Kyle

I am aware that finding the right therapist means you need some context around who you are going to be working with. The first thing I look for in a therapist is authenticity and relatability (while this looks different for us all). I value the foundation that is required in order to feel trusting and comfortable in the process of therapy.

So who am I?

I am a mental health professional who values hope, connection, and the importance of building a stronger, more accessible understanding of therapy. I believe in engaging those around me in the process, fostering community, and contributing to spaces where mental health conversations feel open and supported.

I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Surrounded by water, mountains, forests, and wide open skies, I developed a deep connection to nature and a curiosity to explore. This sense of exploration, alongside a desire to build my career, led me to Guelph, Ontario, where I completed my education, and later to Toronto, Ontario, where I began my journey as a therapist. Today, I live and work in Toronto while travelling back to Sault Ste. Marie on a part-time basis, with the intention of bringing skills, resources, and support back to the community that shaped me.

Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy attending concerts, walking my dog, writing, spending time with family and friends, exploring nature, and occasionally taking on a spontaneous project or adventure.

I chose to become a therapist because of my own lived experiences, as well as those of people close to me. I have witnessed individuals navigating anxiety, depression, sexuality, identity, life transitions, blended families, separation, and low self-esteem, often choosing not to seek support due to inaccessibility, discomfort, limited resources, lack of support, or fear of further oppression or stigma. I have also experienced what it can feel like to need help but struggle to find support that truly feels relatable or affirming.

I hold a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Couple and Family Therapy from the University of Guelph, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BAH) in Sociology from Algoma University.

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).

I graduated from a recognized education and training program; one of the few programs accredited by CRPO.

I completed advanced training in sex therapy through the Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program at the University of Guelph. I am actively attending additional training conferences to remain updated on new approaches and to continue enhancing my skills.

• CBT For Eating Disorders in Youth - Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, presented by Dr. Jenna DiLossi (March 22, 2022)

• CBT for Autism in Youth - Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, presented by Dr. Kerrie Smedley (March 24, 2022)

• CBT For Substance Use Disorder in Youth - Beck Institute (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), presented by Dr. Patrick McElwaine (March 21, 2022)

• ECHO Ontario Mental Health: Trans and Gender Diverse Healthcare - 16 sessions hosted by CAMH (Toronto, ON) through videoconferencing (Oct 7, 2021 - Feb 10, 2022)

• Foundations for Trans-positive Counselling - Children and Youth - Webinar, face-to-face, Rainbow Health Ontario (Feb 2, 2021)

• LGBT2SQ Foundations Course online course - Rainbow Health Ontario (August 11, 2020)

• Arts Therapy - Arts Therapy for Self Healing (Part One) online course - Libby Seery (April 22, 2020)

• 3 Day Core Clinician Emotion Focused Family Therapy - Shelia Paluzzi, MSW, RSW (Sault Ste. Marie, 2019)

• Using Brief Narrative Practices in Single Sessions, Walk-In Clinics, and Brief Services - Karen Young (Sault Ste. Marie, 2019)

• Brief Narrative Therapy Refresher - Karen Young (Sault Ste. Marie, 2019)

• Facing Your Fears Training - Judy Reaven (Scarborough, 2018)

• Trauma-Informed Practices - Geraldine Crisci (Scarborough, 2018)

• Treating the Invisible Wounds of Sociocultural Trauma: Presented by Dr. Kenneth V. Hardy - OAMFT Conference (Toronto 2017)

• Solution Building in Couples Therapy - CAMFT Spring Conference (Ottawa 2016)

• Intensive Sex Therapy Training Program - University of Guelph (Guelph 2016)

I believe therapy is a collaborative process, creating a safe and inclusive space where all clients are treated with respect and compassion. I honor each person’s unique story and experiences, helping you explore them to gain new insights and deeper understanding. My approach draws from Narrative, Solution-Focused, Emotion-Focused, Dialogic/Collaborative, and Cognitive therapies, and I work from an affirmative stance that values your identity and experiences.

I had the honour to answer questions and share thoughts for I.J. Schecter’s book: Do You Ever Cry, Dad?: A Father’s Guide to Surviving Family Breakup.

I have direct clinical experience in counselling individuals, families, and couples with various presenting concerns and hopes. 

I work with Algoma Family Services for 7 years as a Child and Adolescent Counsellor. My various roles include: counselling and therapy, crisis follow-up services, single-sessions, walk-in clinic, facilitating groups, and family therapy services. I provide a range of therapeutic services while advocating for children and families.

I spent a year with Aisling Discoveries Child and Family Centre as a Child and Family Therapist where I provided a broad range of therapeutic and service coordination services to children and families.

I have experience working for the Couple & Family Therapy Centre at the University of Guelph where I had the privilege of working with many clients around various concerns. What I valued during my time there was the opportunity to join with my clients on their journey towards change, understanding, and fulfillment. Walking alongside clients, we developed strong therapeutic alliances that prepared us for the toughest and the most enlightening conversations.  

I have experience working for Child and Adolescent Services of Hamilton, where I was honoured with the opportunity to work with children ranging in ages from 6 to 17. I also worked with parents and family units to strengthen relational approaches, communications, strategizing and managing / coping with various presenting concerns.