Pavneet (Sona) Dhaliwal
RP
Psychotherapy
I am a dually registered healthcare professional with a diverse clinical background and a strong commitment to evidence-based, client-centered care. As a mental health clinician, I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). My professional journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Western University, followed by earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). My passion for mental health led me to complete a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP), which expanded my scope to include psychotherapy and mental health support in addition to my previous focus on musculoskeletal health and chronic pain.
Over the years, I’ve worked across a range of high-acuity and multidisciplinary environments — including multiple police services, psychiatric emergency departments, addiction treatment centres, crisis services, and integrated health clinics. My early clinical work involved responding to real-time, high-priority mental health crisis calls in the community alongside uniformed frontline police officers. I later transitioned into an internal clinician role within a police service, where I supported high-risk units, facilitated safeguard and counselling sessions, delivered educational programming, provided on-site exposure therapy as part of workplace reintegration, and provided psychological support during critical incidents, operational stress injuries, and organizational transitions. I have firsthand experience working in at least three different Ontario police services. I have also contributed to the development of mental health programs, policies, and leadership initiatives within law enforcement settings.
In psychiatric emergency services, I’ve worked directly with psychiatrists and emergency physicians, offering crisis intervention, risk assessment, and stabilization support to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the complex intersection between mental health, trauma, public safety, and healthcare systems.
My clinical approach is informed by ongoing training and a dedication to evidence-based practices, with a focus on trauma-informed care and the unique mental health needs of first responders, public safety personnel (PSP), frontline healthcare professionals, post-secondary students, and individuals facing high-stakes challenges. Whether working in high-pressure environments or one-on-one in therapeutic sessions, my goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful change.