Brenda Desjarlais

Counselling Services Team Member

Biography

Brenda is a Counsellor at Red Deer Polytechnic. She is a proud Indigenous woman from Treaty Six territory and a member of Paul First Nation. Her cultural practices are especially important to her and she has been working in mental health for more than 30 years and practicing as a therapist since 2017.

Brenda is motivated by seeing the positive changes in the individuals that she sees. She believes in using a wholistic approach to healing, utilizing models of psychotherapy, mindfulness and spirituality to help with the healing journey. She loves being a passenger in your vehicle taking the journey to help you find the best part of your authentic self. Her cultural values have taught her to respect all people and their walk in life. Your journey is your journey, and she enjoys learning more about your story and the path you want to take. It is always an honor to be a part of your process.

She has a background in developing mental health strategies for Indigenous people at a national and provincial level. She has specialized in addictions, working as an addiction’s counselor as well as a Director for Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre. Brenda has instructed courses in suicide prevention, crystal methamphetamines and opioids, addictions, and mental health, as well as provided Indigenous awareness workshops. Brenda has worked in and with many First Nations Communities in different capacities, all relating to mental health. She has served on boards such as at Strathcona Seniors Place, Canadian Native Friendship Centre, and Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre, and was an Indigenous Advisory Council member for Homeward Trust. Brenda has also participated in many research committees, including one which resulted in a published peer-reviewed article: “Nitsikason: The Brain Science Behind Cree Teachings of Early Childhood Attachment.”

Education

M.A.C.P., Yorkville University
B.A. Native Studies, University of Alberta
Focusing Orientated Therapy
Registered with Alberta Counselling and Therapy Association