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.

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), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

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.