About Dianne
Dianne Hohol
BSW, RSW, MACP
Proud Ukrainian
It all started when I was in grade 5. I remember some of my classmates telling me their problems. I was already a good listener and found myself giving "advice." I remember one classmate saying “you should become a marriage counsellor.” One day as I walked the hallways on my lunch hour I came across a sad little girl. She was in grade two and she was crying. I remember taking her under my wing. Many years have passed from the time I sat with my arm around the shoulders of a sad little girl. But it seems now that destiny was in the making and here I am today…..
My name is Dianne and I want to take a few minutes to introduce myself to you. I wonder what is important to you to know? What do you need/want to know to decide if I am the right person to help you navigate your journey? Well, you definitely need to know I am a qualified Therapist so I will share a bit about my qualifications, education and experience. That’s my professional self but beyond that I would also like to share a bit about my personal self. Please read on……
Qualifications &
Education
I have over twenty-five years of experience working in the counselling field in a wide variety of settings. This includes extensive experience in the addiction and mental health field as well as working with trauma, co-dependency, family of origin, inner child, ACOA (adult children of alcoholics and other dysfunctional families) and unresolved childhood issues.
I received my Masters of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology (MACP) at Yorkville University and am a Registered Psychologist (R.Psych).
Modalities that I use include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), Narrative, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Systems Theory, Group Therapy and EMDR.
Associations
Beyond The Titles, Education & Letters
Being a good therapist is more than having initials, letters and titles behind your name. Indeed, education, initials and titles are important. You want to know you are in good hands, and that your therapist is knowledgeable, trained, ethical and professional.
But equally important is practical counselling experience and life experience. I have over 25 years of experience working with people in a variety of settings. As well, I have had my own share of life struggles and have had to navigate my way through some rough waters.
The events in my life that I found the most painful were also the ones where I found my greatest strength. As a therapist, it is my responsibility to make sure that I do my own work and this, plus my life experiences help me to have more compassion and understanding towards others. I have sat in the other chair so I can approach my work with particular sensitivity. Excellent education, counselling experience and personal life experience create an ideal balance, foundation and framework from which I can help you to navigate your own healing journey.
My Heritage & Spirituality
I am a proud Ukranian. Both of my grandfathers made the arduous journey from Ukraine to Canada and sacrificed much so that I could sit here in freedom and democracy writing these words. While my heart breaks for what is happening in my ancestral homeland I pray every day for the same freedoms for Ukraine that I get to experience every day.
My roots are traditional Ukrainian Greek Orthodox and I participate in various cultural ceremonies and traditions on a regular basis to honor my roots and heritage. That will always be a significant and meaningful part of my life but I have expanded my spiritual search and I have pursued personal growth and spiritual development with passion.
I have been a part of many aboriginal healing ceremonies, studied shamanism in the jungles of Hawaii, am a Reconnective Healing practitioner and taught workshops in Kahi Loa Shamanic Bodywork and Huna. I have studied A Course in Miracles, Reiki, the work of Kryon, Christianity, a wide variety of meditation and mindfulness modalities, Ho’oponopono, the life changing work of Joe Dispenza, Tellington Touch for animals and have training in animal communication. Nature is where I feel the most connected to Source.
I live with two Zen Masters (a grey tabby and a long hair domestic) who have taught me everything I need to know about mindfulness and how to chill.
I welcome clients who come from any culture, ethnicity, religion or spiritual path.