Hello, I’m Wendy

Welcome to Arbutus Grove Counselling.

I am a fourth generation settler on Vancouver Island and have lived in the Cowichan Valley with my family for over 25 years. My ancestors came from England, Scotland, Ireland, and China. I am also a partner, parent, daughter, and friend and I understand the challenges and joys in navigating these relationships.

I have been working with children and families in the areas of grief, loss, separation, and trauma for more than 20 years. I have grown through my work in a variety of community programs including Victoria Hospice, the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society Transition House and the Children Who Witness Abuse Program. I am grateful for my connections to the families with whom I have worked and all they have taught me over the years.

I have a natural ability to enter challenging situations and create a safe place for people to explore their unique experiences. I believe in the value of play, creative expression, and the innate wisdom of every human being. I believe in the beauty and power of nature and see it as an essential resource to settle our nervous systems, allowing us to respond to life in a more grounded way.

I have been blessed with many teachers in my life beginning with my parents and my grandparents. Sarah Kerr, the wise founder of The Centre for Sacred Deathcare, has taught me about meeting death and loss in a soulful way. Another dear teacher, colleague, and friend, Heather Ferris, has taught me about compassion, love, and living in the present. One of my longstanding mentors since the 1990’s, is Marie José Dhaese, the founder of the Centre for Expressive Therapy. Marie José was a pioneer in the field of Expressive Therapy for children and youth and I continue to learn about healing, resilience, and personal growth through her work.

I deeply value relationships and the importance of respectful and nourishing connections. I look forward to working with you.

Wendy Mandorla, MSW, RSW

Pronouns (she, her)

Wendy at office door
“A walk in nature, walks the soul back home.”
— Mary Davis

Formal Education

Registered Social Worker by BC College of Social Workers, R#15959

Master of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada, May 1994

BA, With Honours, School of Child & Youth Care, University of Victoria, Canada, May 1992

Professional Development

  • ”Sand Play Therapy, A Healing Journey for all Ages”, Marie      José Dhaese, Centre for Expressive Therapy, Parksville, BC, 2024

  • ”Two Spirit Knowledge”, Amy Smoke & Bangishimo Johnston, CASW, webinar, 2024

  • “Skills for Building Beloved Community: Re-Imagining Anti-Oppression”, Roxy Manning, Duncan, BC, 2024

  • “Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy”, Lisa Dion, Synergetic Play Therapy Institute, webinars, 2023

  • “10-Steps to Personal Resilience & Empowerment in a Chaotic Climate”, Good Grief Network, webinar, 2022-2023

  • “Images of Healing in Sand Play Therapy”, Marie José Dhaese, Centre for Expressive Therapy, webinar, 2022

  • “San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Mental Health”, Indigenous Health Department: Provincial Health Services Authority in Vancouver, online training, 2022

  • “Expressive Play Therapy for Healing Complex Trauma”, Marie José Dhaese, Centre for Expressive Therapy, webinar, 2022

  • “Systemic Traumatology Exploration” & “Advanced Exploration Program”, Karin Dremel, 2021-2022

  • “Deathly Matters Community Conference”, Saanich, BC, 2019

  • “White Fragility Workshops : Understanding Racism”, Heather Ferris, Duncan, BC, 2019

  • “Systemic Constellation Exploration Program”, Jan Hull, Duncan, BC, 2018-2019

  • “The Village Project: The Journey of our Generation”, Cowichan Tribes, Duncan, BC, 2018

  • “Building Bridges: Through Understanding the Village”, Kathy Camilerri, Duncan, BC, 2017

  • “Grief as Initiation: Community Healers’ Intensive”, Sarah Kerr, Victoria, BC, 2016

  • “Art and Play Therapy: Treatment Approaches for Working with Children”, Marie José Dhaese, Justice Institute, Vancouver, BC, 1997

  • “Child -Centered Play Therapy”, Marie José Dhaese, Justice Institute, Vancouver, BC, 1997

  • “Violence Against Children Conference”, Ministry of Social Services, Duncan, BC, 1996

  • “Resolving Conflict in the Workplace”, Justice Institute, Vancouver, BC, 1996

  • “Children Who Witness Abuse Training: Level 2”, BC&Y Society of Transition Houses, Vancouver, 1996

  • “Sexual Abuse Disclosures”, Family and Children’s Services, Kitchener, Ontario, 1993

  • “Anti-Oppression Workshop: Tools for Change”, (Designed for Women in Crisis) Akua Benjamin and Rita Kohld, Guelph, Ontario, 1993

Affiliations and Memberships