meet Me
MARY ENGLISH
My Story – This new career and exciting change in my own life has come after teaching students with special needs for 20 years. Gradually transitioning from a classroom educator to being the wellness lead for students, I realized that young people need more knowledge, opportunities, and modeling for managing social, emotional, and mental stressors. My lengthy experience with children and their families showed that individuals who “feel good” about themselves are more likely to have positive thoughts, feelings, and actions. These can contribute to a healthier sense of self, perspective, and appreciation of capabilities. I can help you to learn what “feels good” to you, start to recognize these significant things, and incorporate that into your daily routine. My goal is to help you understand yourself better and learn how to take care of YOU.
The awareness gained from difficult moments and using courage to do something different has been life-changing and informs my practice personally, as an educator and mental health provider. I apply these learned skills to help foster in others a passion for; loving self, exploring alternative habits, and increasing motivation. My own life experiences provided opportunities to courageously leap into going back to school later in my life which was terrifying at first. It ultimately provided the foundational theory and underpinnings of what is needed to achieve and maintain holistic wellness. I completed the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology in 2022 to augment my many years of experience and skills gained through educational training. My goal is to create a safe place for people to turn to for support. I appreciate the journey and learning that has come from taking care of myself, and in practicing this, I now support others in realizing they too can be there for themselves.
Credentials
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have specific training for anxiety using mindfulness, along with supporting individuals with neurodiversity (ADD, ADHD, ASD, OCD) to better understand how to engage their natural skills and understand their needs. I have diverse training including Emotional Intelligence, Special Needs Certification, Autism workshops from the Geneva Centre, and Zones of Regulation. I have led workshops, presenting for other educators and families for the Ministry of Education and Resources for Exceptional Children. Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Intensive Training (ASDCS) / Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) / Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional (CMIP) (In progress).
My Approach
I am a Humanistic psychotherapist, who prioritizes you and your needs in a person-centered, safe, and trusting space. I also integrate mindfulness and self-compassion to support you in recognizing and managing distressful symptoms. You matter and as you realize this and get comfortable with this process, I offer practical and hands-on strategies to reduce the stress, anxiety, and pressures you may be experiencing.
This practice allows for improved understanding, and awareness, which can be proceeded with powerful choices to act. I understand how life can feel like it’s controlling us, which can lead to a loss of self, lack of purpose, and lowered energy/emotion/motivation. I will model ways that may lead to healthier and empowered mindsets, which also align with wherever you are on your journey of change, healing, and desired outcomes. This includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Compassion-focused Therapy. Let’s together use your strengths to find new solutions, and gently explore the pathway forward!