Pat Shelenko, MACP, BSW, RSW

Collaborative Anti-Oppressive Practice
Email: pat_shelenko@yahoo.ca
Website: www.patshelenko.ca

Pat’s basic approach to counselling is to work in collaboration with a client to move from what is known and familiar into discovering new possibilities and develop ways to move in preferred directions. We all have turning points in our lives, and she feels privileged to work with folks as they process these and work towards being their best.

In the 1990’s, when working on her Bachelor of Social Work degree, the focus was ‘anti-oppressive’ practices. Since then, Pat has enhanced that approach by incorporating narrative therapy, social construction theories and collaborative practices. This has enriched her practice as she discusses the social context of lived experiences and helps people to recognize the challenges of ‘isms’ and experience of power in their lives.

Pat has been a bank teller, an administrator, an executive director, a therapist, and a social worker. She has a Bachelor of Social Work, a Masters’ in Counselling, and a Diploma in Collaborative Practices and Professional Practice. She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and a Registered Social Worker.

Pat hopes to continue her explorations of power relations and how they impact on collaborative practices. At some point in the future, she hopes that this work can develop into a PhD thesis.

One important thing is her life is being the Assistant Editor on the Journal of Systemic Therapies. Doing this since 2002, has kept Pat abreast of work that is being done in this field.

Pat lives in Barrie, Ontario works as a Trauma Case Manager at a local agency and has a small private practice. She really enjoys the Activities Manager in her life. His name is Archie. He is a three-year-old Australian Shepherd – Poodle mix. He brings laughter and takes Pat for a walk every day at 7:30 a.m.