About Reintegration Through Relationship Society
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Reintegration Through Relationship Society is a registered non-profit organization in British Columbia dedicated to fostering healing and resilience in our communities by providing transformative support for incarcerated men reintegrating into society. Our mission is to empower individuals through trauma-informed individual and grou
The Reintegration Through Relationship Society is a registered non-profit organization in British Columbia dedicated to fostering healing and resilience in our communities by providing transformative support for incarcerated men reintegrating into society. Our mission is to empower individuals through trauma-informed individual and group counselling/programs, provide scholarships for children of incarcerated parents, and continuing education/supervision opportunities for clinicians specializing in trauma-informed care with this population.
We believe in the profound impact of relationships as a catalyst for change, not only for individuals but also for the safety and well-being of our communities at large. By addressing trauma and promoting healing through prosocial and purposeful connections, we aim to reduce recidivism while breaking the cycle of trauma and building a brighter, safer future for all.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Reintegration Through Relationship Society envisions a world where justice-involved individuals are supported in reducing a return to criminal behaviours through compassionate, ethical, and trauma-informed care—centering relational connection, personal accountability, and human dignity as pathways to healing and meaningful reintegrati
The Reintegration Through Relationship Society envisions a world where justice-involved individuals are supported in reducing a return to criminal behaviours through compassionate, ethical, and trauma-informed care—centering relational connection, personal accountability, and human dignity as pathways to healing and meaningful reintegration. We strive to transform systems of punishment into opportunities for growth, restoring both individuals and communities through the power of relationship.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
At the heart of the Reintegration Through Relationship Society is the belief that connection is the catalyst for change. We recognize that harmful behaviour often stems from unaddressed trauma, unmet needs and disrupted attachment, and that healing must occur in the context of safe, respectful, and attuned relationships.
Our approach is ro
At the heart of the Reintegration Through Relationship Society is the belief that connection is the catalyst for change. We recognize that harmful behaviour often stems from unaddressed trauma, unmet needs and disrupted attachment, and that healing must occur in the context of safe, respectful, and attuned relationships.
Our approach is rooted in:
- Trauma-Informed Practice: We understand the impacts of trauma across the lifespan and acknowledge the role that systemic, interpersonal, and intergenerational harm plays in shaping behavior. Our work emphasizes safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment at every level of service delivery.
- Relational Ethics: We center relational accountability, mutual respect, and reflective practice as essential tools in both client support and professional development. We believe that relationships built on consistency, compassion, and boundaries foster the conditions for change.
- Cultural Humility and Decolonization: We are committed to ongoing learning, unlearning, and advocating for practices that challenge colonial narratives of justice. We center Indigenous knowledge systems, prioritize cultural safety, and create space for communities to define what healing and reintegration look like on their own terms.
- Holistic Wellbeing: We approach reintegration through a biopsychosocial-spiritual lens, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, relational, sexual, and spiritual health. Our programming fosters whole-person development, not just behavior modification.
- Humanization of Care: We reject dehumanizing labels and punitive frameworks. We see each individual as more than their worst act—worthy of support, dignity, and the opportunity to create new relational narratives.
It is our philosophy that trauma does not excuse behaviour, but it does help us to better understand behaviour and plan for more effective outcomes going forward. Through education, advocacy, and community-based programming, we seek to rebuild relationships, reduce recidivism, and reimagine justice through the healing power of connection.
We are inclusive of race, culture and sexual identities. While we currently offer services to those incarcerated in male facilities, we acknowledge and offer tailored affirmative support to the transgender and Two Spirited individuals who reside there, regardless of documented gender identity.
Our Team
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
Our team is made up of licensed clinicians who specialize in a variety of areas, including emotional regulation, addiction, relational dysfunction, trauma (childhood trauma, adult-incurred trauma, intergenerational trauma, sexual trauma, etc.), stress-related disorders and problematic sexual behaviour.
We are dedicated to providing person
Our team is made up of licensed clinicians who specialize in a variety of areas, including emotional regulation, addiction, relational dysfunction, trauma (childhood trauma, adult-incurred trauma, intergenerational trauma, sexual trauma, etc.), stress-related disorders and problematic sexual behaviour.
We are dedicated to providing personalized holistic care to each of our clients, and are committed to ongoing training and education to stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques.
Meet our Executive Director: Shauna Burns-Thomson, MSc., RCC
Shauna Burns-Thomson (she/her) is a Clinical Sexologist, Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified Somatic Sex Therapist and Certified Clinical Counselling Hypnotherapist with a passion for advancing trauma-informed care in forensic rehabilitation.
Her commitment to public safety and mental health extends beyond private practice and the non-profit sector. With nearly a decade of experience working in male federal institutions with the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), Shauna has witnessed firsthand the systemic gaps in offender rehabilitation. It was through this experience that she observed how pro-social relationships can lead to a reduction in recidivism, help break cycles of trauma and contribute to safer communities upon release. Shauna’s passion for trauma-informed advocacy in correctional environments led to the formation of the Reintegration Through Relationship Society, a non-profit organization supporting the reintegration of incarcerated men through compassionate, trauma-informed care.
Shauna’s leadership is reshaping the intersection of correctional rehabilitation, forensic mental health and trauma-informed care. She is passionate about supporting both clients and clinicians, ensuring those who work in this field feel equipped, supported and valued for the enriching services they provide.
Under Shauna’s guidance, the Reintegration Through Relationship Society continues to grow, advocating for ethical, effective and holistic rehabilitation. Her work is changing narratives, challenging biases and creating real pathways to healing and reintegration.