About

Meet Angela

A little about your therapist.

Sessions are 100% virtual across Canada, using secure video calls. Angela is a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO) and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist working primarily from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic frame.

Angela Daw sitting by a bright window with plants, holding a cup of tea

My Journey — Becoming Gentle and Brave

I realized my passion for working as a therapist while living and working with a diverse range of people in Azerbaijan, the Republic of Georgia, and Canada who were experiencing pain, trauma, and loneliness. Doing life with people of different cultures, ethnicities, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds gave me a richer perspective of the world and instilled a posture of humility, gentleness, and non-judgment when speaking with others. I left my decade in Central Asia with a desire to help oppressed, marginalized, and hurting people by entering into the field of psychotherapy. Returning to Canada, I obtained a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology and am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Because I have also been a client myself, I know how important it is for you to feel empathy, trust, safety, and collaboration from your therapist. I will work with you to understand your unique needs, goals, and challenges. Whether you're looking to heal from past traumas, improve your relationships, or overcome limiting beliefs, I'm here to offer support, guidance, and evidence-based strategies to help you create lasting change. I am a trauma-focused therapist using a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, and Person-Centred Therapy.

My Education

  • Yorkville University — MA in Counselling Psychology
  • Trent University — BA, English Literature
  • Trauma Institute International — Certified Trauma Specialist

Credentials

  • Registered Psychotherapist | CRPO | Jun 2022 | ID# 12623
  • Certified Canadian Counsellor | CCPA | Aug 2023 | ID# 11243794
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist–Individual | Trauma Institute International | May 2023

Trainings

  • Internal Family Systems Institute: Level 1 Training Graduate — IFSI | May 2025
  • Internal Family Systems Institute: Unburdened Eating: IFS Intensive with Dr. Jeanne Catanzaro — IFSI | April 2026 – May 2026
  • Individual and Group Supervision from IFS therapists and IFSI PAs — Aug 2023 – Present
  • Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems (IFS) — Dr. Frank Anderson | Nov 2023
  • Complex Trauma Certification Training: Interventions from EMDR, Parts Work, CPT, and Polyvagal Theory — Dr. Arielle Schwartz, Dr. Kathleen Chard, Dr. Frank Anderson, Kathy Steele | May 2024
  • EMDR & Parts Work for Treating Complex Trauma: Somatic Techniques to Decrease Defensiveness and Facilitate Trauma Processing — Dr. Arielle Schwartz | Apr 2024
Show all trainings
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): 4-Day Intensive Certification Training Course — Dr. Lane Peterson | Jun 2023
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm — Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman | Aug 2023
  • ADHD Certification Course — Russ Barkley, Rene Brooks, Ari Tuckman | In Progress
  • Dr. Sue Johnson's Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis — Sue Johnson | In Progress
  • LivingWorks Start (Recognizing and engaging safely with thoughts of suicide) — LivingWorks Education | Sep 2022
  • Self-Havening: New Opportunities for Healing Trauma and Building Resilience with Neuroplasticity — Dr. Kate Truitt | Nov 2022
  • Play Therapy Training: Innovative Interventions to Meet the Needs of Young Clients — Play Therapy Summit | January 2025 – In Progress

A personal note

My Art — An Unexpected Gift

The COVID-19 pandemic may have taken a lot from us, but for me, it provided an unexpected gift. As stay-at-home orders stretched from weeks into months, I found myself living in the Republic of Georgia with a lot of time on my hands. So, I decided to explore my artistic side and took up watercolour painting with ink. As someone who has always enjoyed creating, this new platform allowed me to slow down and practice mindfulness. My watercolour art is simplistic, whimsical, and often features nature. I began turning these little creations into cards for my family and friends, and eventually, I started taking commissioned projects. When I founded Gentle and Brave Therapy, I knew I wanted to incorporate my love of art into my work as a way to reflect a personal part of me.

  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw
  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw
  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw
  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw
  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw
  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw
  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw
  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw
  • Watercolour and ink painting by Angela Daw

Watercolour & ink · Angela Daw

Get in touch

Please reach out with any questions. I always do my very best to reply within 24 hours.

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