David Hedley

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that effective clinical education must integrate rigorous academic learning with the realities of therapeutic practice. Drawing on extensive experience in trauma-informed care, Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder and relationship counselling, I aim to create learning environments that are safe, inclusive, and rooted in a humanistic approach. I encourage students to think critically, engage with complex clinical material, and develop reflective practice skills that support ethical and attuned client care.

I view teaching as both instruction and mentorship. Through modelling, supervision, and collaborative learning, I support emerging therapists in developing clinical judgment, emotional resilience, and professional identity. My goal is to inspire future mental-health professionals to approach their work with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to lifelong learning, ultimately preparing them to serve individuals and communities with competence and humanity.

Executive Director & Therapist - Ottawa Building Trades Members Assistance Program (BTMAP) - Ottawa

(2022-01 - 2026-06)

• Provided psychological services to individuals, couples, children, youth, and adults, employing evidence-based modalities.
• Provided assessment and intervention services for substance use, specializing in assessing and treating addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, ADHD, ASD, and behavioral/emotional dysregulation and complex mental disorders.
• Executed comprehensive clinical assessments, developed treatment plans, and monitored client progress.
• Authored detailed clinical notes, reports, and third-party letters for legal, probation, employment, and union matters.
• Responded to 24-hour emergency worksite situations following severe injuries or fatalities.
• Provided trauma-informed support on job sites and in hospitals, addressing primary and secondary trauma.
• Cultivated an expansion of BTMAP membership from 17,000 to 25,000 members across Ontario.
• Published a province-wide report detailing mental health challenges within the building trades.
• Managed clinical service delivery, ensured quality assurance, oversaw budgeting, and prepared annual reports.
• Developed and facilitated mental health training modules tailored for unions, job sites, and conferences.
• Practice focused on the military and the unionized construction trades.

Therapist - Ottawa Building Trades Members Assistance Program (BTMAP) - Ottawa

(2019-01 - 2022-01)

• Provided psychotherapy to individuals, couples, children, youth, and adults.
• Completed thorough clinical documentation and formulated treatment plans.
• Prepared official letters for legal, probation, employer, and union-related matters.
• Developed and facilitated engaging mental health training sessions.

Qualifying Therapist (MACP Practicum) - CFB Petawawa Family Resource Centre - Petawawa, Canada

(2018-01 - 2018-08)

• Provided psychotherapy to individuals, couples, children, youth, and adults.
• Completed meticulous clinical notes and documentation under direct supervision.

Doctor of Counselling Psychotherapy - Counselling Psychotherapy - Yorkville University (2021 - 2025)

Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology - Yorkville University (2015 - 2018-05)

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology - Carleton University (1987-09 - 1991-05)