“I have a passion for working with children to young adults and older adults 60+ who are struggling with complex mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders. I strongly believe in the transformative power of therapy, and I am committed to helping my clients achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and build fulfilling lives. Every person has the potential to grow and change, and I am dedicated to supporting my clients in their journey towards healing and growth.
In my practice, I primarily use acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), CBT, strength-based therapy, play therapy, trauma therapy and SMART recovery tools to help my clients overcome obstacles, build resilience, understand thoughts & feelings and build emotional regulation skills.
My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the complex challenges that my clients are facing. I am committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where my clients can feel heard, validated, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
Vasthi is a kind, empathetic and passionate therapist and social worker. Vasthi is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Vasthi holds a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from York University. Vasthi currently has over 5 years of experience working in the social services sector with vulnerable populations.
Fostering collaborative relationships with her clients, Vasthi wants her client’s voices to be heard and their lived experiences to be acknowledged. She firmly believes in meeting clients where they are at. In her counseling practice, Vasthi is committed to providing space that allows for emotional vulnerability, while providing practical tools to grow and heal in a way that is authentic to the individual. She works with her clients to ensure their strengths are being cultivated while also acknowledging how systems work to oppress and create barriers.
Vasthi’s approach to therapy is client-focused, strengths-based, and anti-oppressive. She specializes in providing therapy to youth and adults, utilizing elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Vasthi’s experience includes work in education, youth community support, and clinical social work through hospital. Her roles have included providing clinical support to black children and youth along with their families. Vasthi has experience providing clinical support within hospital mental health settings. She has experience in assisting clients with a variety of needs including, anxiety, depression, grief, racial trauma, faith-based trauma, coping skills, confidence, self-esteem and emotional regulation.
Vasthi’s work as a therapist and social worker is centered on recognizing impacts of oppression, de-stigmatizing mental health, and promoting healing and liberation, particularly within communities of colour. She is social justice-oriented, and integrates anti-oppressive, radical forms of therapy into her work with clients. Having grown up as a first-generation Haitian and Black woman, she has gained a deep understanding of the effects of intersectionality, diversity, and social issues from a young age. Vasthi brings this awareness of identity and cultural humility into her practice with clients. Vasthi’s love of being a counsellor stems from her passion to support clients in holding their stories, pain, emotions, and triumphs while assisting them in navigating our social world.
Vasthi practices what she preaches by integrating the values of rest and relaxation into her daily life. You can find her curled up with a good book on any day. Vasthi also enjoys practicing yoga as mindfulness and self-care.
