Arno Lowi, MA RCC-ACS, Registered Clinical Counsellor- Approved Clinical Supervisor
I've been a therapist for over 30 years in a bunch of different settings: a large medical clinic where I was the lead therapist on an amazing multi-disciplinary medical team, hospice (foundational, beautiful work), inner city health with IVDUs, underhoused mental health, LGBTQ+, men's mental health, First Nations health, and a radical-feminist political community (serious! and fun!), and of course a bustling private-practice with couples, families and individuals in New York City, Sacramento California, Toronto, and Vancouver.
I believe very strongly in training therapists to practice excellent clinical technique; clients deserve it, and counsellors need it in order to feel confident and avoid causing harm.
Yet, the details of clinical skills are often neglected in counselling education, and they're a mystery for many therapists. In my supervision groups I coach counsellors in clinical skills using ordinary language instead of cliches or technical jargon. You will gain clarity in what you're doing.
The mini-seminars
The inception of Counselling Skills mini-seminars stems from my sense that while people seeking therapy are vulnerable, hurting, and confused, they sometimes meet therapists who do not do a great job. I personally have had therapists who have made all kinds of errors, and in over thirty years as a therapist myself I have encountered many clinical questions and challenges to share with my peers, to share and teach what I've learned. Every counsellor, whatever their modalities or beliefs requires the same foundational skills and practical-conceptual understanding to build secure therapeutic connections and avoid errors, ensuring clients are in capable hands. The mini-seminars address topics that come up over and over again in the work, and they address both theoretical and practical questions. Counsellors at any stage of their career can gain enhanced confidence, achieve clarity in their work, and minimize clinical errors through our focussed mini-seminars on foundational skills.
Who Benefits Most?
Our mini-seminars and supervision groups are beneficial for both new and experienced counsellors. We have skilled student interns, and practitioners with 1- 25+ years experience in the same groups, and everyone learns, and everyone is an equal. Really! We welcome all counselling modalities, fostering an environment where participants from diverse backgrounds collaborate. You will refine your skills, gain fresh perspectives on clinical techniques, and connect with caring, compassionate colleagues to discuss cases, general clinical issues, and theoretical questions.
A free initial consultation is necessary before I bring you into a supervision group or the mini seminars.