Walnut Counselling
Welcome!
(Image Description: The image is of a business card. There are two walnuts on it, one walnut 's fruit looks like a heart and the other walnut fruit like a brain. There is text that says Walnut Counselling, Washington Silk, MSW, RSW.)
Walnut Counselling is a small private practice run by Washington Silk, MSW, RSW in Waterloo Region. Walnut Counselling provides individual and family counselling services. Services are offered virtually either by phone or video, with some availability for Eco--therapy. This service is available to residents in Ontario, Canada.
Land Acknowledgement and Commitment
It is important to know that Walnut Counselling is on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral), Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples. Walnut Counselling is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Originally 950,000 acres were set aside for the Haldimand Tract, but today only 48,000 acres (or less than 5%) remain in the possession of the six nations.
Land acknowledgements are a first step in reconciliation. It acknowledges both the original peoples of the land, its ongoing stewards and the broken treaty relationships that still affect us today. Colonization is an ongoing process, where systemic and institutional systems of power have and continue to oppress and marginalize Indigenous peoples. Colonization also deeply influences the way non-Indigenous people understand historical and current relationships, often obscuring and justifying ongoing harm. There is no wellbeing without reconciliation and accountability. Walnut Counselling is a guest on this land and is committed to change.
Walnut Counselling will contribute 5% of profits to local Indigenous led organizations or events on. You can click here any point to confirm this ongoing practice for accountability.
If you would like to know more about the Haldimand Tract please visit the Six Nations Website
(Image Description: A single deciduous tree in a snowy open field with little tuffs of grass peaking up through the snow. It reminds me of some of my favorite winter days in Alberta.)
(Image Description: A black and white professional photo of a white trans masculine person, Washington Silk. They are wearing glasses, they are half smiling, their hair is short and dark in color. They have on a dress shirt with a pattern that kind of looks like fancy wallpaper with trees on it.)
Washington Silk (they/them) is a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (825900).
They hold a BA in Anthropology from the University of Lethbridge (2010) and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University (2013).
Wash is a passionate transgender and queer social worker with over 10 years of clinical and community experience. They are a white settler from Alberta. They have lived experience of ADHD, learning disabilities and mental health struggles and recovery. Their life experiences informs their approaches and motivation for the work. Wash has focused their career on providing support that enhances people’s sense of wellbeing.