Hello!
My name is Stephanie Wong, and I'm a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. To get the important and uninteresting things out of the way, I will start by sharing the fact that I completed a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy at OISE, University of Toronto. I received clinical training at CAMH, which landed me my day job as a psychotherapist at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences in the Borderline Personality Self-Regulation Clinic. And in the evenings I am here. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, here's a little more about me, my story, and why I'm here!
My Story
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed being around other people. Friendships in particular were very important to me growing up. And with every friendship I developed, I noticed my curiosity for every individual story. Where people are from, what their interests are, what they want to do, how their family is, and what their relationships look like; you know, the whole biography. And although I started off as someone who enjoyed talking, this curiosity naturally allowed me to develop my ability to observe and listen. I found myself spending more time individually with my friends as they confided in me and shared their difficulties. Which got me thinking, what path would allow me to actually be able to support them beyond just listening? That's how I decided to go down the path of psychology.
As I started my studies in psychology, family became an equally important value of mine. That’s when I really started to notice my interest in people’s experiences and family relationships, and how they influence an individual’s current circumstance. And with a minor in sociology, I came to understand how societal norms and processes play an equally influential role in shaping an individual’s experience. To know that there is something I can do beyond listening, to be able to facilitate self-reflection and guidance towards change, or to hold space for someone to cultivate self-acceptance; I knew right away I wanted to be a therapist.
I love what I do. Everyday I am reminded of this when I experience the privilege of walking alongside individuals on their unique path. Whether it is a path of recovery or self-development, it’s an honour that I’m trusted to be a part of it. Both require a willingness for acceptance and change, which ultimately demands vulnerability. And that is impressive because it’s never easy to be vulnerable. My hope is that you don’t experience this vulnerability alone.
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