictated to me by academics. I work through an anti-colonial, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive lens. I explore how personal trauma is compounded by systemic trauma. I help people untangle their sense of self from harmful colonial beliefs. I help those descended from colonizer and colonized alike to process the pain they've been carrying for generations. I help people discover who they are and what they want outside of what society has told them to be and want. I work with body, mind, and spirit to bring you back into alignment with your most authentic self.
My work is people-focused, and I empower the people I work with to make their own decisions about their mental health and trauma recovery. I reject the DSM-5 and the idea that mental illness is an individual problem. I see mental illness as a systemic problem, and as the inevitable result of a world that treats nature and life as dispensable. We are unwell because the systems of capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy need us to be unwell. Healing must therefore go hand-in-hand with dismantling those systems.
I believe that together, we can tear down the harmful systems of capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy. I believe we can build a better system, one rooted in community care and mutual aid. I believe we can come back into alignment with ourselves, with nature, and with our pre-colonial ways of life. And I believe we need one another to do it.
Who's with me?
Get in touch
Together, we’ll build a greater mind-body connection.
Healing happens in safe spaces, so during our sessions, I’ll create a safe container where you can share your story.
30-minute discovery call
If you’re new to my offerings or if you just want to learn more about what I do, we’ll start with a free, 30-minute discovery call. During this time, I’ll ask you what you’re looking for in a trauma care practitioner and where you’re at in your trauma recovery journey. You can also ask questions about me, my practice, and my approach.
60-minute session
A 1-hour session dedicated to you and your trauma recovery journey. This session will be a combination of talking, relating, and connecting with the body.
Here's what my past clients have to say
”Sheena and I worked together to try and unravel some 50-year-old trauma tangled up with more recent trauma. There was a lot to work on, and there was no easy fix, but Sheena accepts you where you are. I felt heard, seen, and validated. She’s a wonderful listener and she helped me to see issues that weren’t obvious to me. She is someone to trust on your healing journey.
Micki
”Sheena is a reassuring and committed coach who honours your personal experiences with the deepest trust by creating a nurturing and safe space for healing. Trauma work exposes the darkness and light in us, and Sheena has the beautiful ability to stand with you through it all, guiding you towards empowerment and self understanding. Working with Sheena was a powerful part of my healing journey
Laur
Frequently asked questions
Are you a therapist?
No, I’m not a licensed therapist. While I’ve thought about pursuing a formal degree, I’ve decided that my place lies outside the mental health industrial complex. I don’t want an education based on colonial, Western psychology that stigmatizes the very people I want to help. I would have to unlearn that anyway, so I’d rather spend my energy on training and experiences that are decolonized from the start.
That being said, I still believe therapy is a valuable tool. I know many therapists who are challenging their fields and unlearning harmful practices. My own therapist is incredible and I’ll brag about her to anyone who will listen. I’m not against therapists—I just don’t want to be one. Some people like that, others aren’t comfortable with it, but I’m always upfront about my background so people can make an informed decision about working with me.
What can I expect in a trauma recovery session?
During our first few sessions, we’ll work on building trust as we get to know each other. From there, our sessions will vary, but we’ll typically start with a quick check-in to see how you’ve been feeling and coping since we last saw each other. Depending on what comes up, we may talk about a personal issue that you’ve been dealing with, a societal issue or world event that’s been affecting you, and what support you need moving forward.
In some sessions, you may just need to talk and vent. However, I try to bring things back to the body as much as possible, so most of my sessions include a blend of somatic experiencing and parts work. I may ask you what parts are coming up for you, what sensations you’re noticing in your body, and guide you in getting to know both your parts and your nervous system. This is always done with your express consent, which you may withdraw at any time.
What training do you have as a trauma care practitioner?
I received my certification through the Global Trauma Institute (GTI). I am also certified in parts work, and I’ve trained with Somatic Experiencing International in somatic experiencing. I don’t want to list every course and certificate I’ve ever received, because I’m trying to break away from the practice of proving my worth through institutions. If you really want to know my whole educational background, I’ll happily tell you in our discovery call.
Do you offer appointments in person or online?
Most of my appointments are held online over Google Meet. This lets me connect with people all over the world while also allowing my clients to stay within the safety of their own homes, where their grounding tools and resources can provide comfort in case of a difficult session.
If you’re in the amiskwacîwâskahikan area, let me know if you’d prefer to meet in person. I don’t currently keep office space, but I’m happy to meet for a walking session in our beautiful river valley.
Crisis Resources
If you are in danger of hurting yourself, please reach out for support. While I don’t know exactly what you’re going through right now, I do know that the world is a better place with you in it. You deserve to heal and find out just how important you are.
Crisis Resources
