About Dr Eleniak
Dr. Duanita G. Eleniak is a registered clinical social worker, a registered art therapist, a philosopher of consciousness studies, an author, an educator and an inspirational speaker. In addition to therapy services, she provides coaching, clinical supervision and consultation services. Dr Eleniak works with creative avenues to help people become the very best that they can be, take full responsibility for their lives, and bring their dreams into reality.
The most common words used to describe her work are 'inspiring' and 'epiphany'. Her books Be The Change: Acting With Intention, The Role of the Arts in Shifting Consciousness and Images and Intentions reflect her passion for assisting people to learn how to shift their awareness to a consciousness based on well-being.
Dr Eleniak, PhD, received her doctorate in the Philosophy of Consciousness Studies from the International University of Professional Studies. Her dissertation is 'The Role of the Arts in the Shifting of Consciousness'. She has a Masters in Clinical Social Work (direct practice and research focus) from the University of Hawaii, a Masters Certificate in Art Therapy from the British Columbia School of Art Therapy, a Diploma in Fine Arts (Performance: Acting for film and stage-graduated with distinction) from the New Image School of Fine Arts and her Bachelors in Social Welfare from the University of Calgary.
Career History
Dr Eleniak began her career as a helping professional working as a clinical social worker in sexual assault centers and battered women's shelters where she gained a specialty in counseling and consulting in the field of abuse, sexual assault and trauma. She then went back to train in meta-verbal therapy approaches including art therapy, play therapy and sand tray work in order to broaden her ability to work with images in the therapeutic process. These skills led her to working in the mental health and medical fields where she gained experience and understanding with a broad range of ages and issues. Dr Eleniak is a published author and known for her work with creation of new realities based on emotional regulation applications and practice.
Dr Eleniak's work in the area of expressive arts, art therapy, play therapy and sand tray work was highly influenced during her training years with mentor Dr Marie Jose Dhaese, PhD. Dr. Dhaese's influence can still be seen in Dr Eleniak's emphasis on the importance of the therapeutic milieu and the effective set up of the workspace to enhance capacity for change. Both practitioners are highly influenced by the work of Rudolf Steiner regarding how children learn. Dr Eleniak continues Dr Dhaese’s tradition of pet therapy having experience with dogs as co-therapists in the therapy setting. They each have decades of experience doing animal assisted therapy and embody a wealth of knowledge in this area.
Another important mentor in Dr Eleniak's development is Dr Evangeline Rand, PhD. Together with Dr Rand, Dr Eleniak developed insight and knowledge into non-ordinary states of consciousness. Working formally with her dreams from a Jungian perspective, Dr Eleniak was able to develop experience, knowledge and insight into the importance, relevance and messages inherent in images, symbols, archetypes and the language of spirit and soul. Dr Eleniak considers Dr Evangeline Rand to be an extraordinary healer, author and visionary who is well ahead of her time. Dream work and developing relationships with images continue to be an important cornerstone of Dr Eleniak's practice.
Dr Inula Martinkat, Phd has been one of Dr Eleniak's most important mentors in her explorations into the area of consciousness studies. With Dr. Martinkat Dr Eleniak studied Transpersonal Psychology during her doctoral studies. Among the spiritual teachers Dr. Martinkat has been influenced by are Osho, Eckhart Tolle, Adyashanti, and Byron Katie. Dr. Martinkat has also had substantial training in the field of body-mind therapy as well as spiritual development. Her areas of focus include meditation, expanded states of consciousness, women’s spirituality, death and dying counseling, Gestalt Therapy, EMDR, hypnotherapy and emotional clearing processes. She is a professor and mentor at the International University of Professional Studies.
Influencers
Dr Eleniak has also been strongly influenced by the work of Dr Carl Jung (Jungian Psychology), Louise Hay, Joseph Campbell, Julia Cameron, M. Chekhov, Joe Dispenza, Candice Pert, Bruce Lipton, Ramtha, Abraham-Hicks, Wayne Dyer, Dr David Hawkins, Barbara Marx-Hubbard, Robert and Kim Kiyosaki, Gregg Braden, Lynne McTaggart, Eckhart Tolle, Don Miguel Ruiz, Florence Scoval-Shinn, and Neville Goddard.
Professional Registrations
RCSW #03781 - Registered Clinical Social Worker British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) Canada
Registered Counsellor (#1732) with The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA) Canada
BCATR #0024R - Registered art therapist with British Columbia Art Therapy Association (BCATA) Canada
RCAT #9433517 - Registered with Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) Canada
ATR-BC #92-118 Board Certified Registered art therapist with American Art Therapy Association (AATA) USA
ATCS #92-118 Art Therapy Certified Supervisor with Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) USA
