Durwin Foster, M.A.
Registered Clinical Counsellor (#19074)
Canadian Certified Counsellor (#0345)
Certified Integral Therapist (CIT)
Good therapy is both an art and science. That’s why, when choosing a therapist, it’s important to find someone who has stellar professional credentials, and who can apply the latest and most proven research in service of your well-being. Yet it’s just as important to work with someone who has developed the “art” of therapeutic practice — in other words, a counsellor with the personal and professional experience that enables him to relate to who you are as a whole person, bringing true compassion and awareness into the therapeutic relationship.
As a certified counsellor, Durwin has learned the science of effective therapy through rigorous academic training. He completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia and is certified at the national level through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and within the province by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Durwin also completed all required doctoral-level coursework and training in supervision, while performing research on the benefits of mindfulness training. He is a recipient the Mind and Life Institute’s Varela Memorial Award. He has been in private practice for 9 years.
Durwin takes seriously the principle that to be an effective helper, one must engage in ongoing professional development. To this end, Durwin has completed trainings in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) with Dr. Zindel Segal; Interpersonal Neurobiology with Dr. Dan Siegel; and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dr. Steven Hayes. A close student of Ken Wilber for the past seven years, Durwin employs an integral approach to weave together these diverse methods in service of the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Durwin has published several articles on counselling therapy and practice in peer-reviewed journals, including Counseling & Values, Journal of Integral Theory & Practice, and Constructivism in the Human Sciences. A selection of Durwin’s articles is available on this page.
Besides his professional qualifications, part of what makes Durwin effective as a therapist is a longtime commitment to his own personal growth and development. He regularly practices meditation (integrating Buddhist, Christian, Nondual, energy, and sound-based forms), jogging and weightlifting for physical health, and personal therapy to address family-of-origin issues. For social support, he participates in a network of like-minded fellow therapists (a “healer’s collective”). He also frequently attends workshops and conferences relating to aspects of wellness both for himself and his clients.
As a husband and father of 3 children, Durwin has navigated the complexities and challenges of family life. Indeed, his family continues to be one of his greatest teachers. Most importantly, Durwin brings an enduring, sincere interest in the well-being of others to his practice. If you need a trusted ally in a time of emotional difficulty, you’ve come to the right place.
Durwin’s Resources:
Here is a recent interview on “The Integral Stage” on Youtube
Credible Mind | Men’s Health – Self – Compassion for Men
We are really grateful for Durwin’s expertise around depression, which often is part of the picture for those who have struggled with anger.
