About Me

GWEN BONNELL RSW. & CCC.| Trauma- Informed Counsellor in Saskatchewan & Alberta

Hello, my name is Gwen, and first and foremost, I want to commend you for taking this step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, processing trauma, working through difficult life experiences, or simply feeling overwhelmed, reaching out for counselling isn't always easy. I'm glad you're here, and I would be honoured to walk alongside you as you begin your healing journey.

I've been providing professional counselling services in Saskatchewan since 2016, supporting individuals through life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and a trauma-informed approach. Through my years of experience, one thing has remained at the heart of my practice: creating a safe, supportive, and trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and respected.

I recognize that opening up about your mental health, past trauma, and personal experiences requires vulnerability. Sharing those parts of yourself with someone you've only just met can feel intimidating, especially when you've spent years carrying things on your own.

That's why I believe finding the right counsellor is about more than qualifications or therapeutic approaches. It's about finding someone you feel comfortable with, someone who meets you where you are, and someone who creates space for you to explore your experiences without judgment.

Whether you're considering in-person counselling at my Saskatoon office or online counselling services in Saskatchewan and Alberta, I want you to feel confident and comfortable in your decision to reach out.

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Before you book a consultation or your first counselling session, I'd love to give you the opportunity to get to know me a little better, both personally and professionally.

After all, a strong therapeutic relationship begins with connection, and connection begins with getting to know one another.

  • Travelling has always been something I really enjoy. I love visiting new places, meeting people, experiencing different cultures, and trying foods I may not have had the opportunity to enjoy otherwise.

    What I appreciate most is learning about the little things that make each culture unique. I find it meaningful to understand different traditions, ways of life, and the things that people value within their communities.

    Every place I've visited has offered something new to appreciate and learn from.

  • Quite often, nothing at all.

    I get teased about this sometimes, but with five children, I've come to really appreciate moments of quiet.

    Life can be busy, and there isn't always much opportunity for silence. A peaceful drive gives me a little time to gather my thoughts, enjoy the stillness, and simply be present.

    It's a small thing, but something I've learned to value.

  • This is a difficult one for me to answer because I genuinely enjoy so many different foods.

    I love cooking and preparing meals that are wholesome, nourishing, and full of flavour. I especially enjoy Indian cuisine and just about any kind of curry. I do appreciate a little spice in my food.

    I also have a fondness for desserts, particularly pavlova and cheesecake.

    I suppose it's fair to say that I simply enjoy good food, whether I'm preparing it myself or experiencing something new.

  • My husband and I spent many years living in South Africa, and I believe that time was one of the most meaningful periods of personal growth in my life.

    Living within a different culture gave me the opportunity to learn from the people and communities around me. I came to appreciate the importance of connection, community, and the ways people care for and support one another.

    One of the most valuable lessons I took from that experience was the importance of listening. Taking the time to understand someone's story, their values, and their individual needs can make such a difference in how we support them.

    This continues to influence my approach to counselling, particularly when working with Indigenous clients and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I believe that meaningful support begins with humility, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn.

  • During my travels, I once came across a grapevine that was naturally shaped like a little person. I found it so charming that I decided to keep it.

    Over the years, my little grapevine man has travelled with me through several moves and different seasons of life. It's become one of those small, unexpected keepsakes that holds a special place in my heart.

  • My favourite is a Strawberry Açaí Refresher from Starbucks. It's light, refreshing, and something I always enjoy treating myself to when I have the chance.

  • I've always had a love for animals, so choosing just one would be difficult.

    I really enjoy spending time outdoors and connecting with nature. Whenever I come across an animal, I often find myself stopping to watch it or even talking to it.

    There's something very peaceful about those little encounters, and I always appreciate the opportunity to enjoy them.

  • Asparagus, without question.

    I've tried to appreciate it, but I find it far too stringy, and I don't particularly enjoy the texture.

    There are so many other vegetables I enjoy that I'm quite happy to leave asparagus off my plate..

Now I know you didn’t come all this way to learn about my grapevine man or hatred of asparagus, so let’s talk about counselling.

My approach to counselling is person centered and strength based, your story is uniquely yours, and your healing journey should reflect that. I employ many modalities when supporting clients, including somatic therapy and EMDR, but each session will ebb and flow through modalities as we focus on your goals and healing.

I work with individuals from 3 years old and up, and I also support families through their joint healing journey or as they learn to support a loved one.

To learn more at my FAQ page