Danny Buchanan

Hello! I’m Danny

About Me

I grew up on a big sheep farm in Metchosin, one of five siblings.  I loved action figures, make-believe, fantasy novels and video games; I still do.  I have three older brothers and spent most of my childhood running around the fields and forests with one group of boys or another.  The question often came up, “What does it mean to be a man?”. The answers were vast and varied, but too many could be distilled down to “feel less, be more”.  I saw the attraction to that mind set, but I was always most moved by those adults in my life who were willing to be curious and vulnerable.  I saw the positive effect it had on their friendships and family.  I knew that was an important part of becoming a full person and spent my adolescence finding out what that journey looked like for me.  I am passionate about helping people connect with the power of vulnerability, helping them to mobilize their strengths to better serve life.  Montessori referred to this process as “valorization” for all young people.

With this end in mind, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Victoria, followed by a Bachelor of Education.  I have loved teaching at a local Montessori school for the past seven years, training in Primary and Secondary Montessori education.  Over the years I have found the time spent listening to what’s really going on for the students has been the most valuable to myself and them.  Education is important, but connection is essential.  In 2018 I spent the summer in Houston, Texas, learning about Montessori, adolescent psychology and non-violent communication from Dr. Betsy Coe.  This experience cemented the importance of connection and catalyzed my enrollment in the City University Masters in Education, School Counselling program.  As a Registered Clinical Counsellor I draw heavily on Person-Centered Therapy, Polyvagal Theory and Nonviolent Communication.  Mostly, I want to connect.  I am grateful for the opportunity to listen to and connect with people of all ages who are trying to deepen their relationship with themselves and others.

I love swimming in cold water, comedy shows, Dungeons and Dragons and late night walks through the forest.  My wife and children are at the center of my life.  They’re where I go to recharge and supply me with so much joy.  We love going on adventures, reading, and hanging out with grandparents.