Dr. Karma Guindon & Associates
About Dr. Karma Guindon
Philosophy and Approach
As a therapist, I am committed to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families to achieve their goals and find healing within a safe environment. I approach my work as a psychotherapist with the greatest respect for individual differences, spiritual beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and social experiences. I appreciate the uniqueness of each individual and family and, as a result, I provide treatment that is tailored to people's unique needs. My goal is to assist clients to explore and reach their maximum potential and strengths as well as working through barriers to finding peace, happiness, and self-acceptance. I utilise a wide range of therapeutic strategies from various evidence-informed approaches. However, the treatment modalities I utilise the most are EMDR therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. I also incorporate, if necessary, a wide variety of additional therapeutic modalities within a comprehensive treatment approach such as Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, and several psychodynamic models. Scroll down to learn about my consultation and burnout prevention services.
Professional Training and Education
As both a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Certified Couple & Family Therapist (CCFT), I bring a high level of clinical expertise and skill to my work with clients. The problems that bring people to see me are often complex (because life is complex!) and my training in these two professions enable me to help clients find solutions and grow as individuals. I am committed to ongoing professional growth and development. I have a PhD in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University. I also have a Master's degree in Social Work and an Honour's Bachelor of Science degree Specialising in Psychology, both from the University of Toronto. I completed my course work for certification as a Couple & Family Therapist (CCFT) at the University of Guelph and am a Clinical Fellow with the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family (OAMFT). I am a Certified EMDR therapist, which is an approach recognized by the World Health Organization as the preferred trauma-informed therapy. I am registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (RSW). Therefore, my services are covered by most insurance and extended health care plans.
Consultation and Burnout Prevention Services
I provide consultation and training to psychotherapy and mental health professionals who want to expand their therapeutic knowledge and approach. I have taught therapy-related courses to Master's degree students in social work, nursing, psychology, and pastoral care.
Regarding my doctoral education, my area of research explored contemporary understandings of ethical practice. I regularly speak at provincial, national, and international conferences about contemporary approaches to ethical practice. I have also received several awards, including awards from the Ontario government and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
I was previously on staff at Southlake Regional Health Centre for 15 years, where I provided psychotherapy services. I provided these services to children, adolescents, parents, and families to address problems associated with child and adolescent depression, anxiety, OCD, self-harm, chronic illness, school problems, and relationship issues. Previous to my position at Southlake, I worked at Mental Health Services for York Region where I provided individual, couple, and group therapy to adults experiencing stress, relationship problems, and mental health difficulties. Prior to this, I worked for 7 years at the York Region Abuse Program, where I supervised group therapist interns and provided group therapy to children, adolescents, and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I have also completed over 50 workshops and trainings.
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