I can give you the resume: I am a registered social worker and clinical therapist. I’ve worked in many hospitals and academic settings from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, North York General Hospital, St Michael’s Hospital, the Hincks-Dellcrest (now the Sick Kids Hospital for Mental Health), to the University of Toronto.
Why do I start with my resume? One reason is because that seems to be the expectation for any professional. Another reason is because I’ve been defined by my achievements most of my life. I know this about myself and I know it creates a lot of anxiety for me in my career and relationships; and that’s what really pulls me into the work that I do, because I also hear a lot from others that they might experience the same things (e.g. performance anxiety, social anxiety, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, confusion around self-identity, people pleasing, and the list goes on). I believe that these are symptoms of our experiences with others throughout our life and a very real fear of being vulnerable that prevents us from truly being seen and known. Somewhere, we might have gotten the message that “this version of me as I am isn’t acceptable” so we’ve come to abandon those parts we feel others can’t accept and then we feel more and more distant from ourselves and from others.
I speak about these thoughts and feelings from my own experiences and family history (I’m a first generation immigrant). Growing up meant we didn’t talk about feelings and the only time I received recognition was for academic or career based achievements. My early childhood was turbulent and loud. The way I learned to feel safe was through avoidance and being quiet— which didn't help much in relationships, especially romantic ones. Although these coping skills were helpful and protective while I was growing up, they no longer served me in developing deeper and more meaningful relationships with myself and others, so I've really had to try out and use the strategies that I share with my clients.
If these experiences resonated with you, then I truly hope I could be of support. I am here to guide you in understanding more of these patterns (Psychodynamic, Narrative Therapy), in learning practical skills and applicable tools to manage these struggles (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Neuroscience theory), in finding solutions for present issues (Solution-Focused Therapy), in figuring out your emotions and effectively communicating it (Emotion Focused Therapy), and helping you to cope, grow, and thrive in life—because you’re worthy and you can take control of your life.
Oh, did I mention I process thoughts best through metaphors and analogies? (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). You’ll find them scattered throughout our work together.
Our sessions together are relational and trauma-informed. They include a structured approach where we will focus our intention on your unique strengths, establishing and redefining your goals, creating plans around areas of growth and challenges while learning and practicing practical tools that work best for you, and helping to disrupt and change old beliefs, thoughts and behaviours.
Change can be challenging, but it also presents limitless opportunities for personal growth and transformation! To achieve this, we will focus on learning and adopting evidence-based tools and strategies to navigate through changes and transitions with resilience, self-awareness and confidence, building on your personal growth and superpowers!
