dave graewe

REGISTERED CLINICAL COUNSELLOR

I’m a husband, a father of three, and a therapist who has the privilege of walking alongside people as they navigate the complexity of being human.

I work primarily with adults (20+) who are carrying the impact of trauma and relational wounds. Many of the people I work with feel things deeply — they may identify as highly sensitive, introspective, creative, or easily overwhelmed by the intensity of relationships and life. Beneath the surface, they are often thoughtful, conscientious, and longing for something steadier inside.

I also work with fellow therapists who are seeking their own space for reflection, depth, and support.

I care deeply about this work because I’ve seen how easy it is for parts of us to go unseen — especially the tender, protective, ashamed, or overwhelmed parts. When those aspects of ourselves are met with steadiness and care rather than judgment, fixing, or urgency, something begins to soften.

My approach is relational, experiential, somatic, attachment-based, psychodynamic, and emotion-focused. In our work together, we slow down. We turn toward the aspects of your experience that may have long been carried alone — and bring curiosity, compassion, and presence to them.

Over time, this creates space for relief and self-compassion, and a more secure connection with yourself and the people you love.

what it’s like to work with me

I’m a relational therapist. That means I’m not a neutral observer sitting quietly on the sidelines. I engage with you honestly and invest deeply in the work we’re doing together.

I’ll share what I notice, reflect what I’m experiencing in the room, and show up as a real person — not a blank slate. The relationship between us is part of the work.

You also won’t find me in a suit or formal attire. I value comfort and authenticity, and I tend to show up in a way that reflects that.

I’m not big on giving advice or telling you what to do. Instead, I approach your experience with curiosity and care, trusting that you carry your own wisdom — even if it feels hard to access right now. My role is to help you uncover it and move toward your next steps with greater clarity and steadiness.

I don’t see you as a diagnosis, a label, or a problem to fix. I see you as a complex human being whose pain makes sense in the context of your story. You deserve to feel seen, known, and accompanied — especially in the places that feel stuck, tender, or overwhelming.

Gentleness, emotional attunement, and playfulness/humour are a few of the qualities I bring into the room. I may laugh with you. At times, I may tear up with you. And I genuinely care about the work we’re doing 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.

To stay fully present with you in session while still keeping thorough records, I use a secure, healthcare‑grade AI‑assisted tool to support clinical documentation. All data is encrypted and stored in compliance with Canadian privacy laws, professional regulations, and ethical standards.

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:

  • Richard Schwartz

  • Dr. Sue Johnson

  • Fr. Greg Boyle

  • Dr. Gordon Neufeld

  • Dr. Jacob Ham

  • Diana Fosha

  • Dr. Gabor Maté

  • Francis Weller

  • Dr. Dan Siegel

  • Dr. Hillary McBride

  • Dr. Tori Olds

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 to formal training, I engage in ongoing clinical supervision and consultation, where I regularly reflect on my work with other experienced therapists. This collaborative process helps deepen my clinical understanding and ensures that my work remains thoughtful, responsive, and grounded in best practices.

Ongoing Supervision & Consultation

  • Clinical Supervision – Dr. Hillary McBride, RPsych

  • Experiential Psychotherapy Consultation Group – Dr. Tori Olds, Licensed Psychologist

Experiential, Attachment & Trauma-Informed Training

  • 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, AEDP Institute

  • Transforming Dissociative Blocking and Restoring Connection in Complex Relational Trauma – Michael Mondoro, AEDP Institute

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

  • Advance Your AEDP Work Through Deliberate Practice – Natasha Prenn, AEDP Institute

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

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

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) – integrated into practice through supervision and ongoing study

  • I Love You, I Hate You, Are You My Mom? A Deep Dive into Transference and Countertransference – Dr. Craig Heacock & Dr. Hillary McBride

  • Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation: A Polyvagal Theory Guided Approach to Therapy – Deb Dana

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

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

  • Making Sense of Kids, Level I – Neufeld Institute

Training in Psychedelic & Non-Ordinary States

  • Training in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (Levels 1 & 2, with Dr. Hillary McBride and Danielle Braun Kauffman) and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (TheraPsil). While this is not a primary focus of my practice, it informs my work with clients integrating meaningful, complex, or hard-to-place inner experiences.

Clinical Supervision Training

  • A Systemic Clinical Supervision Fundamentals Course – Evangeline Willms Thiessen & Estera Boldut

education, training + ongoing supervision