About Darlene...
Darlene Denis-Friske is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Darlene is a certified member and Validated Supervisor with The Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals and a leadership member with the Indigenous Circle of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Darlene has also been part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario during the first two years of its development (2023 and 2024). She is currently a member of the Indigenous Health Circle supporting the Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team system.
Darlene holds a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, a diploma of studies in parent consultation work along with two years of internship with foremost Canadian expert on attachment Dr. Gordon Neufeld, an honours degree in psychology (focused in personality development), and three years of study and supervision in child and youth work. She has also completed studies in Wholistic Healing Practices and Indigenous Research Methodology with the Centre for Indigegogy with Wilfred Laurier University.
Darlene has worked with children, youth and adults in a variety of rewarding settings since 1988 including psychiatric hospital in Sudbury, Ontario (child & youth crisis intervention/assessment), two Renfrew County school boards (elementary, secondary and alternative education), community practice (family health team setting), and private practice (please note that Darlene's private practice is now closed since 2020).
Darlene is currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Managing Supervisor) with the West Champlain Family Health Team in Pembroke, Ontario, where she provides counselling and mental health services to both the West Champlain Family Health Organization and the Pembroke Family Medicine Teaching Unit. She is also an adjunct faculty member of the Neufeld Institute and has taken an active role in organizing and facilitating community talks and professional development geared towards understanding the emotional, developmental, and attachment needs of children.
Darlene holds a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, a diploma of studies in parent consultation work along with two years of internship with foremost Canadian expert on attachment Dr. Gordon Neufeld, an honours degree in psychology (focused in personality development), and three years of study and supervision in child and youth work. She has also completed studies in Wholistic Healing Practices and Indigenous Research Methodology with the Centre for Indigegogy with Wilfred Laurier University.
Darlene has worked with children, youth and adults in a variety of rewarding settings since 1988 including psychiatric hospital in Sudbury, Ontario (child & youth crisis intervention/assessment), two Renfrew County school boards (elementary, secondary and alternative education), community practice (family health team setting), and private practice (please note that Darlene's private practice is now closed since 2020).
Darlene is currently a Registered Psychotherapist (Managing Supervisor) with the West Champlain Family Health Team in Pembroke, Ontario, where she provides counselling and mental health services to both the West Champlain Family Health Organization and the Pembroke Family Medicine Teaching Unit. She is also an adjunct faculty member of the Neufeld Institute and has taken an active role in organizing and facilitating community talks and professional development geared towards understanding the emotional, developmental, and attachment needs of children.
'Seasons' by Sydney Friske
Darlene's doctoral focus, research, and advocacy (completed in 2024) centres around the deeper understanding of Indigenous wholistic theory, ethics, and philosophy in counselling and psychotherapy work. As an Algonquin Anishinaabe from the Kipawa, Temiscaming area of Quebec (Mongrain and Pariseau families), she is passionate about honouring the deeper cultural wisdom and values in her ways of being, as well as her work and approach to individuals.
Darlene draws upon the profound teachings of the Gichidibaakonigewenan as she has come to know them (debwewan, gwayakawa-adizin, nibwaaka-awin, dabasendizowin, maanaji’idiwin, zaagi’idiwin, zoongide’ewin) in all aspects of her life, work, and research focus. She engages in circle work, study with Elders and Knowledge Holders, ongoing and lifelong language learning, and consultation in Indigenous wholistic theory. She also draws upon the stories, teachings, and examples of her mother, grandparents, and extended family who live their relational values and larger ethics as present in their everyday lives.
Darlene draws upon the profound teachings of the Gichidibaakonigewenan as she has come to know them (debwewan, gwayakawa-adizin, nibwaaka-awin, dabasendizowin, maanaji’idiwin, zaagi’idiwin, zoongide’ewin) in all aspects of her life, work, and research focus. She engages in circle work, study with Elders and Knowledge Holders, ongoing and lifelong language learning, and consultation in Indigenous wholistic theory. She also draws upon the stories, teachings, and examples of her mother, grandparents, and extended family who live their relational values and larger ethics as present in their everyday lives.
