I’m a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, licensed with the Ordre des conseilliers and conseillères d’orientation du Québec (OCCOQ) and with a psychotherapy permit from the Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ). My background is in Counselling Psychology, literature, and post-colonial studies; I work with individuals from a psychodynamic, systemically- and historically-informed, LGBTQ+ affirmative approach.      

I seek to understand what a person’s symptoms may be saying in order to best respond to the needs they express. Therapy is a process of self-exploration, understanding, and acceptance that can open up space to let go of old and repetitive patterns and self-concepts. I prefer to work with clients weekly and long-term, and often find it helpful to attend to images, connections between ideas and feelings, and even dreams to explore the underpinnings of conscious thoughts and behaviour. I have found that the context of a warm and supportive therapeutic relationship makes it possible to uncover a new array of thoughts, feelings and ways of being. In this work I approach my clients, and encourage my clients to approach themselves, with both compassion and curiosity, trusting in their innate ability not only to change and grow, but also to accept themselves, their histories, and their quirks.      

My sliding scale is $90-140, geared to gross household income. Insurance companies will often reimburse psychotherapy sessions, but check with your provider to make sure. My office is located downtown at 2015 Drummond, suite 250 (Peel metro).  

I am currently on leave until September 2021 and so am not taking new clients at this time. I can be contacted at veronica.blackbourn@gmail.com; I will try to respond to email within a week when I have returned from my leave.