Gerardo Ordaz

Who Am I?

Hi! My name is Gerardo. I was born and raised in Mexico City. I have been a visitor on lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) and W̱SÁNEĆ (Saanich) lands on Coast Salish territory (Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island) since 2006, starting with my undergraduate studies in psychology, followed by a Master’s degree in Indigenous Communities Counselling Psychology.

My clinical studies included a practicum with Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health (MCFD). After graduating, I worked at a youth residential addictions recovery program, and currently, I am a child and youth mental health therapist at Hulitan (huh-lee-tan), serving urban and on-reserve Indigenous families.

What Can I Do For You?

I am able to provide treatment for:

• Addictions
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma stemming from abuse
• PTSD
• Chronic pain
• Grief and loss

• Support for healthcare and  front-line support workers

I also work with other less “heavy” mental health areas, such as self-esteem, personal growth and goals, and nutrition support. I am also available to help folks process situations that involve racism or discrimination.

My Approach

I have training in:

• Sand Play Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Narrative Therapy
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Attachment Parenting Strategies

My philosophical lens is existential and narrative: I believe people need and strive for meaning and purpose in life, and our lives are understood as stories.

Fun Facts About Me

1) I once gave myself a migraine from attending back-to-back-to-back heavy metal concerts.

2) Although I am a absolutely a metal head, my first concert ever was Britney Spears when I was in grade 6… 

3) I once visited Copenhagen with the express intention of visiting Kristiania and Søren Kierkegaard’s tomb.

4) I am inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s life.

5) I am a life-long fan and passionate follower of The Legend of Zelda; so much, I have three tattoos inspired by it or making reference to it.