About Dennis
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Dennis Dion, MA RCC
Pronouns: his/him Settler and Ally ProfessionalIn my private practice, I have worked with individuals, families, and couples who have struggled with the following problems: depression, anxiety, addiction (substances, gambling, and pornography), grief and loss, sexuality, gender questioning, shame, guilt, fear, life transition, stress, relationship conflict for queer and heterosexual couples, and the negative consequences of sexism, racism, ageism, poverty, homophobia and transphobia.
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I have facilitated individual, group, couples, and family sessions; so, I am comfortable with having sessions with as many or as few participants as my clients wish. I also have extensive experience working in the field of addiction. In addition to my private practice work, I worked for over 15 years in mental health and addictions in residential treatment programs and outpatient support through Vancouver Coastal Health. I also worked for 8 years with the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program - supporting "gamblers" or "affected others" in individual, group, family or couples counselling.
Similarly, in the past, I worked as a Family Therapist at Peak House which is a residential treatment program for youth working towards getting their life back from drugs and alcohol. The youth I worked with had a 'life and death' struggle with substances and a number of problems that often tagged along including: depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, fear, grief, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thinking, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. I worked with a team of professionals, community partners and family members to help the young person find freedom from their struggles. My work also included a fair amount of family counselling to help families reconnect to each other after the bomb of addiction had gone off in their lives. I am a big believer in family work because the youth who were connected to their families had better outcomes ("family" as the young people defined them - biological and/or chosen). I've seen many of the youth I worked with get their lives back from addiction and other seemingly overwhelming problems. I know change and recovery is possible.
Similarly, in the past, I worked as a Family Therapist at Peak House which is a residential treatment program for youth working towards getting their life back from drugs and alcohol. The youth I worked with had a 'life and death' struggle with substances and a number of problems that often tagged along including: depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, fear, grief, disordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thinking, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. I worked with a team of professionals, community partners and family members to help the young person find freedom from their struggles. My work also included a fair amount of family counselling to help families reconnect to each other after the bomb of addiction had gone off in their lives. I am a big believer in family work because the youth who were connected to their families had better outcomes ("family" as the young people defined them - biological and/or chosen). I've seen many of the youth I worked with get their lives back from addiction and other seemingly overwhelming problems. I know change and recovery is possible.
Relevant Education
Presentations
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Personal
I was born and raised in Vancouver and have deep roots in this city. Most of my family still lives here and, although I have travelled extensively around the world, Vancouver is my home. I am a father and co-parent two young children - no one really prepared me for how much you can love your kids. Sports and recreation have always been in my life and I love being active both indoors and outdoors. I am especially fond of racquet sports, although I have a new appreciation for golf as I inherited my father's golf clubs. I am sure he is helping me improve my game - thanks, dad.
I am also a big supporter of the arts, culture, film, and music. If I am not in a movie theatre on my days off, I am out trying to take in as many cultural activities as I can with friends and family. I have a busy life filled with family, long-standing friendships, professional endeavors, sports, and the outdoors (mostly rain or shine...I mean it is Vancouver).
I am also a big supporter of the arts, culture, film, and music. If I am not in a movie theatre on my days off, I am out trying to take in as many cultural activities as I can with friends and family. I have a busy life filled with family, long-standing friendships, professional endeavors, sports, and the outdoors (mostly rain or shine...I mean it is Vancouver).