Why Us?

Shawna Paris-Hoyte
O.N.S., QC, MSW, RSW
Shawna is in the business of changing and shaping lives. The service she provides to her clients is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some of the most significant challenges in family-related matters for children, youth, adults, and families.
Qualifications
Degrees include: B.A., B.SW, LLB (JD), and MSW
Master in Social Work ( Family and Children)
Law degree
Currently a PhD student in Social Work ( Trauma specialty).
Certificate in Mediation
Certificate in Forensic Social Work
Certificate in Legal Aspects of Health Administration
Certificate in Community Development.
- Collaborative Family Law
- Forensics And Trauma Speciality

Experience
Shawna Paris-Hoyte is a well known and reputable practising lawyer and Queens Council with twenty-six years of legal practice in: family law, youth justice, criminal law; and administrative law(human rights). As a clinical social worker Shawna has fifteen years in mental health and addictions within a hospital environment and for an international ESP. As a social justice advocate and educator, Shawna teaches clinical law practice, cross-cultural studies, law and social work, social work and diversity in Canada, human development and environments, as well as, field practice.
Licenses
Nova Scotia Barristers Society – Practicing Lawyer since 1995
NS College of Social Workers -Private Practice since 2004
NOFSW – Member since 2013
FDRIO – Member since 2016
- Certificate in Forensic Social Work.
Canadian Assoc of Social Work Education since 2016
- Certificate in Mediation

Clinical Skills
Clinical – Psychotherapy
Specialities: * Trauma * Anxiety * Depression
Issues: crisis intervention, school and social anxiety, life transitions, suicidal ideation, coping, relationship, couples counselling, parent & child conflict, domestic violence and abuse, grief, self-esteem.
Mental Health: mood disorders, personality disorders.
Treatment Approach: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Theraphy (DBT), Mindfulness-based (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-focused Therapy (SFT), Relational therapy, Trauma-focused.
Assessments: Consultation on Race and Culture reports, parental capacity, access reports and child wishes statements.
Modality: in person – individuals and group.

Lawyer/ Mediator
Twenty-six years practise in Family Law, Child Protection Law, Criminal Law, Youth Justice Law and Human Rights.
*Appear at all levels of court and tribunals including the Supreme Court of Canada ( R. v. L.T.H. SCC, 2008).
*Trial Consultant: specific to issues of race and culture, trial prep, relevant assessments and reports.
*Assessments: cultural competency consulting on Impact of Race and Culture reports, parental capacity assessments, access reports and child wishes statements.
*Clinical Instructor – third-year law students in the above-noted areas of practice.
*Adjudicator/Chair –Residential Tenancies Board, Assessment Appeal Court, Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act Board.
*Mediator/ Conflict Resolution – Child welfare cases, family matters, community relations, workplace conflict, parent-child conflict.
Consultant
*Correctional Services program development for staff and inmates.
*Community Reintegration Programming.
*Trial Consultation specific to race and culture cases.
*Consultation with lawyers and social workers on family and criminal court reports and assessments specific to race and culture.
*Forensic Social Work consultation.
*Policy Development.
*Education and Curriculum Development in Social Work.