SAKEENA MYERS-HALBIG

“Only through our connectedness to others, can we can we really know and enhance the self. And only through working on the self, can we begin to enhance our connectedness to others.”

– Harriet Goldhor Lerner

It is and honor and a privilege to walk with people on their journeys towards personal growth. I love the art of psychotherapy because of the connection and meaning that are intertwined with giving attention to people’s stories and truths. It is a unique privilege to bare witness to the vulnerability and strengths that accompany approaching uncharted territory and change. It is also a privilege to celebrate the success, hope, and learnt resilience that folks draw from these journeys towards change. In my work I prioritize creating space, and providing a relationship, that others can then use to move towards their own personal growth.

As your therapist I will give attention to what you bring to our sessions and meet you wherever you are with kindness, understanding, and non-judgment. I will work hard to understand your unique perspective and support you in identifying and navigating challenges that might obstruct your ability to feel better, stay grounded, and maintain motivation to tackle the challenges of life.

As I get to know you and your lived experiences, I will develop an understanding of you through a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and intersectional lens. My clinical practice and expertise have focused on anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, difficult life events or trauma, and difficulties with life transitions. I hold 9+ years’ experience in clinical and private practice roles delivering individual counselling and group therapy. Formerly I have worked in publically funded treatment programs for eating disorders, addictions, and youth and families mental health. With a commitment to providing psychotherapy treatments that are grounded in research and proven to be effective, I base my practice in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). In harmony with my proclivity to evidence-based practices, I consistently engage in continued learning and use mindfulness to enhance each individual’s strengths.

In addition to my clinical work, I also make efforts to improve my field of work and my community. I have contributed to my field academically and produced two publications through Holland Bloorview’s Research Institute, studying the effectiveness of mental health interventions/treatments. I have also sat on coalition steering committees and co-chaired outreach events, to contribute to my community, by advocating for more accessible and effective mental health services to meet my clients’ needs.

Though I hold a lot of passion for the work I do, find joy in being in nature through sport. With special interests in sailing, skiing, and trail running, I find strength, beauty, community, and sometimes peace in these sorts of activities.

Evening and weekend hours are available.