Authentic. Playful.
Integrative.
Hi, I’m Emma (she/her).
Person. Therapist (MSW/RSW). Facilitator. Writer. Friend to animals. Nature lover. Movement enthusiast. Tarot guide. Voracious reader. Lifelong learner.
I am shaped by my experiences as a pansexual, able-bodied and neurodivergent woman living with an autoimmune condition. I work and live in Tkaronto (Toronto), and grew up working-class in a small Ontario town. I am of Irish, German, Scottish and English ancestry.
Photo: This is me in the home office I created out of necessity during the pandemic.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been highly attuned to emotion—the pros and cons of this ability put me on the path I’m on now. I lost myself in books, intellect, “staying busy,” work, distractions—anything that would take me away from myself, my body, and the emotions I found intolerable.
At the time, this was necessary for my survival, but took a profound toll on my relationships, self esteem, and body. I began therapy to learn new ways to engage with life, many of which I am still practising now. This led me to becoming a peer supporter and later, a social worker specializing in mental health.
Today, I provide therapy, programs, & workshops that honour the (re)discovery of practices and narratives that support self love, compassion, presence, and engagement.
How I work
Even if it doesn’t feel that way, you’re the expert on you. I see myself as a supportive witness and reflector, committed to holding space for you to share, go inward, & cultivate practices that let you love & live authentically.
Values I bring
Authenticity
Being real, genuine, honest, true to oneself & others.
I ‘m not a robot. Neither are you. So why pretend? My biggest priority is living a life of integrity and honesty.
Pragmatism
Doing what works.
As evidence-based as my approach is, I believe it’s more useful for us to try strategies based on what already works for us. Meditation a total nightmare for you? We’ll find another way.
Curiosity
Exploring, discovering, wondering; open-mindedness.
I see myself less like an Absolute Expert and more like a Reflective Scientist. Everything is an experiment.
Kindness
Treating myself & others with kindness & compassion.
In a society build on a foundation of inequity, consumption & competition, finding gentleness for ourselves as we are isn’t easy; but if we can let some of it in, can be the greatest gift.
Humour
Seeing & appreciating the funny in life.
When appropriate, of course, I believe playfulness, laughter, & silliness can be validating, healing, & relieving.
Skilfulness
Practising, learning, & honing skills.
I’m always studying, & seeking improvement. Part of being skillful means also acknowledging that life’s simple unfolding is often the most powerful teacher, & learning never really ends.
The “professional” stuff
Formal education
Master of Social Work 2017, University of Toronto (Health & Mental Health)
Practicum: Providing counselling at an arts university
Bachelor of Social Work 2016, York University (Anti-Oppressive Practice)
Practicum: Harm reduction at a community health centre
Master of Treat Provision, Willow the Aussie Shep Mystery Mutt
As proof that life can go any which way, I also have a certificate in publishing and an undergraduate degree in English & History.
I acknowledge my privilege in having access to formal educational institutions. I am a lifelong learner and value all forms of knowledge. Much of my most useful learning has happened informally “on the job,” from other healers/coaches/communities, and my courageous clients themselves.
Experience
While my interests in social justice, writing, and transformation grew in childhood, my work in supporting others began as a peer crisis counsellor in 2012. I transitioned to social work in 2014, beginning in harm reduction support and later, deepening into counselling, group facilitation, and psychoeducation.
Other roles I’ve held include:
Mental health clinician at a youth- and recovery-focused charity
Counsellor in university health & wellness centres
Harm reduction & client support worker in community health
Research assistant for the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness
Writer specializing in issues of technology & gender equity
Digital content manager for a small publisher in my old life
Influences & training
To support folks in making informed choices about working with me, here’s some information about my learning.
My practice is influenced by parts work, somatics, nervous system functioning, attachment theory, and modern psychodynamic therapies. The teachings of the Buddha and Zen philosophy are present in many of the modalities I draw from.
I am inspired and shaped by the public work of many, but particularly arienne maree brown, Deb Dana, Staci K Haines, Pat Ogden, Janina Fisher, Thomas Hanna, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Kristin Neff, Resmaa Menekem, Bonnie Burstow, and Prentis Hemphill. I’ve learned from the somatic offerings of Jane Clapp, Kai Cheng Thom, Varvara Erochina, and Marika Heinrichs.
Psychotherapeutic trainings
Internal Family Systems
-Level 1, Internal Family Systems (89.5 hours, IFS Institute)
-Level 2, A Compassionate Approach to Addictions & Eating Disorders (32 hours, IFS Institute)
-Introduction to Self-Led Sexuality (4 hours: Patricia Rich)
Somatic Parts Work (Integrative IFS, Frances Booth)
-Levels 1-3 (25 hours)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (Dr. Russ Harris)
-ACT + pscyhodynamic practice consultation & mentorship (Dr. Sheri Turrell, 2 years)
-ACT + Mindfulness for Trauma (16 hours)
-ACT as a Brief Intervention (8 hours)
-ACT for Anxiety & Depression (16 hours)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
-Basics & Beyond Basics (Dr. Shelley McMain, 54 hours)
-For Complex PTSD (Dr. Martin Bohus, 32 hours)
-5-Day Intensive (Elisha Van Harte, 20 hours)
-Supervision & mentorship (Elisha Van Harte)
Narrative Therapy
-Intro + Responding to Violence, Trauma & Oppression (Angel Yuen, 18 hours)
-Supervision (Gini Bechard, integrative, 3 years)
Brief & psychodynamic therapy
-Supervision (Nathan Klaehn, 8 months)
Somatics & mindfulness trainings
Somatic Experiencing
-Beginning (72 hours, Berns Galloway)
-Intermediate (72 hours, Berns Galloway, in progress)
Reclaiming Pleasure: Embodied Joy in Trauma Recovery & Social Change (Kai Cheng Thom, 8 hours)
Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies (Linda Thai, 10 hours)
Movement for Trauma (Jane Clapp)
-Level 1 & 2 (28 hours)
Somatic Movement & Restorative Yoga (Kim McBean & Indu Vashist, 45 hours)
Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Practice (Dr. David Treleaven, 20 hours)
Professional & personal development
I regularly engage in my own processes of learning and healing via therapy, self study, coaching, and movement/somatic practice communities.
I also consult with peer groups and seasoned professionals to support my growth. I am also a member in good standing of the following organizations:
Ontario College of Social Workers & Social Service Workers
Ontario Association of Social Workers
I am grateful to live & work in Tkaronto (Toronto), Ontario, Canada. This land is the traditional territory of many peoples, including the Wendat, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Anishinaabe, Chippewas, and Mississaugas of the Credit. I acknowledge this land continues to be home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, and that the harm perpetuated by colonization continues. As a settler whose ancestors arrived here through unjust and harmful processes, I am committed to ongoing learning, unlearning, and taking action to pursue decolonization and right relationship in ways that go beyond this website’s acknowledgment.
One way is cultivating a deep connection to land beyond resource or ownership in the spirit of reciprocity. I hold wonder & love for the parks and lake that make living here so special, where I’m currently learning the names of the wildlife & pick up trash. It reminds me of the daily gift of swimming in the town I grew up in, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe peoples of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. (Don’t know whose land you’re on? Check this out.)