About Joel Todd
About Joel Todd
I am a practicing Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists (ACCT) and a graduate from Clearmind International Institute in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling.
A bit about my Journey
I grew up in the interior of British Columbia the eldest child in a loving family of five. I was a sensitive boy who learned at a young age that the best way to be loved was to be everything to everyone. I learned to not do anything to upset others. Looking back, I can see life was very overwhelming for me. I learned to avoid the challenging parts of life and relationships; to reject or ignore the things I didn’t like about myself or struggled with in relationship to others.
“If we want to create a different future, we must have the courage to look at the past.”
~ Dan B. Allender
Is there any hope? Can my life really improve?
Well into my thirties I worked in technology, in both the public and private sectors. I was essentially surviving my life. I was stressed and just hanging on to an existence that felt empty and devoid of meaning. In the beginning I was very resistant to counselling. I believed I could think myself to a better, more fulfilling life. I was dead wrong. Working with a counsellor who connected me to my body, mind and emotions allowed me to embrace myself in way that I could never “think” or strategize myself to. When I started it was hard for me to accept myself, to allow myself to “feel” anything. I was never taught how to let myself feel. Allowing myself to feel was hard but I came to realize it was easier than keeping it all down.
“Let your life be your message”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
So how good can life really be?
I have worked with many personal and spiritual development models which have all helped in their way. Working with a counsellor has provided me a grounded experience and tools I was missing in creating a fulfilling life. All the challenges haven’t gone away but know I can navigate them in an empowered way. I look forward to what I can learn through the challenge of life and what new levels of fulfillment I can reach.
“I have a deep and profound appreciation for my life as someone who gets to support and witness miracles with my clients, my family, my son and my friends.”
What might a Session with me Look Like?
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ratES
Joel Training
Jan 2025 Certificate – Dr. Sue Johnson’s Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis (16.5 hours)
Highlights: EFT and using Attachment Theory, 3 Stages of EFT, 9 Steps of EFT, Assessment, De-escalating, Frame the Couples Cycle, Identifying Attachment Needs/Fears, Processing Emotions, Promoting Acceptance within the Relationship, Structuring New Emotional Engagement, New Solutions for Meeting Attachment New, Re-establishing Support and Trust Within Relationships
July 2024 Certificate – Polyvagal Theory Informed Trauma Assessment and Interventions: An Autonomic Roadmap to Safety, Connection and Healing – Deborah Dana, LCSW, LICSW – (12.5 hours)
Nervous System States, Play, Mobilization, disconnection, survival states, reducing shame, nervous system regulation, State becomes Story, restorative resource or as a threat?, cues of safety, parasympathetic System, ventral vagal regulation, the sympathetic response (mobilization), disassociation, Re-engagement,
the Autonomic Ladder, Naming/Identifying current nervous system state, vocal bursts, triggers and glimmers, breath, proximity, savoring,
July 2024 Certificate – Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory with Stephen Porges, PhD: Trauma, Attachment, Self-Regulation & Emotions (6.25 hours + 1 hour bonus)
Highlights: Neuroscience & Physiology of Trauma: Extended Interview with Stephen Porges PhD, The Neurobiology of Connection, Trust and Safety, Connectedness: A Biological Imperative, Social Engagement, Social, Co-Regulation, Neuroception, Trauma and Co-regulation, ANS (autonomic nervous system), Vagus Nerve, Face-Heart Connection, Creating Safety, Vagal Brake, Emotional state regulation, Behavioral state regulation, Social Engagement System, , VVC (ventral vagal complex), SNS (sympathetic nervous system), DVS (dorsal vagal complex), vocalizations
September 2022 – June 2023 – Clearmind International Institute – Shadow Assistant to Instructors (Senior Assistant to Class)
Highlights: Assisting with Technology of running an online Class, Organizational Skills, Teaching Specific Classes of the Course, Additional Supervision hours, Social Engagement System, Fight/Flight, Shutdown,
September 2018 – June 2022 – Clearmind International Institute – 3-Year – PRACTITIONERS TRAINING
Highlights: Training and Mentorship in (not Certification): Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Parts Work Bowen Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, Person-Center Therapy, Childhood development stages, Parts Work
Supervision Hours:78 hours, Personal Therapy Hours: 193 Hours, Observing a Personal Therapist/Instructor hours: 316 hours
“If you bring forth that which is within you, Then that which is within you Will be your salvation. If you do not bring forth that which is within you, Then that which is within you Will destroy you.”
—THE GNOSTIC GOSPELS
~ Peter A. Levine, Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body
