About
Dustin Fruson
Approach
My therapeutic approach is integrative, and the blend of interventions that I use are dependent on each client’s unique needs and the context of the problems they face. This means attending not only to the client’s thoughts, actions, and emotions, but also to their values and goals, cultural and societal influences, and their relationship experiences. I draw from cognitive-behavioral (CBT), psychodynamic, attachment-informed, and mindfulness-based approaches in working with a variety of mental health issues and life challenges. I also employ specific methods in working with men and couples.
Men
Emotional struggle is not a sign of weakness, but part of the complexity of being human. I work with men who are ready, although sometimes reluctant, to get help with emotional challenges that feel overwhelming—relationship crisis, addictions, anxiety, depression, anger, and fatherhood, to name a few. These are common experiences for men.​​ The therapy sessions emphasize building self- awareness, improving emotional regulation, and helping navigate the pressures and expectations that often come with being a man in today’s world.
Couples
Many couples experience relationship upset around unresolved and repetitive conflict, loss of connection and intimacy, family stress, and infidelity. In working with these couples, I use an attachment-informed approach that draws from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). We focus on identifying and working through the origins of defense mechanisms to allow for openness and vulnerability, as well as breakdown power dynamics that prevent relational equality and respect. Growth in trust for both one's partner and for oneself is a primary goal of this work.
About Me
First and foremost, I am a proud and committed father to my young son. Much of my life and the work that I do is inspired by my relationship with him. His presence has truly been a transformative gift.​​​​
I have a background in competitive sport, having played basketball at the provincial team and university levels. This experience helped me develop certain strengths, but also served to reinforce a highly competitive and performance-oriented mindset. At times, this mindset was beneficial in career, business, and sport, but it didn't always translate so well to my personal relationships and overall sense of satisfaction. Much of my work with male clients, in particular, is to soften this attachment to an outcome-orientation and the anxiety-inducing need for control and certainty. Teaching and practicing yoga, mindfulness, and breathing techniques for over the last 15 years has helped facilitate some of this shift for me, and I bring principles of these practices into my work with counselling clients. I also find great value in exercise and time in the outdoors to connect not only to myself, but also to a broader picture.​​​​
Accreditation
I am currently completing the thesis component of a Master’s of Education in School and Counselling Psychology. Upon completion, I will pursue registration as a Registered Psychologist with the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists.
Benefits & Coverage
Insurance coverage through your extended health care benefits plan is likely available. Please contact me directly to discuss in further detail.
Education & Research
2023-present (pending thesis)
Master's of Education
School & Counselling Psychology
University of Saskatchewan
Research: Treatment of Male Conflict Avoidance in Romantic Relationships
This research focuses on counsellor approaches to working with conflict-avoidant men. These patterns are largely rooted in a lack of emotional awareness and regulation, perceived threats to self-reliance and autonomy, and a lack of trust in close relationships. Often, they lead to feelings of resentment, the absence of intimacy, and dissatisfied relationship partners.
2021
Master's of Education
Educational Foundations
University of Saskatchewan
Research: Wisdom as Experience: The Embodiment and Spirit of Métis Wisdom
An exploration of the notion of ‘wisdom’ in a Métis context and how life experiences are integrated and transformed in a way that moves one to greater understanding, purpose, and connection. The relationships we share with others and the narratives we tell ourselves are central to realizing wisdom in our most challenging experiences.
2005
Bachelor of Commerce
General Business
University of Saskatchewan