Mirela Kovacevic Smith, RSW
CSAT-Candidate
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Associate Therapist
Registered Social Worker
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Specializations
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Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (Sex/Porn)
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Trauma & PTSD
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Partner Support/Betrayal Trauma
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Couples/Relationship Issues
I help men overcome trauma and addiction, particularly compulsive sexual behaviour (sex or porn addiction), trauma, relationship challenges, and other mental health concerns. My goal is to help clients address behaviours that no longer serve them and may be causing challenges in their lives.
I also work with partners and couples working through betrayal trauma, conflict, communication, and infidelity.
Prior to becoming a therapist I worked as a personal trainer and yoga instructor for 12 years. Working with people’s physical challenges helped me become aware of the fact that many of the issues my clients were trying to address on the gym floor were actually rooted in emotional struggle. I now use my extensive knowledge of physiology and anatomy to help my clients understand the connection between our emotions and our bodies, and how our bodies store trauma.
My area of focus is trauma, specifically, the trauma that underlies sexual addiction, and the betrayal trauma caused by a partner’s compulsive sexual behaviour. Trauma isolates us. It cuts us off from community and support due to shame, or the inability to understand and articulate our needs. I work with my clients to identify problematic behaviours, understand what drives the behaviours, and build skills to address those behaviours.
We will work together to formulate realistic and achievable goals. I provide a non-judgemental space for individuals to explore their challenges openly and honestly, perhaps for the first time.
Most of all, I help my clients find hope because hope changes everything.
Favourite Book Recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk & Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection - Deb Dana
Credentials and Qualifications:
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Registered Social Worker - RSW ##832442 Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
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Certified Sex Addiction Therapist - Candidate - International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP)
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Master of Arts in Theology in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, Martin Luther University College at Wilfrid Laurier University
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The Couple's Roadmap to Recovery, International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals
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Solution Focused Couple Therapy Level, Elliott Connie PLLC
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Treating Sexual Addiction Certificate, Addo Recovery
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Treating Betrayal Trauma Certificate, Addo Recovery
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Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Center for Trauma and Embodiment - Justice Resource Institute
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Essentials of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Beck Institute
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Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist Intensive, PESI
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Treating Complex Trauma with IFS, PESI