About Dogfish Counselling and Therapy Inc.
Treaty Territory Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that Dogfish Counselling and Therapy Inc. in Winnipeg is located on First Nations Treaty 1 Territory, the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Ojibway-Cree, and the traditional homeland of the Metis Nations.
About our Company
Dogfish Counselling and Therapy Inc. was founded by Sandi Graham. Sandi received her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1998 from the University of Manitoba as well as her Master of Social Work degree from Wilfred Laurier University in 2023. She is Registered Social Worker through the Manitoba College of Social Workers and she has over 20 years of experience working in Social Services. Sandi strives to practice from a culturally sensitive perspective in collaboration with the participant or family. She believes in counselling and therapy that is person-focused and centered on empowerment and equality.
Our Values
Sandi is a strong advocate for family reunification wherever possible. She has extensive experience working within the Child Welfare System and is aware of the challenges that children and parents face within that context. All treatment plans are based upon each person's right to self-determination and their unique needs and circumstances. Sandi draws from many therapeutic modalities based on the mutually agreed upon goals of treatment. Her practice is centered on the values of kindness, honesty, sharing, compassion, and humor.
Meaning and Symbolism of the Dogfish
Most sharks are known for being symbols of power, determination, and survival. Dogfish are known for their symbolism and meaning, within both cultural and spiritual contexts. They have become a symbol of resilience, protection, and tenacity. Celtic and Haida cultures view sharks as symbols of regeneration and transformation, which emphasizes the ongoing processes of adaptation and survival, often in difficult situations. Like people, the dogfish keep pushing forward, even when faced with adversity. The Dogfish promotes a spiritual journey of growth, where effort and endurance are deeply respected. It also teaches us that it is permissible for individuals to protect themselves by creating healthy boundaries and listening to their instincts.
Some fun facts about the Dogfish:
- Dogfish can survive 2-3 days outside of water and they can live up to 80 years.
- Their spines or denticles are like armor and represent the protection of one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- They have the longest pregnancy of any vertebrate, a whopping 24 months, showing the resilience of female dogfish.
- Dogfish can migrate long distances showing that persistence and hard work payoff.
- These sharks have a pack-like mentality, and they appear to understand and appreciate that community is important for their survival and wellbeing.
- The Dogfish provides hope to people that we too can be flexible and change our current thoughts and behaviors as a response to life’s challenges, both past and present, to evolve into a stronger version of ourselves.
Such symbolism is meant to inspire and empower us and reminds us to use our inner strength against external forces such as oppression and trauma. The Dogfish symbolizes a new beginning and the courage it takes to walk the path towards healing.