Motivational Interviewing Therapists in M4R

Is your chronic illness holding you back? Please know that you are worthy of living a fulfilling life. You are so much more than your illness. It can be challenging to carry on day to day. People around you may not understand just how much planning it takes to simply function when you are constantly low on energy, or how much effort you put in every single day to show up for yourself and others in spite of the pain. I see you, and I am here for you.

My goal is to help children, adolescents, young adults and parents better understand themselves, their feelings, each other, and the world around them. Together, we'll work to build a toolbox of skills to help manage the big feelings and challenging circumstances you may face when moving through life. In my work, I connect with clients by prioritizing a strong therapeutic relationship through trust and commitment to collaboratively work towards their personal and familial goals. I also work with parents to support the social, emotional, and behavioural development of their children.

You are facing a challenge and you are seeking ways to help you cope. Maybe you are feeling depressed, alone, overwhelmed or stuck on how to make the change you desire in your life. There are ways to get through it and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Therapy can offer hope and provide you with the support and skills to bring about a shift towards greater fulfillment and joy.

I see couples in therapy who tell me they are quarrelling too much or who have drifted apart. Often, they need help with slowing down, expressing their softer feelings and understanding their partner's emotions. I also see couples whose lives have been turned upside down by an extra-marital affair and worry that there will never be trust again. I help them learn how an affair doesn't have to mean the end of a relationship. I also see individuals with anxiety, depression and trauma from childhood interfering with their present lives. Young adults and their parents see me for family therapy to improve their relationships.

My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety (e.g social anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, health anxiety, phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder and related disorders (e.g. body dysmorphia, trichotillomania), bipolar disorder, trauma, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, grief and loss, acculturation stress and difficult life transitions. I work towards helping you cope with difficult thoughts, intense emotions and unhelpful behaviours, along with strengthening your interpersonal functioning. My approaches include cognitive, behavioural, mindfulness, interpersonal and attachment-focused therapies.

I am a clinical and health psychologist with experience in a wide range of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and difficulty coping with stress. I have a particular focus on the intersection of physical and mental health, and support those dealing with chronic or life-threatening illness and grief, as well as those impacted by mood changes and difficulty coping around the time of pregnancy and early parenting. I aim to be a warm, dynamic, and engaging therapist, and use an integrative approach which draws on cognitive behavioural (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), existential, and relational approaches.

Susan works with individuals from all walks of life who may embrace a range of mental health needs. She recognizes that each individual may need to seek therapy for a number of reasons, such as receiving support during tremendous transitions in life; to face and endure new challenges; or even to deal with the difficulties that one may encounter. Susan believes that every individual has the innate capacity to cope with the challenges that life offers, but it can be difficult to access these abilities from the experiences that each of us have had before.

Many of us know that life can be complex, challenging and sometimes throws us a curve ball. It can contribute to different emotions, relational issues, health problems, difficulty making decisions or a feeling of being overwhelmed and alone. Quite often, we are able to work through these challenges with our normal coping strategies. However, at other times, no matter what we try, the difficulty doesn’t resolve and it gets in the way of our happiness, relationships, work and hopefulness about the future. If this is happening to you, or you are afraid it might, now may be a good time to reach out for support.

Accepting New Clients - Knowing when to reach for help can be difficult, and finding the right help can be even harder. I'm here to assist you on this path. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with nearly two decades of experience providing tailored, evidence-based therapies for OCD, anxiety, trauma-related difficulties, depression, and other challenges. My approach to therapy is down-to-earth and collaborative, where we each contribute our expertise. By exploring the strengths, experiences, and goals you bring to our sessions, we can work together to identify the most effective strategies to assist you on your path forward.

I have over 25 years of experience in the field of Healthcare, with extensive experience working with clients with mental health issues, addiction issues, and court-related issues. During this time, I have worked with individuals of varying ages, couples, families and groups. I see people with a varied range of issues including mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar), trauma, borderline personality, issues of psychosis, phobias, obsessive compulsive behaviours, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, sexual issues, conduct disorder, anger issues and behavioural concerns.

Drawing on a wealth of experience, and on several traditions, I offer effective therapy that is tailored to my clients' needs. I bring to my work a non-judgemental, warm, and interactive style, which helps promote desired change. I work with adult individuals, couples, and adult families, on relationship issues, adjusting to separation, grief, traumatic loss, trauma and PTSD. I also work with work-life balance and burnout, unblocking creativity, anxiety and depression, and managing anger. In addition, I offer consultation services to clinicians.

Living with life-altering illness, abuse, trauma, burnout or a devastating loss can be such an isolating experience. Sometimes the people around you, even health professionals, don’t know how to give the right support. The last thing you need after being put through the wringer is to have your experiences minimized or invalidated or to be given advice that doesn’t fit. You deserve respect, validation, and above all, genuine kindness as you make your way through the worst things a human being can experience. You deserve solid, compassionate support AND the practical tools to build a life in which you can THRIVE.

Are you feeling life is just too much right now? You can't do anything right, feel alone and not sure what to do? You are not alone! I know how hard life can be at times, and I am here to support you and your family to navigate those complex life events such as parenting and relationship challenges, child and adolescent mental health, grief and loss, separation/divorce and blended families. I have worked in the field of child and youth mental health for 22 years supporting adolescents and coaching parents; I understand how attachment and family dynamics affect relationships and the importance of everyone being heard and understood.

**Accepting New Clients** I am dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful space, and believe firmly that healing happens on the foundation of a trusting, authentic relationship. With 22 years of experience as a social worker in the areas of addiction, mental health, and trauma, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to my work with people. I operate from a trauma-informed, non-judgemental perspective and am dedicated to helping you explore the possibility of change and growth.

I have been working for 20 years in children, adolescent, and family mental health as a registered social worker and Child, Youth and Family Therapist, facilitator, and consultant. I specialize in children’s and family therapy, with particular expertise in helping families and youth with complex mental health needs that impact their ability to manage at home, in school, or both. My goal is to improve the overall functioning of families and each family member, instil hope for a brighter future, and foster resiliency. I create a safe and supportive space, and help you/your family navigate these challenges and to develop/use skills.

I believe that as humans we are wired for connection and emotional safety. I take pride in helping working professionals who feel stuck in the same emotional patterns to live a more fulfilled life, and develop meaningful relationships. I am also passionate about helping couples navigate big life changes to deepen their emotional connection and intimacy. I am committed to creating a safe and empathic environment; my style is warm, curious, and collaborative. What we discuss and explore in therapy depend on your needs and goals. Together we will determine the best plan to help you reach your goals.

I remember feeling so lost and alone, unsure which way to turn. Who was I? Having 2 young children yet, wanting to die. The pain was unbearable, I could not see any other way out. I cried non stop, dragging myself out of bed in the morning; slept many hours during the day. Not able to see any possibility of change in sight. Why do I hurt? Why am I here? Blaming myself for all that had gone wrong in my life. I was emotionally frozen. No hope! Even the things I loved, didn't bring me joy any more. Does this sound like you? Do you want to be rid of your pain? Are you tired of living this way? IT IS possible to change! I did!