SONIA PAHWA

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Change is possible.

We can do it together.

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About Me

I am a registered social worker in private practice. With over 17 years of practice experience, I offer clinical services, supervision, and training in downtown Toronto, and surrounding areas.

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My work involves counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families. I have specific interest in delivering suicide intervention trainings, and couples counselling workshops in community and private sectors. 

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I use a number of theoretical approaches in the consulting room, with special focus on attachment theory, neurobiology, and trauma-informed practice. I am regularly supervised by Gail Palmer MSW (Co-Director of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy). I've had the opportunity to work with many great supervisors over the years who have influenced my work, including Carl Hammerschlag MD (psychiatry, Indigenous and systems theory framework, student of Milton Erickson), and Genevieve Martins MSW (Strategic Director, Client Services Lumenus). 

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Research and Clowning

In my spare time, I serve as a therapeutic clown, working with Gesundheit! Institute/Patch Adams offering international humanitarian outreach. 

 

Currently, I am part of the clinical team researching the efficacy of therapeutic clowning as an adjunct treatment modality for Veterans and military members living with operational stress injury (OSI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), moral injury, etc. I see service members and first responders in my private practice.

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What to Expect

Our work will focus on discovering what is meaningful to you, and finding creative ways to reconnect and live in alignment with these values. Together, we will make sense of experiences, find ways to sit with the present, and figure out options for what you might like to do or not do next.

 

In sessions, we will use the deep wisdom of intuition and experiential moments to explore the possibilities and choices open to you. My hope is to join you in your world, try to come to the familiar with new perspectives, and to share a few laughs along the way.  

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To learn more about the approaches that influence me and how I come to my clinical work, see the Vlog.

 

 

Complimentary Consultation

The therapeutic relationship we create together will be very important to our work. For this reason, I offer a complimentary 30 minute phone consultation.

 

This brief conversation will provide an opportunity for you to share some hopes for the therapy, feel out if we might have a comfortable connection for therapeutic work, and ask any questions you might have. To schedule a consultation, click here: 

 

 

 

 

For more information on coaching and facilitation services, click here:

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Qualifications & Experience

• Master of Social Work (MSW)

• Member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (RSW)

• Clinical Trainer, Consultant, Supervisor, Therapist

 

Couples counselling, family therapy, and clinical development for counsellors are my current areas of focus. 

 

My work experience includes management, supervision, clinical consultation, training, and counselling provision for various contexts such as crisis intervention (Kids Help Phone), community mental health centres (youth, family, day treatment and residential services), hospitals, universities, and first responder and police services. 

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I look forward to working together, and walking alongside one another.

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Warmly,

Sonia