Susanna Damiani di Vergada
I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and I have training and experience providing evidence-based couple therapy, family therapy and individual therapy.
As a therapist, I work from an integrative eclectic approach that draws from multiple theories and approaches to address the unique needs of each person.
I offer services in English and Italian.
Education and Training
I earned my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto, specializing in families and children, and have additional training in Emotion Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness.
My social work and psychotherapy practice is informed by my experience working with individuals and families with diverse backgrounds in community organizations, outpatient clinics, hospital settings, government administration, and private practice.
Theoretical Approach
I take the time to establish and maintain an effective and sustained therapeutic alliance with clients by drawing on my ability to be genuine, authentic, respectful, collaborative, client-focused, and non-judgmental.
I strive to create a safe space for clients to explore their concerns and collaboratively work towards their treatment goals, as I strongly believe that clients are experts in their own lives.
Personal Background
I was born in Italy and raised bilingual (Italian + English) since the age of five. I moved to Canada after my first Bachelor's Degree in Theatre and Performing Arts. Bridging my Canadian education at York University, where I pursued a Bachelor in Psychology, was my focus on using art and theatrical techniques and strategies to facilitate change in therapy.
My passion for therapy is driven by my lived experiences where I witnessed first-hand the benefits of entering a therapeutic relationship and fostering self-growth and development. Through the difficulties of settling in a new country, I felt the passion for social work and, after some years working in private and public healthcare, I decided to pursue my Master in Social Work at the University of Toronto.
My eclectic knowledge and specialized trainings bring alive my passion to help clients start their journeys to heal, grow and thrive through therapy and through developing strength and resiliency.
Languages
English and Italian
Memberships
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
- International Society for Emotion Focused Therapy (ISEFT)
- Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
- International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
- Phi Alpha Honour Society for Social Work
Toronto, ON - Canada
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