Marlene Stirrett-Matson, MACP, RP (Qualifying)

Marlene is happy to be back in her hometown of Thunder Bay after living and working for 30 years in Toronto. Marlene left a 26-year career in leadership and senior management in government, and producing and tour managing professional dance companies to focus on several passions: studying counselling psychology and dance/movement therapy.

Marlene graduated from Yorkville University with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and has a diploma in Dance/Movement Therapy from the National Centre for Dance Therapy in Montreal. Marlene also has a BA in history from Lakehead University and an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in dance from York University.

Marlene has completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and has taken additional training in grief counselling, trauma, polyvagal theory, ADHD, narrative therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy.
Fully grounded in unconditional positive regard and compassion for each client, Marlene uses a strengths-based approach, incorporating mindfulness, self-compassion, cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, and seeking meaning and purpose in life, depending on the needs and preferences of each client.
When she is not counselling, Marlene can be found dancing, taking and editing photos, travelling to discover new places, and volunteering with organizations in the community and with national dance organizations.