MEET YOUR THERAPIST

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Designation: Registered Psychotherapist    

Degree: CYW, BA (Psych), MACP

Welcome to Live Inspired Counselling! I'm Elaine Dickens, a Registered Psychotherapist deeply committed to guiding individuals through life's challenges. My journey into counselling was driven by a desire to support others in living intentionally, thriving, and growing. Inspired by the men in my life who faced stigma and shame in their mental health journeys, I'm dedicated to providing empathetic and empowering therapy.

Issues:

As an integrative psychotherapist, I specialize in helping men, over-thinkers, and high performers find balance by utilizing emotional intelligence and self-compassion. I provide support for anxiety, ADHD/ASD, grief, transitions, depression, parenting, and self esteem. Whether you're grappling with perfectionism, seeking guidance to set goals and make changes, or simply exploring your thoughts and feelings, I'm here to support you.

Focus:

Individuals (age 10 years +)

Couples

Therapeutic Approach:

Drawing from a strengths-based approach, I integrate CBT, Client-Centered, Existential, Emotionally Focused and Solution-Focused therapies.. I'm trauma-informed and EMDR trained, tailoring my methods to suit your unique needs for a collaborative and effective therapeutic journey. I'm committed to ongoing personal and professional development.

Why Work with Me:

Selecting a therapist is a deeply personal journey, dependent on finding someone who understands and supports you. Within my practice, I'm dedicated to creating a safe, accepting space infused with genuine compassion. My goal is to empower you to navigate life's complexities with confidence and develop the resilience to overcome them.

Values and Philosophy:

My practice is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and respect for individual autonomy, guided by a culturally responsive and socially just framework. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of each person I work with, fostering trust, collaboration, and empathy. Every individual has the capacity for growth and healing, and it's my privilege to journey alongside clients as they explore their inner landscapes and chart a path toward fulfillment.

Credentials and Experience:

Elaine is a dedicated professional in psychotherapy, holding membership with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario Association of Mental Health Providers (OAMHP). She holds a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Elaine began her career as a Child and Youth Counsellor, developing expertise in Applied Behavioural Analysis and adult education. With over two decades of experience in the diversability sector, she's well-versed in neurodiversity and affirming practices.

Outside the Office:

In my leisure time, I prioritize activities that rejuvenate both body and mind, including strength training, biking and reading. As a busy entrepreneur, these practices are pillars of my self-care routine, underscoring the importance of holistic well-being in both my personal and professional life.

Designation: Registered Psychotherapist  (Qualifying)

Degree: MACP

Welcome to Live Inspired Counselling! I’m MaryJoy or MJ for short, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a deep-rooted passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. My journey into counselling was shaped by my personal experience as a second-generation immigrant and a high-performing individual, as well as having family members who struggle with addictions and substance use. From being an observant individual and understanding the need for extra guidance and support system, I’m passionate towards fueling my commitment to providing empathetic and empowering therapy..

Issues:

As an integrative psychotherapist, my focus lies in assisting high performers and individuals grappling with emotional dysregulation to cultivate self-compassion and self-awareness. Through our work together, I aim to facilitate a deeper sense of presence and resilience in overcoming life’s hurdles. My practice encompasses support for a wide range of challenges, including addiction and substance use disorders, high performance in sports and academics, borderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, depression, ADHD/ASD, grief and loss, infertility and parenting, boundaries and relationships, stress and burnout, as well as issues related to self-esteem. Whether you’re navigating significant life transitions, seeking accountability in goal setting, or simply in search of a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions, I’m here to provide the support and guidance you need 

Focus:

Individuals (age 12 years +)

Therapeutic Approach:

My therapeutic approach is grounded in a client-centered and strengths-based perspective, incorporating elements of Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). With a trauma-informed background and specialized training in addictions counselling, I tailor my methods to meet your individual needs. This ensures a collaborative and effective therapeutic journey tailored specifically to you.

Why Work with Me:

Selecting a therapist is a deeply personal decision, crucial for finding the right support. In my practice, I prioritize creating a welcoming, non-judgmental, and empathetic space, often sprinkled with humor and laughter. My aim is to empower you to confidently navigate life's challenges, all the while fostering resilience and self-compassion.

Values and Philosophy

Central to my practice are the values of transparency, compassion, mutual respect, and authenticity, all within a culturally responsive and socially just framework. I firmly believe in recognizing the inherent worth of every individual and acknowledging their strengths. My approach prioritizes fostering trust, collaboration, and empathy throughout our work together. Often, people underestimate their progress until they take a moment to reflect on how far they've come or the changes they've undergone. I am committed to acknowledging your resilience and supporting your goals every step of the way.

Credentials and Experience:

MaryJoy is a dedicated professional in psychotherapy, holding membership with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She earned her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University, complemented by a Post-Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health specializing in youth and harm reduction from Durham College. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with double minors in Sociology and Philosophy from Toronto Metropolitan University.

MaryJoy's career journey began during her student placements, where she served as a youth harm reduction counsellor and later as a varsity student counsellor. She has also pursued professional development opportunities, including training from Harvard Medical School in General Psychiatric Management (GPM) for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Clinical Care for Autistic Adults, as well as from Mental Health Academy in Substance Use Disorders.

Outside the Office:

Outside the office, I prioritize activities that help me relax my mind and body. You'll often find me indulging in watching Korean dramas and anime, and cherishing moments with my beautiful dog, my partner, friends, and family. I also make time for physical activities, whether it's hitting the gym, going for a leisurely walk, swimming, or enjoying a game of basketball or golf.

Having been a high performer for many years, I understand the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This belief underscores my commitment to self-care and setting boundaries to ensure both personal and professional fulfillment.