I know it’s important to work with
a therapist you can trust
Find out more about me before you book!
Welcome. I’m Megan, and I’m so glad you found me.
If you’d like to get to know me and my therapy approach a bit better, this subpage is for you.
I started my professional life as a lawyer - my dream since I was 15 years old. After 8 years of private practice, I was still feeling like I hadn’t quite found my fit. Something had been off, and I couldn’t shake the sense that a career in law just wasn’t for me. So, I made a big call - I would go back to school and get (another!) graduate degree, this time in Counselling Psychology, to pursue a new path as a psychotherapist.
I understand stress, anxiety, pressure, and burnout. I have always expected a lot from myself, and I have struggled with self-compassion and negative self-talk. I am drawn to working with like-minded individuals to reclaim or expand their resiliency and energy, connect with the present, and move toward a life that is congruent with their values.
Get to know me!
Outside of work, I care for myself and my mental health by connecting with my core values of grit, kindness, autonomy, connection, and adventure.
I prioritize time in nature (preferably around mountains and alpine lakes), spending quality time with friends and family, training for and running ultramarathons, relaxing with a good fiction book, or stalking my two cats fluffy cats (who might make the occasional appearance in therapy sessions … but don’t worry, they take confidentiality very seriously!).
I also love found re-watching my favourite sitcoms, including The Office, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Friends, Parks and Recreation, and The Mindy Project.
I consider myself an extroverted introvert - I LOVE people (especially the people that I love), but I need that time alone on the trail, or with my cats, or with my book, to really recharge.
What do I help with?
I help Millennial and Gen-Z professionals and students with the following:
Coping with everyday STRESS, BURNOUT and OVERWHELM.
ANXIETY - in all its many forms! Anxiety is adaptive - but when it starts to significantly interfere with your life, it’s time to take action.
RELATIONSHIP ISSUES (friends, co-workers, bosses, partners, parents, kids, dating - you name it. Our relationships are complicated!).
TRAUMA – when our past overshadows our present, we can begin to lose sight of what matters to us today.
Imposter syndrome and LOW SELF-CONFIDENCE/self-worth.
Big LIFE CHANGES like parenthood, job loss or change, divorce, loss of a loved one.
How do I help?
Every client is different, but here are some of the things that feature in my approach:
Evidence-based approaches
While there is no silver bullet in therapy, I do ensure that I am pulling from approaches with evidence of efficacy and the proven potential to create meaningful and lasting change. This includes mindfulness, deep work / reflective practices, and somatic techniques, as well as behavioural approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I also utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Mindfulness and acceptance
If you’re up for it, we can explore mindfulness techniques and radical acceptance strategies to help you stay present, manage stress, and develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts and emotions. These practices can empower you to navigate life's challenges with greater ease.
Cultivating self-insight
We are all made up of lots of different parts - these are all the various aspects of our personality and temperament. None of them are “bad”, but they create distress when we don’t understand them and why they are they way that they are. We can explore your parts and how they show up, and ultimately work to change your relationship with certain parts that might not feel helpful, so you feel more balanced and in control.
Resiliency building
Life can be unpredictable, and resilience is essential to cope with its uncertainties. I'll work with you to develop resiliency skills, empowering you to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and face challenges with courage and determination.
Values-based work
By aligning your actions and decisions with your values, you can create a more meaningful and purposeful life. If you already feel really in touch with your core values, that’s great! That kind of attunement provides a strong foundation for our work together.
Developing Self-Kindness
Many professionals and students struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling like they don't deserve their accomplishments. It’s also really common to say things to ourselves that we would never say to someone we love! I can help you recognize your worth, build confidence, and silence that inner critic. How peaceful would that be?!
My
Professional Background
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Here are my most important credentials:
Juris Doctor/ Master of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
Master of Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) General Practitioner
Additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Trauma-Informed Practice Levels I and II from the Trauma-Informed Practice Institute
IFS Immersion course through PESI
Mindfulness training (The Power of Awareness) through the Sounds True Institute
What can you expect from therapy
with me?
A Warm, Connected, and Relatable Approach: I understand that opening up to someone about your struggles can be daunting, especially if you feel they don’t understand where you are coming from. As a Millennial professional, I know firsthand the demands and pressures of life out there for our generation, and my memory of being in my 20s is still pretty fresh!
A Cozy and Informal Experience: I understand that therapy can feel … a bit weird or strange at first. It’s a unique relationship, but I try to create a comfortable, informal environment where we can both be ourselves.
Individualized Support: I recognize that every person has different experiences, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental health challenges. I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs and goals.
Collaboration: I always want to ensure that you are getting what you need from our work together. I will collaborate with you to make sure that we are doing the work that you want to do, in a way that works for you.
Start today with a free initial consultation
If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey towards a happier, more authentic, and fulfilling life, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
Let's work together to build resilience, enhance your self-worth, and cultivate a mindset that empowers you to THRIVE in all areas of your life.
You can take your first step today! I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me. This is an informal chat where you can ask me questions, I can learn a bit about you, and we can discover if we are a good fit to work together.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!
-Megan Strachan