dave graewe

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

I’m a husband, a father of three, and a therapist who has the privilege of accompanying individuals as they navigate the complexities of being human.

I specialize in helping adults (ages 20+) process their trauma and interpersonal wounds. While my practice addresses a range of concerns (see here), I’m particularly well-suited to work with those who identify as big/deep feelers, highly sensitive individuals, introverts, or those who often feel overwhelmed, as well as new or student therapists.

Through experiential, attachment-based, and emotion-focused therapy approaches, I support my clients in transforming how they carry their suffering and pain. Together, we work to uncover peace, balance, and flexibility, fostering a greater sense of presence and more secure connections to self and others. 

what it’s like to work with me

I’m perhaps not what you might expect from a typical therapist. I’m not a neutral observer or a blank slate; I engage with you honestly and invest deeply in our work together. I’ll mirror back what I see, experience, and notice, and show up as my real self. You won’t find me in a business suit or fancy clothes; I prefer a casual and comfortable style.

I honor your complexity by not being big on advice-giving or telling you what to do, but rather using curiosity and interest to help you uncover your wisdom and discover your next steps. I see you as a unique individual, not a diagnosis, a label, or a problem to fix. You deserve to be seen, known, and accompanied in your pain and stuck places.

Gentleness, emotional attunement, and humour are a few of my therapeutic superpowers. I’m known to laugh with my clients, cry with them, and deeply delight in our work together.

my commitment to you

I will show up for you as an active participant in your healing and transformation. I’ll use my curiosity and therapeutic instinct to ask meaningful questions that help us both understand you better. I’ll share how I see you, highlight your strengths, and help make sense of what drives your distress. I’ll share insights and feedback directly and lovingly.

I will hold hope for you and work diligently to undo your aloneness by drawing near to your experience. I will partner with you in moving towards your hopes and goals.

therapeutic influences

Sometimes it’s helpful to get a sense of someone by hearing who they like to spend their time with.

Some of the thinkers, speakers, writers, researchers, and clinicians that I tune into and whose contributions have influenced my therapeutic work include: Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Dan Siegel, Diana Fosha, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, Richard Schwartz, Dr. Sue Johnson, Deb Dana, Dr. Hillary McBride, Dr. Tori Olds, Dr. Jacob Ham, and Fr. Greg Boyle.

I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA-MFT), meaning that I have a solid understanding of how we are impacted by the relational systems around us, both past and present.

In addition, I have attended specialized workshops, trainings, and received clinical supervision in various attachment-based, emotion-oriented, trauma-informed, and experiential approaches and topics:

  • AEDP Level I: Immersion Course - The Dyadic Repair of Attachment Trauma – AEDP Institute

  • AEDP Level II: Essential Skills Course - AEDP Institute

  • An Introduction to the Intra-Relational Triangle: AEDP, Complex Trauma and Parts Work – Kari Gleiser of the AEDP Institute

  • Imagery Beyond Portrayals: Right Brain Communication, Play & the Neurobiology of Emergent Imagery - Mary Androff of the AEDP Institute

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship – Vancouver Couple & Family Institute

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach

  • Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation: A Polyvagal Theory Guided Approach to Therapy – Deb Dana, hosted by Mental Health and Addiction Services of Ottawa

  • An Introduction to Embodiment: Theory and Clinical Practice – Dr. Hillary McBride, RPsych

  • When Love Hurts: Supporting Women with Experiences of Abuse, Certified Training for Helping Professionals - Jill Cory & Karen McAndless-Davis

  • Minding the Heart Training Group on Experiential Therapy – Dr. Tori Olds

  • Individual Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Training Program: Level 1 - Dr. Hillary McBride, RPsych & Danielle Braun Kauffman, RCC

  • Individual Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Training Program: Level 2 - Dr. Hillary McBride, RPsych & Danielle Braun Kauffman, RCC

  • Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy Training Program – TheraPsil

  • Making Sense of Kids, Level I – Neufeld Institute

education + advanced training