In my role at Extendicare Canada, I provide support and counselling to long-term care residents and their families, as well as lead a project to strengthen the role of social work in long-term care. To me, social work means enhancing quality of life for clients, all while creating systems-level change.

In long-term care settings, meeting clients where they are at means changing your approach as their needs change through the aging process. Much of the work focuses on supporting life transitions, while also helping caregivers cope with grief and loss. Whether I’m providing brief solutions-focused therapy, CBT, group therapy, or overall service navigation, I use a trauma-informed lens, and this is best paired with a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. Working with urban, multicultural and diverse communities also requires ongoing learning – to support the application of best practices, while providing culturally-informed care.

What I love about this work is being able to see positive outcomes at both the individual and systems levels. This is a truly dynamic field, that can look different from day to day, or client to client.

Amy McNally, BSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker and Ethics Practice Lead, Extendicare Canada Inc.
Durham Region, Ontario

Working in a community agency, I have developed a heightened awareness of the diverse needs of my clients, who come from varied walks of life. I 'walk' with clients at their own pace, creating a safe and non-judgmental space where they can share as much as they are ready to, and supporting them as that threshold expands. I sit with them in that space of emotional vulnerability and safety, honouring their readiness to share and supporting them as we build trust over time.

Knowing that people experience challenges differently, I recognize that showing up for therapy is already a significant act of courage for many clients. My role is not to view clients as puzzles to be solved, but as people to be heard and supported. I value the privilege of being both a listening ear and a supportive presence, enhancing clients' capacities to manage challenging experiences.

Social work is more than a profession, it’s a calling. It requires continued education, supervision, empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to advocating for others and ourselves. I wish people understood how much advocacy is embedded in social work as it plays a pivotal role in driving systemic change.

Ibukun Olagbemiro, MSc, MSW, RSW
Registered Therapist, Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
Kitchener, Ontario

I have worked in education for over 24 years. My beginnings were at the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School board as a front-line Social Worker and Senior Social Worker. I then went on to become the first Black senior manager at the Halton District School Board. I currently work as the first racialized Itinerant Social Worker at Halton Catholic District School Board. The position supports both high school and elementary students, their families and caregivers.

In this role, I provide specialized support to high needs students, where I aim to foster inclusive, racially responsive practices within the school community. I also collaborate with students, families, educators and administrators to address systemic barriers, promote equity, and enhance the wellbeing of black and racialized students.

I’m dedicated to fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable educational environment within the school board. Through direct student support, family engagement, and systemic advocacy, I play a vital role in ensuring, that Black and racialized students have the resources and opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I also work closely with the Human Rights and Equity Department and co-chair both the Black Advisory Committee and the Anti-Black Racism Strategic Steering Committee.

In my view, honoring the experiences of Black and racialized students is not just an act of recognition – it is a necessity for fostering true equity in education. First and foremost, I work from an anti-racist lens – using a respectful, non-biased approach to support advocacy, and to be a voice for the marginalized and oppressed.

Social work means inclusion, respect, integrity and compassion. This work is extremely gratifying -- I appreciate being able to support someone through their most challenging and vulnerable times, and witnessing the self-determination and resilience they discover.

Jacqueline Davis, MSW, RSW
Itinerant Black/Racialized Social Worker, Halton Catholic District School Board
Milton, Ontario

I support older adults who are experiencing challenges related to their mental health or dementia diagnosis, and I get to work alongside them in their homes or retirement homes. As a case manager, I act as a navigator and bridge between various social services and the healthcare system, which has required me to learn the different ‘languages’ of services like home care, housing supports, financial supports, seniors care, and hospitals. I also work together with clients and their families to create comprehensive care plans to support them in aging healthily in the community. I get to teach and support clients and their families in learning and integrating wellness strategies that can hopefully help them be the best version of themselves.

As a new professional, I am continuously learning how to apply best practices in supporting clients with dementia, such as using gentle and strengths-based approaches. It is vital to take the time to understand each client’s history and story. I have loved learning the balance of when to advocate for my clients, and when to empower them to speak for themselves.

I love having the opportunity to collaborate with people and their loved ones to develop care plans that are centered in their unique situations and needs. I am fortunate to be working in a thriving city with many available supports, alongside so many trailblazers who are working to shape client care for the better.

I think that working with older adults can be extremely rewarding. For me, it has provided an opportunity for daily learning, and allowed me to support people in an authentic and fun way, every single day.

Laura Wood, BSW, MSW (Candidate), RSW
Case Manager, Geriatric Psychiatry Community Services of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario

I manage a large interdisciplinary primary care team that serves communities in the downtown east area of Toronto. Our team of 280 staff, physicians and learners provides medical and psychosocial care to people across the lifespan. We deliberately prioritize serving patients with complex social needs, who may be experiencing mental health, addictions, housing insecurity or safety concerns that prevent them from accessing care or thriving in the community. 

To this end, we are running a pilot program to connect people experiencing structural barriers to a primary care provider and interprofessional team. In this flexible model, a nurse practitioner and outreach social worker build relationships with people and communities who have experienced barriers to accessing primary care, and the pilot is showing really exciting results in connecting people to care.

In frontline social work, it can be challenging to quantify, define and improve the work we do through data. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to lead an interprofessional team to develop systems to capture psychosocial data to help us better understand the social determinants of health and the challenges our patients face, and to develop population based interventions. 

These insights have enabled our team to develop a model for delivering care to people who face structural, allowing us to reach out and provide support in different ways. It’s extremely rewarding to have the opportunity to lead within the healthcare field, bringing the social work perspective to system transformation.

To me, social work means finding solutions to some of the most complex problems people and communities face. It’s both amazing and messy, and social workers have the skills to navigate the messiness. They walk towards challenges and work through grey areas that others might find uncomfortable or overwhelming – and they’re some of the toughest individuals I know.

Lauren Massey, MSW, RSW
Clinical Manager, St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Team, Unity Health Toronto
Toronto, Ontario

I support patients in our hospital’s medicine unit and outpatient oncology clinic, helping them navigate issues with anxiety, grief and loss, financial constraints, housing and food insecurity, and connecting with community supports.

I meet my clients where they are by allowing them to set the pace, even in a hospital setting. Understanding someone’s story and the heart of their concerns is crucial. That starts with simple steps, like asking their preferred pronouns, verifying how they want to be addressed, and in which language. Asking for consent to engage and support is another important step. I believe we should not impose ourselves, but allow others to have a sense of agency and choice.

I work in Brampton with a predominantly Punjabi population, so being of Sikh faith and the Punjabi community gives me the knowledge and understanding to support clients at their level, sometimes in their first language. Regardless of background, I support all clients with respect and dignity, looking for ways I can support them in the present moment. I use a variety of approaches, including short-term intervention, strengths-based approaches and motivational therapy.

Although it can sometimes be challenging, working in a hospital setting allows me to be more empathetic and aware of the circumstances people face. It also gives me a deeper understanding of the root issues in our community and the gaps in our system, motivating me to do more for the wellbeing of patients and families.

Ravneet Mudhar, MSW, RSW
Social Worker, General Medicine, William Osler Health System
Brampton, Ontario

In my role as a hospital clinical float social worker, no two days look alike. I am often the first point of contact during a health crisis, and I work closely with patients, families, and our interprofessional medical teams to ensure all aspects of care are considered – from crisis intervention, to managing the emotional impact of health crises and supporting caregivers to prevent burnout.

With each patient, I work to assess their physical and mental health needs, along with their social support systems – allowing me to provide support tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Given the complexity of the cases I support, I approach each patient interaction with empathy, resilience, and a focus on practical solutions. I draw from a strengths-based approach, focusing on empowering patients by highlighting their resilience and existing resources. Through collaboration, compassion, and a focus on the wellbeing of each patient, I strive to create a seamless transition back into everyday life, ensuring that patients and families feel supported.

Serving a diverse population, I support patients as they navigate not just the healthcare system, but also a range of complex issues, including homelessness, precarious social situations, immigration status concerns, parenting difficulties, and palliative care needs. It’s a dynamic blend of interdisciplinary collaboration and direct patient care, while working to address broader systemic concerns.

Social workers are uniquely positioned to support patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs as they navigate the complexities of our healthcare system. The unique social work skillset, lens and perspective is essential to enhancing patient care, ensuring safe transitions, and advocating for the needs of the whole person. I am constantly inspired by the opportunity to create positive, lasting change, and I am deeply grateful to be part of this dynamic, impactful field.

Victoria Canale, BSW, MSW, RSW, BEd, OCT
Clinical Float Social Worker, Humber River Health
Toronto, Ontario

As the only local therapist offering French-language services in my community, I give clients an opportunity to feel safe, respected, and understood in their preferred language. My work is informed by my commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for my clients to navigate challenges, build resilience, and heal.

In my role as Community Care Coordinator for Ontario Health at Home, I facilitate access to essential home healthcare services, supporting many Francophone patients to bridge the language gap and ensure they feel heard and respected in their care journey.

Living and working in Northwestern Ontario deeply shapes the way I support my clients. Thunder Bay serves as a vital hub for health and mental health care for many smaller, rural, and remote communities in the region, who often face geographic barriers to accessing care. For Francophone individuals, these barriers are compounded by the severe lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services. I have heard countless stories of individuals forgoing necessary healthcare services because they couldn’t access them in French.

I work towards creating a more equitable system of care, by offering some of these services in French, and through consistent advocacy for systemic change. This passion has even led me to return to school for my MSW, completing a thesis focused on gaps in French-language healthcare provision in Northwestern Ontario.

Many of my clients are navigating complex challenges, including limited resources, cultural and linguistic barriers, and systemic inequities. I’m committed to understanding each client's or patient's unique needs and advocating to ensure they have access to the care they deserve.

Alyssa Laflamme, MSW, RSW
Psychotherapist at Elevate Therapy & Community Care Coordinator at Ontario Health at Home Northwest
Thunder Bay, Ontario

I work with Indigenous populations from Six Nations of the Grand River and throughout Ontario, helping them manage anxiety, depression, grief, and intergenerational or multigenerational impacts and trauma of residential schools. As the child of two survivors of residential schools, I bring the lived experience of living on a reservation for my entire life, paired with my MSW and 20 years of psychotherapy experience.

I feel that my Creator has helped me throughout my career as a social worker, to gain experiential knowledge and the formal education necessary to be supported in my efforts in working with trauma survivors. I find that narrative therapy is most helpful, because we have always been storytellers, and have held onto our history through oration and memory. I am in a position to help my community leverage both traditional land-based practices, as well as western modalities of therapy.

To me, social work means having the knowledge and expertise to help others on their healing journey. It's about empowering people to find their purpose and achieve their highest calling. I never set out to “fix” anyone, but to help them to discover what they need to recover or rediscover their best life. Recovery and transformation is possible. If you’re able to help one person -- to recover their good mind, to achieve sobriety, or to work through their trauma -- social work is a great calling.

Dawn Cheryl Hill, MSW, RSW
Psychotherapist, Sacred Circle Therapy
Ohsweken, Ontario

In my practice, I primarily support racialized women and youth. Most of my work focuses on teaching on topics I am passionate about, such as culturally-responsive care, Islamophobia, racial trauma, and newcomer mental health. I design and deliver evidence-based professional development for schools, community health centers, and provincial and national institutions in Ontario and across Canada. I also lead mental health workshops for racialized communities and provide clinical supervision grounded in identity-affirming care.

In all of these roles, I am deeply committed to empowering trainees and supervisees by respecting their ability to make decisions that align with their professional needs and goals. Whether I am creating treatment plans or designing webinars, I prioritize a collaborative approach, recognizing that individuals are the experts on their own lives. My role is to guide and support, ensuring their voice remains central to the process.

Growing up in Malvern, I had the privilege of being a part of a diverse and resilient community that affirmed my identity as a visibly racialized woman. This foundation has strengthened my ability to guide learners in embracing authenticity and reconnecting with cultural healing practices.

As social workers, I believe we must uphold values that are identity-affirming and rooted in equity. This means critically examining your own biases and ensuring that you support your clients with fairness, integrity, and genuine care.

Huda Adnan, BSW, MSW, SSW, RSW
Principal Psychotherapist & Consultant Lead, Noor El Huda: The Guiding Light Therapy/Consulting Services
Durham Region, Ontario

In my practice, I mainly work with clients from East Asian communities, where discussing family issues or emotions is often stigmatized, particularly among men. There can also be a high degree of stigma around accessing mental health support.

Because of this, I focus on creating a sense of safety, gently guiding clients to validate that discomfort. By starting with what feels familiar, we can work together to explore ingrained behaviours and beliefs, allowing them to unlearn and grow at their own pace.

To build strong relationships, it’s crucial to be non-judgmental and culturally-responsive. Being culturally responsive means respecting and valuing clients’ unique perspectives and experiences. I always stress the importance of trying to see and understand the world through their eyes.

Acknowledging and showing a willingness to talk about your challenges requires courage. I love seeing my clients build insights, recognize their achievements, and make small but meaningful progress toward their goals. I wish that more people understood that working with a social worker can be the starting point, rather than a last resort.

Jaeyell Kim, MSW, RSW
Jae Kim Counselling & Psychotherapy Services
Toronto, Ontario

After leaving a successful corporate career in a more gender-expected role, I became a social worker with a clear and purposeful mission: to help more men find safety and support in addressing their mental health challenges.

My daily practice is dedicated to supporting men on their journey toward mental health and personal growth. I focus on creating meaningful change by encouraging men to seek help, fostering mental health awareness, and addressing the unique needs of this population. Men are often underserved in mental health care, in part because there has historically been a lack of specialized training and focus on the unique experiences of men and masculinities.

I meet clients where they are by recognizing and honoring the unique challenges men face when it comes to seeking support. Men have been socialized to avoid vulnerability, to view asking for help as a weakness, or to dismiss their own emotional needs. I work to break down these barriers by creating a non-judgmental space where they feel understood, not stereotyped. I strive to create a space where men can explore their emotions, identify patterns, and develop tools to navigate life's challenges.

Social work means being on the front lines of change. By tailoring our approaches to meet men where they are, we help them overcome barriers to care and foster meaningful, lasting change. This intentionality creates a space where men feel at home, breaking down barriers to seeking help.

John Shearer, BSW, MSW, RSW
Clinical Director and Therapist, Kickstart Men's Therapy
Guelph, Ontario

It wasn’t until later in life that I decided to pursue social work, but my inspiration goes back to the way I was raised. Being natural helpers, my parents helped others in whatever way they could, with an accepting and non-judgmental approach. Growing up on a reservation, with my parents as role models, these qualities, values and principles were ingrained in me from a young age.

After taking on the challenge of going back to school to pursue my social work training, I now work to support Indigenous clients in Thunder Bay and other northern communities in my role at Nan Hope. Our team focuses on providing community-driven, culturally appropriate and timely support to in Indigenous communities in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Territory. By providing virtual care and counselling, we are able to reach individuals living in remote or fly-in only communities. This can involve everything from crisis support and rapid-access counselling, to service navigation and long-term therapeutic support.

I believe that social work plays an incredibly important role in dealing with issues impacting Indigenous communities, including intergenerational trauma and addictions. At Nan Hope, we support clients who may be experiencing a range of challenges, from addictions, domestic violence and suicidality, to depression, anxiety and grief. Using a strengths-based approach, I draw on my Indigenous heritage and upbringing to incorporate our people’s history, teachings and approaches into my work with each client.

Rita Fenton, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Nan Hope
Fort William First Nation, Ontario

After arriving in Canada in 2011, my journey has been one of resilience and growth, as I’ve worked towards making a meaningful impact in my community.

Since then, I have earned a Bachelor of Social Work along with certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Palliative Care. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master of Social Work, while working full time at a community-based non-profit that supports individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. In this role, I also support clients with dual diagnoses who require alternate levels of care in transitioning from hospitals and healthcare settings to community housing. This requires a person-centered and collaborative approach, working with health care teams, other social service agencies, and families to create sustainable support systems that are accessible, empowering and responsive to each client’s individual needs.

Serving clients in a diverse and multicultural city, I am committed to working in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed and culturally-responsive ways. It’s important for me to ensure that clients and their families feel supported and informed every step of the way. I strive to listen actively to their experiences, validate their feelings, and provide resources that align with their immediate needs and goals.

It may sound cliché, but one of the reasons I love being a social worker is having the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. I hope that my journey can inspire other immigrants and aspiring social workers to pursue their dreams and make a difference.

Rosalie Banal, BSW, MSW (Candidate), RSW
Intake Social Worker, Reena
Toronto, Ontario

I play a few different roles in my community, with the newest being my work as a child and youth counsellor at an agency in Timmins, where I provide support virtually and in person to children and their families. I also work in a child wellbeing agency, where our team provides programs designed to support the wellbeing of children, families, and the community.

I am passionate about my work and truly love supporting my team, as well as working as a clinician and counsellor. I also sit on several committees and hold positions on the boards of a number of organizations in my community. As busy as I am, I prioritize self-care by relaxing at home while enjoying a good book and a great cup of tea or coffee.

When it comes to building relationships with children, youth, families and colleagues, honesty and trust are critical ingredients. I work hard to build them by actively listening to their challenges, maintaining my commitments, and staying true to my word.

When working with my team, I commit to giving them my full attention and as much time as they need. It’s important that they feel they can rely on me to help identify possible solutions, and support the families they work with in accessing them. Sometimes that can mean getting creative, by pooling resources with other agencies, or assisting families in accessing available programming.

Relationships and connection are the foundation of successful prevention work, and it is an honour and a privilege to be invited to walk alongside families on their unique journeys.

Angela Julian, HBSW, MSW, RSW
Child & Youth Counsellor and Prevention Supervisor
Timmins, Ontario

I run an equine assisted psychotherapy program located near the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. In my practice, I aim to encompass the values of a genuine connection by accepting where people are at, creating a sense of belonging, and encouraging authenticity in how people show up. I also listen intentionally to understand how I might be able to help. Sometimes, this means steering away from what therapy or equine assisted therapy "should" look like, allowing space for expression, exploration and whatever else might surface.

Equine assisted psychotherapy shows great promise in helping veterans with post-traumatic stress symptoms. It is a beautiful opportunity to explore what is working in one's life and what isn't. Horses tend to provide real-time feedback about boundaries and ways of relating. They provide unconditional acceptance, and they can often change the trajectory of therapy.

Many of my clients come from Indigenous communities, so it’s important to me to provide culturally-informed care. In preparing to open this practice, I pursued extensive learning about Indigenous culture, and I consider it an honour and a privilege to work with my Indigenous neighbors.

I believe that being a social worker is not just a job – it’s a lifestyle. It means suspending your own thoughts, beliefs and ways of doing things to truly listen to another person and respect their perspective. It means diversity and sincerity – and it means hope.

Dana Glass, MSW, RSW
Mental Health Therapist & Equine Assisted Psychotherapist, Hidden Cedar Stables, True Connection Equine Assisted Therapy
Belleville, Ontario

As a dedicated social worker and host of Real Talk on iHeart Radio, I have devoted my life’s work to bridging public education and mental health advocacy. Whether addressing deeply personal struggles like suicide and family conflict, or modern challenges like ghosting and social media negativity, I am committed to amplifying the vital role of social work in today’s world.

Over nearly four decades of practice, I have walked alongside individuals and couples navigating trauma, mental illness, depression, interpersonal violence, and relationship challenges. Working within a diverse community has reinforced the importance of an individualized approach—one that is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and mindful of systemic barriers. Many of my clients find themselves in vulnerable or transitional moments, and I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel seen, heard, and empowered.

At its core, social work is about bridging pain and possibility. It is about meeting people where they are, honoring their resilience, and equipping them with the tools to heal and grow. I feel privileged to witness the transformation that happens when clients gain clarity, confidence, and strength. The ripple effect of that change—within themselves, their relationships, and their communities—is what continues to fuel my passion for this work.

Maria DeRubeis, BSW, MSW, RSW
Social Worker, PASSAGES – Pathway to Healing
Windsor, Ontario

As a Registered Social Worker and Accredited Music Therapist, I specialize in supporting neurodivergent teens and adults in navigating emotional, cognitive, sensory, academic, and relational challenges. I have worked in diverse settings, including hospitals, long-term care homes, schools, small businesses, and agencies. These experiences have helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of the unique barriers clients face in different environments.

In my daily practice, I strive to create a non-judgmental and supportive space where clients can explore their experiences and develop strategies to overcome barriers. I have worked extensively with nonverbal clients in my music therapy practice, which has deeply shaped my ability to notice and interpret nonverbal cues. Music therapy requires an intuitive approach to building connection and understanding, without relying on spoken words.

My focus is on empowering clients to thrive and build fulfilling, meaningful lives. As a neurodiverse person, I believe I bring a needed and unique perspective, and I am working on accepting and acknowledging the value of my voice. I bring a wealth of ideas to draw from when advocating for systemic change, and I prioritize listening, providing space and support, and collaboration.

To me, social work means empowering individuals and communities to overcome barriers, build resilience, and create meaningful change through compassion, advocacy, and a passion for social justice. It’s not just about providing support – it’s about critical thinking, creativity, and navigating systemic barriers to create meaningful change.

Rebecca Goldstein, MTA, FAMI, MSW, RSW
Therapist, TUNEinTHERAPY
Windsor, Ontario

I provide end-of-life care to many community members and their families. In my role I provide counselling and support for the grief and end of life planning associated with a palliative diagnosis. I have a number of patients who choose medical assistance in dying (MAiD) and I assist them in the process. A large part of my role is to provide counselling to families and loved ones to help navigate the stresses of caregiving and their anticipatory grief and losses. I also help them understand the process, complete any paperwork, and connect with the doctors for support and assessments. Working in a rural community, many of my patients aren't able to come into an office, so I support them through home visits, phone calls, and video sessions.

After the palliative patient has passed, I provide bereavement support to caregivers, friends, and family. I’ve often worked with palliative families for months to years before their loved one dies, which allows a unique opportunity to walk with them through their grief.

I feel honoured that I'm able to help people find peace at the end of their life, giving them someone to talk to about their burdens and fears. All my patients have made an imprint on me, and I carry their stories. This work is as rewarding as it is challenging -- it lets you see resilience and strength in so many areas that are otherwise hidden.

Angela Hammond, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW
Palliative Social Worker & Mental Health Therapist, Upper Grand Family Health Team
Centre Wellington, Ontario

I work with applicants and recipients of Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program, who represent a diverse cross section of Ontarians. Many are unable to work or are seeking work, while facing challenges like income, food and housing insecurity. Every interaction requires empathy and understanding, but also an awareness of identity, culture, language, education level and ability, to ensure applicants are treated fairly. For me, it's not just about the letter of the law – it's about making sure everyone has equitable access to our social benefits system.

My work has a direct impact in determining how someone’s life will go for the next six to nine months, so I strive to meet people with a willingness to learn and match my approach to the person in front of me. Many have disabilities, and as someone with a disability myself, I do my best to deliver what each person needs, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach.

I also deal largely with people in Northern Ontario, and having grown up in a rural area helps me understand challenges in accessing services or transportation when everything is so spread out. I understand what it feels like, how much it costs and what it means for your day to drive an hour or two to the nearest grocery store. And how much more difficult it can be if you don’t have money for gas or have an unreliable vehicle, for example. It's a simple perspective, but it makes a big difference.

In my view, serving Ontarians is not just a job – it’s a responsibility that everyone who enters the public service should take seriously. Thankfully, I work with some of the best people in the public sector. We help each other learn, grow and thrive, and we ensure that our services are the best they can be.

Donald Montgomery, MA, MSW (student)
Appeal Resolution Officer, Social Benefits Tribunal
Hamilton, Ontario

I’m a psychotherapist in private practice who works mostly with queer and trans people, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

My approach is rooted in consent, collaboration, anti-racism, and anti-oppression. Through my lived and professional experience, I have found that this approach is especially important for racialized, queer, and trans people who are working to manage disabilities and the impacts of trauma.

For many of us, it can often feel like we need to divide or compartmentalize ourselves into categories to fit and match up with available supports. The mental gymnastics required to navigate the world around us can really limit our abilities to process emotions and trauma in a way that honours who we are.

Currently, I offer only virtual counselling, which means my clients are often joining our sessions from home. I find that this can help build a relaxed and conversational space. Working primarily with trans people, racialized communities, survivors of gender-based violence, and people with complex or childhood trauma, I strive to create an environment where clients can feel safe to show up as their whole selves.

The work I do now as a psychotherapist and in the past for community organizations has taught me that social work is less about helping, and more about listening. It's about combining an understanding of society, community and individuals to work collaboratively with clients to build pathways to equity and justice.

Jiaqing Wilson-Yang, MSW, RSW
Psychotherapist
Toronto, Ontario