Dana Simard is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and
Clinical Art Therapist with over a decade of trauma-informed private practice experience. She
specializes in polyvagal-informed therapy and physiologically-based interventions, integrating
neuroscience, somatics, and creative modalities. Holding a Master of Counselling degree and
advanced training in Clinical Art Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and Organic Intelligence, Dana
brings a dynamic and experiential approach to both her clinical work and education.
Research
Dana is dedicated to advancing the mental health field through professional presentations and
psychoeducation. Her work focuses on physiological regulation, sustainable bottom-up change,
and the intersection of spirituality and mental health. She is particularly interested in integrating
current polyvagal and physiological advancements into trauma-safe practices, ensuring a
research-informed and evolving approach to both therapy and education.
Teaching
Dana’s teaching emphasizes interactive and experiential learning, fostering systemic and critical
thinking while prioritizing ethical integrity and safe client-centered care. She is committed to
developing well-informed, adaptable, compassionate, trauma-safe counsellors. With teaching
experience at Sprott Shaw Community College and CDI College, as well as mentoring
practicum students and supervising Master’s-level counsellors, Dana creates a flexible and
supportive learning environment that encourages engagement, reflection, and professional
growth.