Meet Shawna Leighton, RCSW, RCC
Registered Clinical Social Worker, Registered Clinical Counsellor & Trauma Therapist
At the heart of Shawna’s work is a simple belief: every person carries something beautiful inside them; stories, strengths, and tender parts waiting to be seen and understood. Trauma-informed therapy with Shawna is not about “fixing” what’s broken, but about coming home to yourself, listening to your body’s wisdom, honoring your experiences, and uncovering your innate resilience.
With over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and five years as a clinical therapist, Shawna’s approach is grounded in trauma-informed, feminist, and queer-affirming values, creating a safe space where all parts of you are welcome and your story matters.
A Space for Safety and Connection
When you sit with Shawna, the goal is for you to feel safe enough to exhale, remove your armour, and simply be. Her trauma-informed therapy approach emphasizes curiosity, gentleness, and collaboration. Every person is the expert of their own experience. Shawna walks beside you to notice patterns, sensations, and emotions, helping you make meaning of your story and rediscover parts of yourself that long to be heard.
Somatic Experiencing: Listening to the Body’s Story
Shawna is trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE), a specialized form of trauma-informed therapy developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. SE recognizes that trauma isn’t stored in the event itself but in the body’s unresolved response.
Through gentle attention to sensations, movement, and breath, SE helps release stored tension and restore nervous system balance. Clients often experience increased calm, trust, and connection with themselves.
Internal Family Systems: Befriending All Parts of You
Shawna also offers Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, helping clients meet the many “parts” within themselves… the inner critic, caretaker, protector, or wounded child.
IFS aligns seamlessly with trauma-informed therapy, teaching that each part, no matter how painful, has a purpose. By approaching inner parts with compassion, clients move from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What does this part need?” allowing the calm, wise Self to guide the healing process.
Professional Background and Heart for Mentorship
Shawna is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia, and a Registered Social Worker in Ontario. She provides comprehensive support for mental health challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
She also mentors other therapists, fostering growth, confidence, and authentic practice. Her supervision mirrors her trauma-informed therapy approach: relational, collaborative, and reflective.
An Invitation to Begin
Whether you seek to process trauma, find peace in your body, or reconnect with your sense of self, Shawna offers compassionate, personalized support. Healing isn’t linear, it’s a journey of coming closer to yourself, one step at a time.
Start your healing journey with trauma-informed therapy today.
Reflective Journal Prompts Inspired by Shawna’s Work
- Body as Guide: What sensations or emotions arise when you slow down and listen to your body? What might your body be trying to tell you today?
- Parts in Conversation: Think of a part of yourself you often criticize or hide. What might this part be trying to protect you from? What would it need to feel safe?
- Self-Compassion Practice: When was the last time you offered yourself the same kindness you extend to others? What might self-compassion look like at this moment?
- Your Story of Resilience: Reflect on a time you faced something difficult. What helped you move through it? What did you learn about yourself in the process?
Ready to begin your healing journey? Shawna Leighton offers compassionate, personalized trauma-informed therapy to help you reconnect with your body, your inner resilience, and your story. Book a session today and take the first step toward a more peaceful, empowered you.
