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Meet Your Therapist

In life, there are "before and after" moments.

I often see those moments unfold when my clients finally come to understand themselves and how they got to where they are. Being a small part of that reckoning is one of the greater privileges in my life.

Rachel Egan, MSW RSW

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK, REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Attending therapy requires courage and authenticity. It's an experience that should both challenge and comfort you.

If that sounds intimidating, I get how scary it can feel to have a light shone on the vulnerable parts of yourself that you've been taught to hide away. So when you show up ready to rise to that occasion, it's my job to meet you there with the right energy, dedication, and knowledge.

What gives me energy every morning

  • 1

    Forging genuine connections with people.

  • 2

    Creating space where people can be their authentic selves and really feel seen, understood, and accepted.

  • 3

    Reducing unnecessary emotional suffering - because wow, there's too much of that going on.

  • 4

    Understanding and explaining the mysteries of the human experience.

Joy shared is doubled.
Sorrow shared is halved.

Formal Education

Bachelor of Arts

2012 University of Guelph

Honours Bachelor of Social Work

2016 Lakehead University

Master of Social Work

2019 Lakehead University

Background

I’m Rachel - a queer, neurodivergent woman trained in providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families.

I’ve been in the helping profession for just under 10 years and my passion for supporting those in their healing only seems to burn brighter as each day passes.

My path to this career began with a desire to contribute positive change in issues of social justice and systemic oppression in the world. I completed my first bachelor’s degree in International Development, which informed my understanding of how political, socioeconomic, and power structures impact the daily living and well-being of us all.

But that background is a fraction of what led me here. What was most influential in my pursuit of a career in mental health was the overwhelming feeling and sense of the world I gained after my own healing through trauma began.

My experiences gave me a deep knowing - an understanding - of the irreplaceable and transformative power of authentic human connection.

Coming to understand that so much human suffering can be alleviated through relationships illuminated purpose and meaning for me. It drove me to complete my Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW).

I’ve since had the privilege of being trained and supervised by many skilled clinicians. I’ve practiced in both public and private settings and had the opportunity to serve people from all walks of life. In many of my sessions, I continue to learn from the people who sit across from me.

Our collective knowledge of mental health, neurobiology, and the human experience is constantly expanding. Engaging in continuous training and daily learning is both something that lights up my life and also holds me accountable to ensuring you’re provided with the best treatment interventions that are backed by the latest research.

I call both Alberta and Northern Ontario home. I’m a registered member with both the Ontario College of Social Workers and Alberta College of Social Work. Outside of my career, I take advantage of living in these beautiful places by spending as much time as possible outside hiking, paddling, camping, and biking, and sharing simple moments with those I love.

Holistic Treatment 

Tackle your struggles cognitively, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and relationally.

My Approach

Some words my clients have actually shared to describe my approach:

Intuitive, authentic, genuinely caring, knowledgeable, present, understanding, real.

  • When we work together, I’m fully present with you, so you don’t have to face your struggles alone. This connection will help you move past the isolation that trauma often brings. This solid base will help you feel more supported so you can start rebuilding trust in yourself and your ability to develop closeness and intimacy with others.

  • I’ll guide you to notice physical sensations in your body, such as tension or tightness, in a gentle and curious way. This helps you become more aware of how emotions and experiences are stored in your body. Over time, this practice will expand your "window of tolerance," so you can better manage stress and emotions without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Your treatment plan and sessions are guided using your views, experiences, and needs as our compass. You can expect to be gently challenged, however, you are always respected as the expert in your own life. I’ll provide you with the rationale behind suggestions or interventions so you can make informed decisions.

  • These are fancy words - all they really mean are that we’ll approach difficult experiences or emotions in small, manageable steps, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. This approach will help you build emotional resilience and heal without getting stuck or flooded by strong feelings.

  • I truly believe my most worthwhile credentials are my own lived experiences. I haven’t personally achieved a life of no pain, escaped what it means to suffer, or feel no stress. Rather, it’s because I continually choose to face my own painful parts and experiences that I know how to be with others in their moments of need.

Therapeutic Interventions

We’ll use a combination of these interventions based on your needs and strengths. All of my interventions are soundly rooted in trauma-informed treatment, a neurodivergent-affirming lens, and attachment theory.

Request a Consultation

Therapy is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself. It’s also an investment in your time, energy, emotions, and finances - so take your time choosing a therapist that feels right for you.

I offer complimentary 15 minute phone consultations to new clients to give us the chance to get to know one another and give you an idea of what it might be like to work together in achieving your goals.