ABOUT ME
Anik Whyte RSW
B.A. Psychology, RSW
registration # 841713
I have a mixed educational background that includes a psychology degree and 3 years of Indigenous social work training. Along with this I have over 23 years of experience in the field. This allows me to bring varied approaches and supports that speak to you.
I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist specialized in working with individuals and couples facing crisis and multiple challenges and supporting them in making choices for their own wellbeing, short term (crisis, problem solving) and longer term.
Outside of social work practice, I have taught students these skills and approaches at Algonquin College. I am also an trainer including coping strategies, crisis intervention and wellness techniques.
Personally, I am an adoptive parent of a now teenager and have two other bonus children that I supported into adulthood from fostering. I love my blended family but like you, was open to support when I needed it as well. Being connected with people who understood made all the difference to my own well being as I faced any life challenge, trauma and crisis. I hope I can do the same for you.
Some of the approaches that I am rooted in and can draw from are;
-
Cognitive Behavioiural Therapy (CBT): Our mindset and habits play a powerful role in our wellbeing and coping. This approach helps to shift mindset (negative thoughts/beliefs) and break behavioral habits that may be impacting how you are feeling.
-
Strength Based Approach: When crisis and trauma overtake our coping and feelings, we forget that we have ways of coping that have worked before. This approach and these tools help to come up with steps, plans, solutions or goals that are based in what you can do, feel good with and are achievable to you. In other words, I don't force solutions on you.
-
Anti-Oppressive/Anti-Racist: Families and people are so varied and diverse. From identity, to beliefs, to cultures and backgrounds this approach works at being safer for you, non judgmental and rooted in your unique background and needs.
-
Feminist Approach: This doesn't mean not supporting men or people identified as male, in fact I know this approach can help everyone. It's an approach that recognizes oppression and bias and encourages empowerment and equality moving away from the therapist being the "expert". You are the expert in knowing your life, I am simply here to guide and support.
-
Crisis intervention: Crisis's happen, and often more than one at a time. In the moment, it can feel so out of control and overwhelming. Not only just for the person, but for the family. My approach includes techniques to help de-escalate crisis and emotions to feel more secure in terms of choices and control.
-
Problem Solving Approach: You may genuinely feel as if you have tried everything and there is no solution. My approach is that we talk that through and find what small steps we can take to be even a little bit more "ok", then a little bit more "ok" and so forth. One small thing at a time. My role here is to be creative with you in terms of finding a way(s) to lift some of that heaviness off your shoulders and a belief that it can get better.
Most of all, my practice is rooted in letting you feel heard, validated and supported. You aren't alone in how you are feeling, even if it feels that way.