About
Dr. Michael Dadson, Ph.D.
Brookswood, Langley
About Dr. Michael Dadson
Dr. Michael “Mike” Dadson, PhD, RCC, CCC, is Clinical Director of Gentle Currents Therapy in Langley, BC. His current work brings together counselling, clinical supervision, research, therapist training and program development.
His approach begins with understanding the person: the experiences and relationships that have shaped their life, their immediate concerns, and what they hope might change. Counsellor and client develop goals together and consider the pace and approach that suit the person’s needs.
Counselling is a personal relationship. Meet the people behind the care to learn about our counsellors, their experience, and how they work. You can also read our Statement of Care or contact Gentle Currents to ask about fit and current availability.
Recently Dr. Michael Dadson underwent an extensive review process with ThreeBestRated.com, to be named one of the top 3 marriage counselors in Langley, British Columbia.
According to ThreeBestRated.com, “All of our marriage counselors face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes everything from checking reviews, ratings, reputation, history, complaints, satisfaction, trust and cost to the general excellence.”
As an ordained Chaplain, Dr. Michael Dadson (Mike Dadson) has 25 years of extensive counseling experience in childcare, family matters and resources. With these experiences in mind, Dr. Dadson fosters an environment of acceptance and diversity for his clients, working through issues such as depression, addictions, anxiety, attachment, trauma/PTSD, violent crimes, parenting, relationships, and much more. Dr. Michael Dadson, feels, “It is my passion to make counselling a comfortable and safe space for people from all walks of life and I will continue to do so.”
It is Dr. Michael Dadson’s belief that “A compassionate approach with others utilizing a wide range of skills in clinical therapy, is the best combination available to create an environment inspiring change in personal growth and ultimately transformation.”
Dr. Michael Dadson (Mike Dadson) has always believed that humans have the ability to creatively and resourcefully solve inner injuries and personal challenges they may be experiencing. Through several research trials, it has been shown that “people experience true progress and growth when they are nurtured in an environment that fosters respect, structure, and an abundance of support,” explains Dr. Michael Dadson.
In Dr. Mike Dadson’s practice, you will discover inclusions of the following assumptions:
- Every person has value and is able to realize that value through inner reflection.
- All people deserve respect and acceptance.
- Dr. Dadson’s practice is an environment of safety and acceptance regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or any other identifier or factor.
- We can all change when given the right tools.
- People must accept responsibility for progress and successes and realize that their counselor is only a guide.
- Understanding the situation in-depth is a priority. Without a strong foundation of knowledge, we can’t hope to solve anything effectively.
Education and Professional Credentials
Dr. Dadson’s academic background includes doctoral study in counselling psychology at the University of British Columbia. His doctoral research explored men’s recovery from injuries in their relationships with their fathers. His continuing clinical work, research and supervision inform one another.
- PhD, Counselling Psychology — University of British Columbia.
- MA, Counselling Psychology — Trinity Western University, 2005.
- Registered Clinical Counsellor — BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, RCC #1467. Continuous clinical practice in Langley since 2000.
- Canadian Certified Counsellor — Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, CCC #10007387.
- Fellow — International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. Named a Fellow in 2017.
Clinical experience and professional contributions
Dr. Dadson’s professional journey has included child and youth care, specialized foster parenting, ministry, chaplaincy, counselling psychology, clinical leadership and professional supervision. This broader service history is distinct from his continuous clinical practice in Langley since 2000.
His previous appointments include clinical leadership at Trinity Western University and Brookswood Counselling Services, national executive and clinical leadership with the Veterans Transition Network, and an adjunct appointment at the University of British Columbia. He served on the advisory board of UBC’s Centre for Group Counselling and Trauma from 2014 to 2018 and is a former board member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.
He has also contributed to public discussion of operational stress injuries and the mental health needs of veterans and first responders, including an invited presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. Read the parliamentary evidence.
At Gentle Currents, his current work includes counselling, clinical supervision, therapist training and program development. He developed the Sequential Trauma Narrative, a trauma-informed clinical framework that attends to regulation, relationships, personal story and reconnection with life.
For a fuller account, explore his professional legacy and national and international clinical contributions.
Professional and community recognition
Recognition of Outstanding Service to Children in Care — Ministry of Children and Families, 2009.
Selected Training and Professional Development
- Myers-Briggs personality assessment — certified assessor.
- Strong Interest Inventory — certified assessor.
- Observed and Experiential Integration (OEI) — certified therapist and trainer.
- QPRT suicide risk assessment and management training.
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy — Level One and Level Two training.
- Enactment Therapy — Level One and Level Two training.
- Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy — Level One training.
Publications
- The evaluation of a group for veterans who experienced military related trauma
- The Application of Attachment Theory and Mentalization in Complex Tertiary Structural Dissociation: A Case Study
- Integrative therapeutic interventions of phase oriented treatment: Additional reflections on the case of Lynne.
- Dadson, M.R., The Influence of Fathers’ Involvement on Sons’ Health Psynopsis 2012. Winter/Hiver 2012 – Volume 34 No. 1. , 2012
- Michael Dadson’s Final Ph.D. Defence (CNPS): The stories of our fathers: Men’s recovery from intergenerational wounds
When you get in touch, we’ll listen to what you’re looking for and help you consider which counsellor and appointment options may fit. Contact the Gentle Currents team to get started.
Fees vary by counsellor and type of appointment. See current counselling fees at Gentle Currents. If cost is a concern, you can explore affordable counselling options, including supervised graduate practicum counselling.
Your first session is a chance to talk about what brings you in and what you hope for from counselling. Your counsellor will explain confidentiality and its limits and make time for your questions. Read what to expect at your first counselling session.
The Gentle Currents neurofeedback guide explains what a LENS session involves, who provides it, and how you can explore whether it may have a place in your care.