specialized therapy with an
approachable therapist
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My personal experiences with mental health, doing my own therapy, and my genuine interest in helping others inspired me to pursue this career and I love it!
I'm thoughtful in how I approach my work as a therapist and want you to feel relaxed, understood, and cared for during our sessions.
People often describe me as a calm, kind, and approachable person who's easy to open up to. I'm also a big introvert, which lends itself well to my work as a therapist as I'm a natural listener and observer.
I’m what you call an integrative therapist, which means I believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy. Instead, I draw from a range of evidence-based therapy models to tailor therapy to your specific needs and goals.
I’ve been studying and practicing these therapies intensively in Kitchener, Waterloo for the last 8 years and am an EMDR Certified Therapist (EMDRIA).
I specialize in treating OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety, which means I am experienced and have up-to-date training on what's actually proven to help address these disorders.
I’m also a huge therapy nerd, so you can often find me taking a new training or reading a therapy-related book to further my skill set.
a supportive space to make changes
MY APPROACH
My work with every person is a little bit different but my general approach has some consistencies across the board.
Here are some things you can expect from our work together:
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A non-judgmental, unbiased space to sort through whatever it is you’re dealing with
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A better understanding of yourself, how you work, and why you feel the way that you feel
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An improved ability to take care of yourself, use healthy coping skills, and treat yourself with compassion
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Someone to challenge you and push you to make changes
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Homework between sessions: a skill to practice, a question to reflect on, something to challenge yourself with
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If appropriate, a specialized treatment protocol to address specific symptoms you're struggling with (for example, the ERP protocol to tackle OCD)
credentials
Registered Social Worker #829167
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
CBT Certified Therapist
CACBT-ACTCC
EMDR Certified Therapist
EMDRIA
education
Continuing education in OCD and eating disorders
Masters of Social Work
Wilfrid Laurier University
Bachelor of Arts
Psychology + Sociology
Wilfrid Laurier University
affiliations
Waterloo-Wellington Eating Disorders Coalition
Waterloo Region ACT Peer Consultation Group
The Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies
Association for Contextual Behavioral Sciences
EMDR Canada + EMDR International
fast facts
FAVOURITE FOOD:
Toast with peanut butter.
HOBBIES:
Baking a new recipe, practicing calligraphy and embroidery, traveling to places on my bucket list, and obsessing over my cute dog.
FAVOURITE TV SHOW:
The Office.
MY IDEAL DAY:
Doing an early morning workout class, grabbing brunch, completing an organizing project at home, and then spending the rest of the day cuddled on the couch with my dog and a good show!
FAVOURITE BAND:
I've been a diehard Taylor Swift fan since the age of 14!
Toby Matisz
Chief Treat Tester (CTT)
During our sessions, you may see or hear our Chief Treat Tester (CTT), Toby. His hobbies include lounging on the couch, sunbathing in the backyard, and keeping a close eye on the neighborhood cats.
