Louise Gleeson

 

Hi, I'm Louise (she/her).

Through my own life experiences, and from the work I've done with my courageous clients, I understand how psychological pain and distress impact every aspect of our daily lives, relationships, and self-concept. While the effects of this distress often hold us back in our lives, it can also push us to get the help we need to better understand ourselves. 

The work I do with my clients focusses on an exploration of sociocultural identities and lived experiences through a culturally-respectful, non-judgmental lens, as I strive to guide you on a collaborative journey of self-compassion and finding meaning in your unique story. Empathy sets the tone in the work I do with my clients.

I am skilled in working with folks who are seeking explorative therapy that considers cultural and lived experiences that have impacted the sense of self. As one begins to make meaning of their family of origin narrative, life experiences and identities, the here-and-now story that brings them to therapy is met with new compassion and deeper understanding.

 

My sociocultural identity is BIPOC, and I have lived experience as a biracial, bicultural immigrant. I am the parent of four children and have a supportive partner who is also dedicated to being an affirming health care provider. In my previous career, I was a journalist specializing in science/health and parenting content for major media outlets. I hold Master’s degrees in Reproductive Biology and Journalism, in addition to a Master’s in Counselling Psychology. I continue to take great enjoyment in writing and am niched in personal essay and narrative storytelling.

 

I am fortunate to live and work on the traditional territory of many Indigenous nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. This land is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and I honour their contributions to this land.

 

In my work, I engage in ongoing learning and allyship on behalf of my clients. I have a specific interest in supporting the mental health of neurodivergent clients and their loved ones, which is supported by my own lived experience. I also enjoy working with other creatives and am drawn to work on identity and the balance between professional/creative work and parenthood.

 

I have training in:

 

·      Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) (Externship)

·      Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFiT) (Stage 2)

·      Neurodivergent Affirming Care

·      Supporting Mixed Neurotype Couples

·      Trauma-Informed Care

·      Sociocultural Identities

·      Perinatal and Postpartum Support/Parenthood

·      Internal Family Systems (IFS)

·      Narrative Therapy (NT)

·      ASIST Suicide Prevention Training