Written by Sydney Maharaj-Nicholson, RP (Qualifying)
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) working as an intern with the Kemptville Stress Relief Centre. I have a limitless belief in human beings and their capacity to thrive. From a young age I saw the best in people and recognized the pain they were carrying when they hurt those around them. Collective human suffering heavily influenced my journey of becoming a therapist. My experiences and knowledge of the family court system, the immigration system, the healthcare system, and the youth justice system have cultivated and influenced my story. These structures and processes that are put in place with the intention of assisting the general public often overlook the consequences on the many individuals that are left to navigate them. My passion as a therapist is to empower the people that choose to work with me that have felt alone or left behind by the world, who need someone to reach out their hand and give a little support until they can stand on their own again.
My passion as a therapist is to empower the people that choose to work with me that have felt alone or left behind by the world
I resonate with the strength of others to protect themselves against the dangers of their inner and outer world. What has been labelled mental illness or disordered thinking and behaving, I believe is an instinctive ability to survive in a society that was not built for everyone to succeed. I enjoy working with people to recognize the benefits of their protective instincts and develop new strategies that nurture wellness. I take an integrative approach in my work because one size does not fill all. There are collective experiences that human beings share, but everyone will have nuances that are exclusive to their story. Using a person-centered approach, I like to work with folks to discover the tools and skills that help them thrive and feel safe being authentic.
I work with individuals ages 16 and up experiencing varying struggles, including concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, communication and self-esteem. I focus my current work on individuals from blended families, but work with those outside of that realm, including LGBTQIA+ folks. I am also beginning to work with couples in late August. In the future I would like to work with children and families outside of the nuclear structure. I understand some of the distinctive challenges and obstacles they face and value cultivating harmony within the family and within coparenting relationships.
Warmly,
Sydney
To connect with Michelle or any one of our counsellors, call 613-701-7574 or email us at info@ksrc.ca
