Registered Psychotherapist
RP, CTP Dipl
There is an ancient saying that we are both a speck of dust in the universe and the centre of it all. You may feel that you have never achieved a lived experience of yourself at the centre. You are tangled up in mental conflicts that you cannot think, feel or act your way out of.
In a non-judgmental, compassionate space, we discover previously unknown connections and insights. Slowly, you find yourself reacting and coping in new ways. Choice seems once again possible; opportunities make themselves known to you; even small acts gain significance. You are becoming the person you want to be, and you feel capable of cultivating your unique way of being your “self” in the world.
In therapy, we often feel a great sense of relief that we can finally speak openly and without fear of judgment, correction, or censorship. Our focus is on your life in the present and your aspirations. The past is important too because it helps us understand how your past experience has shaped your present perceptions. Together, we maintain a compassionate space to feel and think about what comes up in the moment.
I offer weekly sessions, online, for a 50-minute hour.
I began my career in law and environmental studies. For my Master’s degree, I investigated how place affects childhood experiences of play, community and therefore, personal development. I wanted to understand how the built environment impacts our psyches. I had already begun my own therapeutic journey; while I was working in policy and planning, I realized that I wanted to be a clinical practitioner.
I trained at the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy (CTP) in Toronto for over 15 years. The school offers a rigorous program of part-time studies, that include intensive experiential learning, academic coursework, one-on-one mentorship, and group supervision. While I pursued this training, I raised my family and worked in various aspects of social justice, including affordable housing, employment and human rights, and environmental education.
My experience in social justice advocacy only reinforced for me how central is the journey inward in order to make change in our communities. Real change begins with self-knowledge and in self-acceptance.
I am profoundly grateful to be a psychotherapist now. It is truly a privilege to sit with others as they undertake the difficult task of self-reflection.
If you are interested in taking the next step, I offer an introductory 30-minute free online consultation.
You can reach me at brendasimontherapy@gmail.com and I will respond within 24 hours.
I look forward to meeting you.
400 Dupont Therapy Centre, Toronto, ON,