A Little About My Journey and Experience

About Marie Damgaard, BA, MEd. (C.P.), CCC, CSAT, CMAT, SP, CST*

I have worked in the field of trauma, addiction and sexuality for over 15 years, beginning with research work during my undergraduate degree in the areas of aging and sexuality, and sexual experiences for men and women and ‘non-normative’ sexual patterns.

During my graduate degree, I received extensive training in working with sexually compulsive clients. Additionally, I am a Sex Therapist certification candidate and am excited to support a vast landscape of sexuality as I expand my understanding about human sexuality in supporting diverse clients.   

It is also a professional honour to have been trained in and to work alongside marginalized populations such as sex workers and Transgender individuals. Other areas of clinical specialization include, sexual trauma, erectile dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain.

These experiences have informed how I view the continuum of sexuality which has various expressions and depth. My range of expertise spans from the shadow side (including out of control sexual behaviour and the effect on partners), to sex therapy and the rainbow end of the spectrum with more nuanced behaviours through mutual negotiation and consent.  

 I am psycho-biologically informed and all of my work is body oriented and mindfulness focused to explore ways in which our minds can pull us into autopilot or become disconnected from ourselves, others and the world.


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My Experience

When I am not supporting individuals during their recovery of self process, I enjoy spending time with my partner in Lethbridge and with our dog ‘Leo the Lion’, and exploring nature.

While developing my private practice, I have been working in the counselling field for over a decade in a variety of supportive roles. I have also been honoured to educate future clinicians and individuals in the field by teaching in the Addictions Counselling program at ULethbridge and Psychology courses at Lethbridge College, along with learning about Indigenous traditions while instructing at Red Crow College. I have also developed curriculum for Addictions Counselling for the Saskatchewan Government.  My volunteer experience has allowed me to work with individuals suffering from strokes and Alzheimer’s. I volunteered in Palliative Care for five years, before diving deeper into my educational journey. 

I have an extensive research background in these areas:

  • Men’s Mental Health Issues and Depression

  • Mindfulness Practice and the Impact of Health Professionals Compassion Levels While Providing Addiction Treatment

  • Somatic Psychotherapy and Healing in Traumatized Individuals

  • Female Sexuality and Pleasure

  • Transcending ‘Grotesque’ Female Sexual Experiences into Empowerment and Pleasure

  • Transgender Mental Health and Transition Issues

  • LGBTQ Issues

  • Sexual and Erotic Orientations (i.e. Sexual Fluidity; Solo-Sexuality)

  • ‘Non-Normative’ Sexual Patterns in Women

Education

  • Master of Education, Counselling Psychology specializing in Mental Health and Addictions; ULethbridge

  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology & Philosophy; ULethbridge

Affiliations:

  • International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP)

  • Society of Sexual Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH)

  • Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF)

  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) Alumni

  • University of Lethbridge

  • Lethbridge College

License and Certifications

So, what does all the alphabet soup stand for being my name… 

I have over 400+ hours in trauma training, 300+ hours in compulsive sexuality training and 300+ hours in other addiction training.  In addition to the certifications below, I have been working towards completing my certification as a sex therapist for the past six years. 

  • Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)

  • Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals

  • Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT) from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals [Work & Financial Disorders]

  • Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist (SP) from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute 

  • Certified Bader’s Developmental Couples Therapy

  • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) – Level I

  • Gottman’s Couples Therapy – Level I

  • Currently Completing certification as a Certified Sex Therapist [CST*], through multiple avenues throughout North America and Europe

Other trainings attended include workshops from Mari A. Lee, LMFT, Dr. Bruce Perry, Dr. Janina Fisher, Dr. Daniel Siegel, Dr. Rob Weiss, Dr. Alex Katehakis, Dr. David Schnarch, Dr. Stan Tatkin, and others in the areas of trauma, dissociation, and sexuality.  

I look forward to supporting your healing journey.  Please contact me to schedule an appointment. 

Speaking Engagements: 

Marie offers regular workshops and is a sessional instructor and guest lecturer on the process of trauma, compulsive sexuality and components of healthy sexuality for many post-secondary campuses around western Canada.

Marie engages with attendees in a connecting and experiential way.  Attendees often describe presentations as insightful, humorous and informative.  If you would like to book Marie for a speaking engagement, you may contact Marie via her email at relateandrecovercounselling@gmail.com.

Motivation comes from within — and I am here to help you activate it.

Schedule your session today!