RVN Wellness

12/13/2025

Interesting timing.

Just as my heart is breaking, grieving the loss of this important work, I received this email from a researcher at McGill University about a study involving participants from my 🍄-assisted therapy offerings.

Every participant shared overwhelmingly positive, transformative experiences. They spoke about safety, trust, careful preparation, thoughtful integration, and the importance of working within an ethical and well-held container with a trained professional.

And yet, the recent decision by the BC College of Social Workers is forcing this work back underground, rather than allowing it to be offered transparently, ethically, and safely by trained and experienced therapists.

For now, I remain committed to providing preparation, integration counselling, and psychoeducation within the limits of what the College currently permits.

At the same time, those of us impacted by this sudden and abrupt policy change, issued with zero notice, will be advocating for ethical, evidence-informed, and responsible policy reform. The immediate demand to cancel these services, without consultation or transition, raises serious ethical concerns.

We finally have emerging treatments showing strong evidence for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, end-of-life distress, and more. There are reputable training programs, clear practice standards, and approaches that align with our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Halting this work wholesale is a dramatic step backward.

If this policy impacts you, I encourage you to contact the BC College of Social Workers directly and share your concerns.

And if you are navigating psychedelic experiences on your own, please prioritize safety and know that I am here to support you with ethical preparation and integration counselling.

This conversation isn’t over.

12/11/2025

Fun fact: back in 2010, I wrote my MSW case study on the racist roots of our drug laws. I never imagined I’d one day be fighting for the right to support clients seeking the evidence-based healing properties of psilocybin... yet here we are.

Psilocybin has been part of traditional healing practices long before our modern systems arrived, and the research we have today largely confirms what many communities have known for generations: these medicines can help.

To align respectful practice with clinical standards, I completed training with Canada’s leading psychedelic-assisted therapy program along with ongoing continuing education to ensure my work remains ethical, grounded, and evidence-informed.

And because today’s regulatory decisions are pushing people underground, here’s what matters most:
If you are seeking psilocybin support, please work with someone who is properly trained and experienced. The Therapsil directory is a great place to find qualified providers. I’m not listed simply because I chose not to pay for the directory subscription, not because I’m untrained or inexperienced.

Which brings me back to that case study from 2010: the same forces that shaped our early drug laws are still showing up today - deciding who gets access, whose healing is legitimate, and whose isn’t. This latest block from BCCSW feels like yet another echo of that pattern.

So I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done: advocating for safe, evidence-based, accountable care... and for your right to healing that shouldn’t have to disappear into the shadows.

12/11/2025

Pause…

Big news today.

Following the BC College of Social Work’s decision, our Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy program is temporarily on hold.

At RVN, we’ve always stood firmly in ethical, evidence-based, client-centred care. Our program has been facilitated by a highly trained therapist who completed recognized professional training.

The guidelines released today are not consistent with those of BCACC, nor with the Alberta College of Social Work.

The BCCSW also appears to be attempting to restrict all harm-reduction practices by stating that social workers cannot “imply safer ways to use illegal substances.” That position is out of touch with evidence, community need, and the realities of public health.

For now, we will continue offering psychedelic integration counselling. The unfortunate result of this decision is that it pushes psilocybin use back into the shadows, where risks increase and support becomes harder to access.

We remain committed to safe, ethical, and compassionate care.

Read the full document at the link below. Should you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to the College of Social Workers for clarification.

https://bccsw.ca/for-registrants/standards-scope-of-practice/practice-guidance/practice-guidance-document-for-registrants-psychedelic-assisted-psychotherapy/

More updates to come.

12/08/2025

About last night…

That. Was. Incredible.

Endless gratitude to and for co-creating such a truly magical evening focused on something so many of us deeply struggle with... sleep.

Together, we explored rest through multiple lenses, blending science, somatics, and soul. We left feeling informed, empowered, and a little more at peace with our relationship to sleep. Exactly why we do this work.

And because it was that good… we’re doing it again.

Spots will be limited so we can keep the experience intimate and connected, early registration is highly recommended.

Head to www.rvnwellness.com and register under Specialty Classes.

$222, or $197 before the early bird deadline of January 15. 

This offering may be covered by extended health benefits where counselling by an RSW is a benefit.

A special thank you to our retreat sponsors who offer special products to support our sleep journey.
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And to for keeping us nourished!

12/07/2025

Books are always a favourite gift, especially this time of year when we’re searching for something meaningful for the people we love. To make things a little easier (and a lot more affordable), all books at RVN are 50% off the list price.

There’s no limit on how many you can purchase at this amazing price, because we’re ready to clear them out. We have something very fun planned for our back room and need the space to make it happen!

Stop by the studio to stock up on your favourite yoga and mindfulness reads, for gifting, for learning, or just for cozy winter nights at home.

12/06/2025

Integration isn’t something that happens in the room, it happens in the days that follow.

One of the most important parts of our Rest + Reset Sleep Retreat is what happens after you leave the studio.

When your nervous system finally gets a taste of deep rest, your body starts to remember what it’s capable of. The real shift comes from honouring that process in the days that follow, noticing what feels different, what feels possible, and what supports you in holding onto that sense of calm.

That’s why we created our Sleep Integration Kits, to help you continue the work long after the retreat is over.

Each kit includes tools we actually love and use ourselves:

Ideally Sleep Beverage – a soothing lavender–chamomile magnesium drink

CanPrev Magnesium – foundational replenishment for your nervous system

Herbaland Sweet Dreams Gummies – gentle, plant-based support as you unwind

BeachLabs Magnesium Spray – ocean-sourced topical relaxation

Lavender bath soak, a grounding ritual before bed

These aren’t quick fixes. They’re invitations.
Invitations to slow down.
To feel into your body.
To choose rest on purpose.
To let your system integrate the safety, softness, and spaciousness you experienced during the retreat.

We still have space for tomorrow’s Rest + Reset Sleep Retreat.

You’ll receive one of these sleep kits to support your integration in the days that follow.

Register at www.rvnwellness.com under Specialty Classes.

Here’s to better nights… and softer mornings.

12/03/2025

Saturday!

Three practitioners. Five hours. One evening to shift your nervous system.

RVN Wellness is teaming up with Vancouver’s renowned sleep therapist and shiatsu practitioner
for a Rest Reset Retreat on December 6th - an immersive evening for people who’ve tried all the sleep tips and still can’t sleep. We’ll support your system through gentle movement, sound healing, acupressure, real talk about what actually helps insomnia, yoga nidra, and a nourishing meal together.

Space is limited.
$222 or $197 for studio members.
May be eligible for coverage under extended health benefits where counselling by an RSW is a benefit.

All participants will receive a take home sleep kit with products to support your journey to more restful sleep from





Head to www.rvnwellness.com to find out more and register!

12/03/2025

Today was a pretty special day. One kiddo who has always come to class for months with minimal participation decided today would be the day she would participate. 

At RVN Wellness, we never force kids to participate, be “social,” give hugs, join an activity, or perform in any way that doesn’t feel right in their bodies.

Because consent isn’t just a conversation for adults, it starts in childhood.

When children learn:
Their “no” will be respected.
Their body is their own.
Their comfort matters more than compliance.
They can choose how to engage.

…they grow into teens and adults who trust themselves, honour their boundaries, and move through the world with confidence instead of fear.

This is nervous system safety.
This is trauma-informed practice.
This is how we raise resilient kids.

In our programs, participation is always an invitation, never an expectation.

We listen. 
We co-create.
We follow their lead.

And sometimes, they remind us how much it matters.

Our Winter 2026 youth yoga term is now open. Head to www.rvnwellness.com to register your child and use promo code YOUNGRAVENS to save 15% off registration.

Our youth classes may be eligible for coverage under extended health benefits where counselling by an RSW is a benefit.

12/02/2025

Purchase any of our monthly memberships and use promo code SHOPLOCAL to receive 50% off your first month!

All memberships are contract-free, but to access this offer, your pass must be activated right away.

This promo ends December 15 - and there’s a bonus: you’ll lock in our 2025 monthly rate for all of 2026.

We usually reserve offers like this for brand-new members, but this time we’re opening it up to everyone.

If you’re a previous member, you’re warmly invited to reactivate your pass, enjoy your first month at 50% off, and keep your 2025 rate through the entire year ahead!

Head to www.rvnwellness.com and use promo code SHOPLOCAL.

RVN Wellness Port Moody, BC (Studio) Barrie, ON (Satellite) Virtual (Anywhere) Yoga. Counselling. Wellness. Port Moody’s top wellness space where community, connection, and healing come together. you belong here. … Home Read More »

12/01/2025

Our Gift of Yoga is Back! 

Give (or receive!) a month of unlimited regular and virtual yoga classes for only $88.

This pass can be activated anytime between now and March 31, 2026.

Buy as many as you’d like to gift - one per person to use, but unlimited gifts to share!

And yes… previous members are absolutely welcome to purchase.

Wrap up connection, movement, and a little bit of magic this season.

On sale until December 31, 2025
Purchase at www.rvnwellness.com under rates/passes, or link in profile.

12/01/2025

The 2025 Spike Business Awards were presented yesterday by the City’s Economic Development Committee at a special ceremony held in the Inlet Theatre. Congratulations to the winners! Read about our winners in seven categories: https://tinyurl.com/yvd28n3z

11/30/2025

This award isn’t mine - it’s ours.

RVN Wellness was honoured with the Business Impact Award at the Port Moody Spike Awards, and while my name might be on the lease, the true impact belongs to the people who show up and shape this space every single day.

To our instructors, who pour their hearts into every class and create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and supported... this is yours.

To our practitioners and staff, who hold depth, nuance, and healing with so much integrity... this is yours.

To our volunteers, who quietly make everything run smoother... this is yours.

To our parents, kids, teens, and families, who trust us with their growth and their stories... this is yours.

To every person who has stepped into this studio looking for connection, relief, community, or a place to just be... this is yours.

RVN has always been co-created. It’s not a business built by one person, it’s a community built by thousands of shared moments, conversations, breaths, breakthroughs, and relationships. 

You made the impact. 

You built this.

Thank you to the for recognizing the heart and intention behind what we do.

Thank you to every teacher, counsellor, volunteer, parent, and practitioner who makes RVN what it is.

And thank you to every person who has walked through our doors and trusted us with their healing, their families, and their stories.

Awards are lovely, but community is everything.

Here’s to continuing to build something meaningful, magical, and deeply human together.

- Dawn ♡