Hi there—my name is Antonio, though most people know me as Tony. I’m a student counsellor attending Yorkville University, looking to complete my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. I have a background in criminal justice alongside my psychology expertise. I have previous experience working in the mental healthcare field, offering counselling and support to youth and parents alike. I am deeply passionate about working in the helping field to improve the mental well-being of my community and each person I come in contact with. I understand the ups and downs of life and how difficult each obstacle can be. Though I believe in the strength and determination of each person, alongside their support networks, to ensure success in the life circumstances each person faces.
I’ve always had an interest in understanding people’s minds, using my genuine curiosity as atool to aid in the therapeutic process. During my sessions, I strive to provide an open and
accepting environment for each person seeking support. This includes incorporating
collaboration, culture, and personal identity into each counselling session. I emphasize the importance of empathy and emotional validation through active listening while providing evidence-based interventions and useful resources to benefit each person seeking support. This happens alongside providing psychoeducation to assist everyone in understanding the processes of therapy and what they’re experiencing. Knowledge is power and the key to therapeutic success.
I practice counselling from a holistic approach, meaning that I enjoy using a variety of
techniques during counselling sessions to match the needs of the people I’m working with. I have experience applying interventions including person-centred therapy (PCT), cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Additionally, I strategically incorporate skills and concepts from psychodynamic theories while operating from a strengths-based mindset, highlighting the skills and abilities of each person I work with.
These techniques allow me to work with a variety of difficulties, including psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression. I also have experience working with neurodivergence, helping navigate life changes and self-exploration for personal development, improving relationships and communication, managing stress and enhancing self-care, setting goals, and developing constructive coping mechanisms. Anyone aged 10 or above is welcome to access my services.
Beyond psychology and counselling, I have interests in video games, music, movies, shows, and reading. I look forward to learning more about and connecting with each person seeking support, discovering your hobbies and what makes you, you.
