LIV NOËL DAKKAK, REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER (MSW)
THEY/THEM
Who I See
Individuals and relationships (ages 12+) across Ontario and Quebec.
EMDR Certified
Who I am
I’m Liv, a white, Arab, queer, non-binary, chronically ill, Autistic and ADHDer, living on the unceded ancestral lands of the Mohawk peoples of Akwesasne. Shaped by my social location, identities, and trauma, I aim to show up authentically and truly value the relationship between myself and the folks I support. I navigate the world as a chronically ill and disabled person living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which has shaped my desire to actively work toward decolonizing my practice with a focus on trauma-informed care. From the understanding that talk therapy doesn’t work for everyone, especially people who’ve experienced childhood trauma, attachment wounds, medical trauma, or queerphobia, I am committed to supporting folks in getting to the root of what they are struggling with using a more body-based approach, specifically EMDR.
Learn more about couples counselling
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CLIENT AREAS OF INTEREST
I am passionate about working with folks who’ve experienced trauma, whether that be CPTSD, childhood trauma, medical trauma, queer or transphobia, or growing up undiagnosed neurodivergent, including autistic or ADHD. I support people who've not been taken seriously by those around them and have been repeatedly failed by the very professionals supposed to help, who are grieving the life they could have had and are struggling to identify and honour their needs. If you are struggling to cope with challenges associated with being neurodivergent or chronically ill, especially the realities of having Ehlers-Danlos or dysautonomia, you deserve to find a therapist with a deep understanding of what you are experiencing.
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MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
I offer a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive space that affirms neurodivergent, queer, and trans identities. My approach centres on your unique needs while acknowledging how systems of oppression and political realities impact your life. Together, we’ll explore how your past and present environments shape your experience, using nervous system regulation and coping tools to support healing, process trauma, and reconnect with your body’s truth. You deserve a space where you can show up fully, feel safe, and begin to reclaim your sense of self.
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ECLECTIC MODALITIES USED
I’m trained in EMDR and integrate approaches from DBT, IFS, CBT, and somatic therapies to support a holistic and personalized healing process.
EMDR, short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful tool that helps facilitate our innate ability to heal, allowing us to be present in the moment and fully engage in our lives. It is a methodical and predictable form of psychotherapy that targets trauma responses and nervous system reactions associated with traumatic experiences by reshaping the way they are processed and stored.
EMDR engages a series of body-based techniques, including bilateral stimulations, to help desensitize the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories. Bilateral stimulation is often achieved through eye movements, which activate the brain like what occurs during REM sleep. However, it can also involve other forms of sensory input, such as tapping, using buzzers, or auditory input. This supports the brain to reframe these experiences in a more adaptive and less distressing way.
Many neurodivergent individuals exhibit co-occurring traits, including alexithymia, aphantasia, hyperphantasia, interoception challenges, and sensory processing differences. I understand this and, through a neurodivergent-affirming lens, can adjust the style and format of traditional EMDR therapy to suit the specific needs and circumstances of each client.
For queer and trans individuals, trauma can often be complex and multi-faceted, stemming from experiences of discrimination, violence, and societal exclusion. EMDR therapy, within a framework that is informed by queer theory, social justice, and anti-oppressive psychotherapy, offers a tailored approach that addresses the specific contexts of these experiences.
More About Liv
At the beginning of my career, I worked in various settings within the public health system. I supported adults navigating anxiety, depression, and personality disorders using DBT-informed approaches and worked closely with youth and their families in situations where neglect and systemic barriers were present. During the pandemic, I also provided mental health support to seniors in long-term care, many of whom were experiencing heightened anxiety and isolation.
In 2023, I returned to complete my Master of Social Work at McGill. It wasn’t a linear journey. I navigated two back surgeries during the program, but the experience deepened my resilience and reinforced my commitment to accessible, compassionate care.
CAREER PATH
EXTRA TIDBITS ABOUT LIV
Originally from Quebec, I moved to the SD&G area in Ontario about a year ago. I now live on a farm with my soon-to-be wife and our seven animals, where I’m passionate about permaculture, growing our own food, and staying connected through community volunteering.
I'm also actively working to create a more accessible and disability-friendly home and farm space. Outside of my work, I love all things witchy: tarot cards, crystals, and the kind of magic that comes from being in tune with the land and ourselves.