LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the spirit of respect, reconciliation, and truth, Sage & Hood acknowledges that our work and space takes place on the traditional territories of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), comprised of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, and Amskapi Piikani First Nations; the Tsuut'ina First Nation; and the Stoney Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations. The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. We recognize that Calgary is situated on the land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, traditionally named Mohkínstsis by the Blackfoot people.
LISSETTE AREVALO MSW, RSW
SAGE & HOOD | THERAPY AND CONSULTING
I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) in the province of Alberta focusing on Anti-Oppressive and Intersectional approaches to clinical care. I'm currently working towards completing training in EMDR and Somatic Experiencing.
I obtained a Master of Social Work degree specializing in Clinical Social Work (Mental Health and Addictions) and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. I completed my clinical internship at the Calgary Counselling Centre, a nationally recognized centre of excellence located in Calgary Alberta.
Working locally and nationally, I've accumulated over 15 years' experience working with settlement and newcomer populations in recreation, outpatient, residential, and community settings providing individuals, couples, family, and group services.
Additionally, I'm a former athlete who coached elite basketball for over 20 years. This is an advantage I transfer over to therapy as I understand performance, focus, and holistic optimization.
While completing my masters degree, I worked as a graduate/teacher's assistant, co-facilitator, and lecturer for the Faculty of Social Work both at the undergraduate and graduate levels on topics such as Intersectionality, marginalization, and oppression in relation to clinical social work practice. Currently, I facilitate private and public workshops on Intersectional approaches to mental health and equity.
I've completed training in the treatment of psychosocial concerns including distress tolerance, anxiety, depression, and trauma; alongside identity and neurodivergence affirming therapy. My professional focus has been in generalist clinical practice and working with diverse concerns and populations; including individuals experiencing difficulties with ADHD/Neurodivergence management, chronic pain management and traumatic brain injury related concerns.
My approach to practice is from an eclectic perspective and I work with various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Action and Commitment Therapy, Compassionate Inquiry, Somatic Experiencing, and Solution Focused Therapy. I utilize a collaborative and structured approach while integrating mindfulness and somatic based practices.
PHILOSOPHY, VALUES AND MENTALITY
"There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not lead single-issue lives"-Audre Lorde
The power of "AND" is the foundational ground for all my work. It is an anti-oppressive and intersectional approach to life, ethics, social justice, and services I offer. Our current world and system thrives on "Ors" e.g., you're either hood OR an academic. Well, I'm not with that. I believe in the power of "And." I am Sage AND Hood. Let's approach your journey from all the different "yous;" all the different stories; and all of the parts.
I strongly believe that access to mental health services is a human right and I envision a day where therapy is normalized, more accessible and includes various cultures for those that have been traditionally excluded.
I will stand to support movements that further anti-oppressive values. My values include;
Inherent dignity and respect
Ethical and intentional practice
Ongoing training and professional development
Empowering people to "Do You"
Anti-oppressive lens
Intersectional lens
Lived experience as a tool
Making self care a priority so I can be as healthy as I can myself.
I've been both a recipient and facilitator of therapy prior to and as part of requirements for graduate level training, so, I’ve been a client and have learned what I want to do as a therapist and also what I hope to avoid.
I’m committed to working within my areas of specialization, including anxiety and race-based trauma/identity, as opposed to offering a general practice so that you will be working with someone who has experience and success in the area(s) that you are looking for help. Most importantly, this is YOUR therapy! That means you’re the most valuable part.
My "motto" for the work I want to do is Kindness. Care. Love. Precision. Stemming from the perspective that you cannot simply "care" or "fix" people. They are not problems or projects. I use my kindness, my care, and my empathy as a skill set and I use them purposefully, intentionally, and with precision acquired over time.
Further, I use Feedback Informed Treatment as an over arching model to build a culture of consistent and sincere communication. So if at any time anything isn’t working for you, you are welcome to share or ask for help to find another resource.
It is important that you find the right fit, because it’s not just about “feeling better” but about doing better according to your goals.
I'm proud of you for starting this journey, you will be an ancestor one day and just like trauma can be passed down, so can liberation.
-Lissette Arevalo, Owner Sage & Hood