Mara Gilbert, Intern Counsellor

Close your eyes for a second (or don’t… just hear me out) and think about how much more space you’d have in your life if anxiety wasn’t calling all the shots. That’s the kind of space I aim to help you create. As strange as it might sound, if you are exhausted, anxious, stressed, fed up with recurring symptoms, or unsure about therapy, I would love for you to book in with me. Bonus points if you’re also navigating obsessive-compulsive challenges. My hope is to show you that therapy doesn’t have to be like what you remember from childhood, or what you see on TV (Yes, I’m referring to the infamous “And how does that make you feel?” line). As somebody freshly graduating from a masters program grounded in all of the most up-to-date, culturally-aware, evidence-based practices, I am excited to offer therapy that is strengths-based and all about YOU.

I am not here to tell you how you’ve experienced life. I am here to listen to your heaviest pain, your biggest fear, your greatest success, and everything in between. I will guide you in exploration of your experiences, and gently challenge you to build confidence to lead a fulfilling life on your own terms. With me, your “small” wins will be celebrated, and, while I typically don’t make promises, I guarantee that if we work together, you WILL surprise yourself with just how much you’re capable of. Discomfort will no longer be something to avoid; we will approach it as an opportunity to break free from vicious cycles of avoidance. And of course, if you’re into it, you can expect some humour to be a part of our work together.