Helping children and youth heal and grow is what I love to do. I have experience working with a range of mental health and trauma-related issues. I’ve worked with with children and youth who have gone through neglect physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I have also worked with children and youth diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, attachment disorder, depression, anxiety, and global developmental delay. I have experience helping children, youth and families with daily life matters and skills-building to crisis situations.
In some cultures, including mine, seeking help through therapy and counselling is considered a taboo, unnecessary or a weakness. If this is where you are coming from, let us break that stigma together. It is okay to ask for help. I will provide a safe and culturally sensitive space for you to be your true self. You don’t have to go through challenging moments alone. I am here to help.
I also work with New Canadians who have unique pressures. People of all ages from different cultural backgrounds often face many uncertainties and pressures while adjusting to Canada. This could lead to isolation and an overall decline in their mental health and well-being. As I have seen this happening over the years in my own Filipino community, I know that this is especially true for children and youth immigrants, who, in addition may be experiencing conflicts with parents or relatives due to differences in cultural practices. Or vice versa, parents may find it challenging to raise their children and some relationships are broken.
My family moved from the Philippines when I was 15 years old. I grew up being exposed to Filipino norms and values. Still, I am also fortunate enough to be able to adopt our diverse culture here in Canada. I consider myself privileged for having a dual cultural background. I see it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between older and younger generations of immigrants in our community.
I completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Interdisciplinary Health (formerly Human Ecology) in 2020 and a Bachelor of Social Work in 2022.
As a Christian, I also aim to provide counselling using Biblical principles to folks who prefer to work with someone with the same spiritual beliefs or values.
If you are overwhelmed by our intake form, please do not let this hinder you from getting help. You can fill out only what you can, or please do not hesitate to contact me or Mercedes so we can work on filling it out together.
Our sessions can be in English or Tagalog.
I’m looking forward to working with you.
If this approach sounds like a good fit for you, please contact our intake specialist to start the intake process. You can do this by calling (204) 504-6976 or emailing us at info@mywinnipegtherapist.com.