pamgilbert.ca

About my practice

I have a diverse group of clients in a range of life stages, careers, and creative fields. Many are looking for help with their personal relationships. Some want to change their relationship with an addictive substance or behaviour. Some are in transition prompted by loss or unexpected life events. Others are looking for support and guidance along their career paths. Whatever brings you here, therapy invites the awakening of greater self-awareness, healing, new tools for life, and so much more.

"Let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are." Brené Brown

A Window Into My Story

Over a decade ago, my teenage son took his first steps to recover from a mental health and addiction crisis. To find help for him, I consulted doctors, therapists, addiction counsellors and treatment centres. Holding hands with my family, we supported our son on the winding road of his recovery. Being part of the journey was a transformative experience and it inspired me to change careers. My early work in counselling held a special place in my heart and it spoke to me as I assessed a new path. I decided to pursue academic training in addiction studies and psychotherapy. Fast-forward: My son is doing well, and I love supporting my clients as they make meaningful changes in their lives.

life EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION + TRAINING

LIFE EXPERIENCE + PREVIOUS CAREER

Perhaps my greatest strength as a therapist is my life experience. It has given me great insight and empathy for the struggles of the human journey, and optimism for what can be overcome. I had a previous career on the creative side of the corporate world, with senior leadership roles in advertising that included the launch of a startup for Canadian women. I moved overseas to train at Le Cordon Bleu in Cuisine & Patisserie, and briefly ran my own cooking school in Toronto. Following university, I spent several years as a youth employment counsellor helping students.

ADDICTION COUNSELLING EXPERIENCE

I have over a decade of experience in the addiction field. Along my son’s recovery journey, I participated in family programs at treatment facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Prior to studying psychotherapy, I completed an intensive certification program in addiction studies and counselling. I ran my own addiction counselling practice, worked with treatment centres, and facilitated a SMART Recovery support group. I’ve worked with hundreds of people in recovery from addiction and the loved ones supporting them.

Education + TRAINING highlights

* PGD/Masters Level, Spiritual Psychotherapy, Transformational Arts College, 2018

* Certified in Addiction Studies & Counselling, Centennial College, 2014

* Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), PESI

* Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dr Frank Anderson

* Brainspotting Phase 1, Dr Martha Jacobi (NYC) and Dr David Grand

* Mindfulness Training for Healthcare Professionals, Duke University

* Gottman Method Couples Therapy, The Gottman Institute

* Solutions Focused Brief Therapy: Foundations & Family, OISE, University of Toronto

* Discovering the Total Self: Balancing Mind, Body & Spirit, Transformational Arts

* Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.I.S.T), Humber College

* Honours B. A., Victoria College, University of Toronto

REgulatory College/professional association

— College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Licence #007975

— Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists (OSRP), Clinical Member

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