BACKGROUND:

I have a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. I have been a practicing Clinical Social Worker since 1990.

I worked in a Residential Treatment Centre for Adolescents for two years prior to obtaining my graduate degree. After earning my Master’s degree, I was employed for 15 years with Catholic Family Services of Toronto providing individual, couple, family and group therapy. I have had a private practice since 2002 in the Port Credit area.

I am a registered social worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. I am also a member in good standing of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

WHAT I DO:

I specialize in individual and couple counselling and have had experience and training dealing with a wide range of issues. Some of the things people come to see me for help with are: overcoming childhood trauma issues, resolving relationship conflict, coping with anxiety and depression, dealing with grief and loss, as well as managing life transitions such as separation/divorce, job changes and parenthood. I also specialize in effective communication, stress management and self-esteem issues.

I have developed special skills in group facilitation and I offer a dynamic, psycho-educational group for women called, “Feeling Good: A Women’s Growth Group”.

WHAT IT COSTS:

My fee is $100.00 per hour for counselling. Counselling sessions are generally one hour in length. Longer sessions need to be negotiated and the cost would increase depending on the amount of time requested. The fee is payable by cash or cheque.

Because Social Work is a Regulated Health Profession by the Government of Ontario, many employee benefits plans are now reimbursing members for the cost of counselling with Master’s Degree Social Workers. As such, my fees are often covered or partially covered by your work extended health benefits. Check with your plan administrator to see if you can have your sessions paid for by your plan!

For those of you who may be uncertain about counselling or who want to insure a good “fit” between you and I, free half hour consultations are available. These are not “therapy” sessions, but they are a chance for you to check out my style, see if you feel comfortable with me and ask any questions you might have about what I can offer you or my experience with the problem you are trying to solve.

MY PHILOSOPHY:

As a social worker, I automatically think about people as part of, and as influenced by, not just their own internal processes and thoughts but also by the many systems around them such as family, friends, work environment, culture and society. Therefore, I believe that therapy must be contextual – no man is an island. As such, I come from a family-systems approach. In my work I also use an empowerment model, which is strength-based, problem-solving, cognitive therapy and attachment models. I will work from whatever frame I think would most benefit you in your particular and unique place.

I believe that the power of therapy to assist people to find their own wisdom and to find healing for themselves is very strongly influenced by the relationship between the therapist and the client. As a therapist, I can be nurturing and supportive, and I can also be direct and provocative, depending on what my client needs most. Regardless of which style works best for each person, I am always respectful and non-judgmental and willing to work as hard as you do to move through whatever you are struggling with.

CONTACTING ME:

You can contact me by leaving a message in my voicebox at Aquility 905-274-2436 Messages will be returned promptly.

You can call my alternate telephone number: 416-578-3325.

You can email me through this website or at lynda_msw@safe-mail.net