Shawna Cunha is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with over 18 years of experience as a middle school educator. Her background in education, combined with her deep commitment to adolescent development and family support, allows her to bring a well-rounded, practical, and compassionate lens to her clinical practice.
Shawna holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and a Master of Education from the University of Calgary. She takes a client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to therapy, supporting both adolescents and adults through a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, grief, and life transitions.
She has a particular interest in working with individuals during periods of growth and change—whether transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, navigating school pressures, entering post-secondary education, or adjusting to new roles in work or family life. Shawna creates a safe and supportive space where clients can build resilience, process experiences, and develop tools for long-term well-being.
In addition to therapy, Shawna has begun offering psychoeducational and mental health assessments for adolescents to support their academic, emotional, and social development—both in school and in everyday life. These include tools that help identify learning needs, mental health concerns, and other barriers to well-being, along with assessments that may inform supports and services to enhance functioning across all areas of life.
Shawna integrates evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Somatic Therapy. She also incorporates holistic practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and breathwork to enhance mind-body awareness and promote emotional balance.
Currently, Shawna is completing her training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to further support trauma recovery. She is also working toward certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy, reflecting her belief in the healing power of connection—with both people and animals.
Outside of her professional life, Shawna enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two children, exploring nature, and volunteering with local animal rescue organizations.