Wayne Dagel

First generation descendant of the Blackfeet Tribe, I have over 20 years of experience in the therapeutic world. I kicked off my career as a consumer to Vocational Rehabilitation in 1996 after a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. I have served twice as an AIVRS project director for the Northern Cheyenne CDKC VR program in Montana. I also worked as a VR counselor for the State of Montana for eight years, in addition to serving as a technical assistant consultant and trainer to the TVR CIRCLE (Continuous Improvement of Rehabilitation Counselors, Leaders, and Educators). I have developed, managed, and implemented many disability- and employment-focused programs, including a Workforce program funded under WIA/WIOA. I worked for Youth Dynamics Inc as a Therapeutic Group Home youth therapist. Currently, I am a private therapist providing a wide range of therapy services to adults, teens, and families, including equine assisted therapy. As a training consultant, I provide training specific to generational/historical trauma, PTSD, and culturally appropriate therapeutic services. I also can assist in program evaluation and strategic planning for agencies. Existential Theory allows the flexibility to explore the trauma from the individual's past to current behaviors. I have experience in processing trauma and PTSD with youth, adults, and families. I also have experience in assisting individuals in adjustment to sudden onset and long term disabilities. Having personal experience with physical disabilities, mental illness, developmental disabilities, childhood abuse, and trauma/PTSD allows me to understand where a client is coming from and the barriers they are facing. My experience provides the client a platform for exploration and growth leading to change while maintaining an environment that is safe.