About Dr. Michael Dadson, PhD
Dr. Michael Dadson, PhD, RCC #1467, CCC, is a Clinical Director, clinical supervisor, and program developer based in Langley, British Columbia, with over 25 years of experience in trauma-informed therapy, clinical training, and program leadership.
His work spans academic, private practice, and national clinical contexts, with a focus on trauma, attachment, and relational approaches to psychological recovery and human development.
At Gentle Currents Therapy, Dr. Dadson’s work is grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience, developed in partnership with his spouse, Jeanette, through a shared commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities.
Scholarly Foundations and Clinical Training
Dr. Dadson’s clinical approach is informed by mentorship and collaboration with leading figures in trauma therapy, group counselling, and restorative frameworks in Canada.
- Dr. Cornelius Plantinga Jr. — Calvin Theological Seminary
Dr. Dadson completed his Master of Divinity (M.Div.), helping establish the philosophical and ethical foundation of his clinical work.
- Dr. Marvin Westwood — University of British Columbia (UBC)
A key mentor and collaborator in the development and application of Therapeutic Enactment and group-based trauma recovery models.
- Dr. Marvin McDonald — Trinity Western University (TWU)
Contributed to the integration of attachment theory and systems-based approaches within Dr. Dadson’s clinical framework.
- Dr. Rick Bradshaw — Trinity Western University (TWU)
Provided clinical supervision and oversight supporting Dr. Dadson’s role as a clinical supervisor and signatory within professional regulatory frameworks.
Dr. Dadson’s clinical work has been shaped through collaboration with a network of respected mentors, colleagues, and institutions, whose contributions have informed the development of his approach to trauma-informed care and clinical supervision.
Institutional Leadership and Professional Roles
Dr. Dadson has held senior clinical leadership roles across academic and clinical institutions, including:
- Clinical Director and Adjunct Professor, Trinity Western University
- Adjunct Professor, University of British Columbia
- National Executive Director and Clinical Director, Veterans Transition Network
- Fellow, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), 2017
Clinical Research and Program Development
Dr. Dadson’s work is informed by clinical research and program development in trauma treatment, particularly in group-based and somatic approaches.
Key areas include:
- Therapeutic Enactment (TE)
- Trauma-informed group therapy
- Somatic grounding approaches
- Military-to-civilian transition support
A Family-Based Clinical Practice
Gentle Currents Therapy reflects a family-centered approach to care.
- Over 20 years of specialized foster parenting supporting children with complex medical and mental health needs
- Integration of lived experience into clinical understanding
- A multidisciplinary model including physical rehabilitation and therapeutic support
Clinical Supervision and Professional Influence
Dr. Dadson has provided clinical supervision and professional development for Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) across British Columbia.
His supervision work has included:
- Oversight of clinical residency and registration hours
- Evaluation of clinical competency
- Training in trauma-informed and attachment-based therapy
- Mentorship of clinicians transitioning into independent practice
Dr. Dadson’s work has contributed to the training and professional development of clinicians who now lead independent counselling practices across Langley, the Fraser Valley, and Metro Vancouver, as reflected in the broader clinical network outlined on this site.
Summary
Dr. Michael Dadson’s work reflects over two decades of clinical leadership, supervision, and program development across academic, private practice, and national settings.
His approach integrates clinical expertise, mentorship, research-informed practice, and lived experience, contributing to the ongoing development of trauma-informed care in Langley and the broader Fraser Valley.
While Dr. Michael Dadson’s focus is on psychotherapy, and promoting the personal and spiritual growth of others. Dr. Dadson was named among THE BEST RATED Marriage Counsellors in Langley, British Columbia.
Dr. Dadson’s Affiliations Include:
UBC Alumni
Adjunct Professor, University of British Columbia, and an advisor to the Centre for Group Counselling and Trauma from 2014-2018.
As an international and national group training supervisor, Dr. Dadson:
LICENSES AND ASSOCIATIONS
- Licensed in the Province of BC
- Registered Clinical Counsellor, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
- Canadian Certified Counsellor
- Board Member of International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), 2016 – 2017 named fellow to the ISSTD in 2017
- Ordained Minister/Chaplain (Retired)
CERTIFICATIONS
PUBLICATIONS
- Michael Dadson’s Final Ph.D. Defence (CNPS): UBC Library, UBC Faculty of Education
- Stewart, B., Dadson , M.R., &, Fallding , M. (2011). The Application of Attachment Theory and Mentalization in Complex Tertiary Structural Dissociation: A Case Study. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 20, 3, 322. doi:10.1080/10926771.2011.562477
Articles: ResearchGate, Taylor and Francis Online
- Stewart, B. & Dadson , M.R. (2012). Integrative therapeutic interventions of phase oriented treatment: Additional reflections on the case of Lynne. The Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 21, 3, 331. doi : 10.1080/10926771.2012.659800
Articles: Semantic Scholar, ResearchGate, Brainspamobile
- Cox, D. W., Westwod , M. J., Hoover, S. M., Chan, E. K. H., Kivari , C. A., Dadson , M. R., & Zumbo , B. D. (2014). The evaluation of a group intervention for veterans who experienced military related trauma. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 64(3). doi 10.1521/ijgp.2014.64.3.367
- Dadson, M.R., The Influence of Fathers’ Involvement on Sons’ Health Psynopsis 2012. Winter/Hiver 2012 – Volume 34 No. 1. , 2012
- Michael Dadson’s Final Ph.D. Defence (CNPS): UBC Library, UBC Faculty of Education
