Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
MACP (in progress), Intern Therapist

Hello, I’m Debby!

I am a Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying, and a student intern at Christina Janiga Psychotherapy Clinic. If you’re wondering what a therapy intern is, think of a new doctor working through their residency at a hospital. I have completed my required studies, and now, with the supervision of Christina and the support of my professors, I am using the skills I’ve learned to assist those looking for counselling and support. When you see me, you will benefit not only from my formal education and lived experience, but also from the combined knowledge of multiple highly skilled professional mental health providers (all at a reduced rate!)

What to Expect in Our Counselling Sessions

Perhaps you’ve never tried therapy, or you’ve taken a break and now feels like the right time to get support. I use a number of different types of therapy modalities to provide care, but fundamentally I work from a client-centred perspective. This means who you are influences how our therapy sessions go and which approaches I may use to support your healing and growth. You can expect us to have conversations about your current life, what your hopes for the future are, and how we can work to make positive, realistic changes. I’ll be there for you as you explore and grow toward a more peaceful, sustainable, and satisfying day-to-day life.

Working With Students has Guided My Journey to Becoming a Therapist

Before beginning my studies to become a therapist, I worked one-on-one with students of all ages as a private tutor and mentor. Aside from sharing my educational knowledge, I also helped my clients as they made the important decisions regarding which subject(s) to study, and which university or college to attend. Many students talked about their struggles with important tests, big life decisions, and family-related issues. Witnessing the deep anxiety that these students experience and helping them through these challenges pushed me to learn more about mental health. This was a driving force for why I started my journey to becoming a therapist.

My Lived Experiences Can Inform How I Support You

I’ve had many experiences that may help me better relate to you. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and have been in a loving, long-term relationship with my female partner for a number of years. As a queer woman, I’ve experienced discrimination and alienation from both strangers and loved ones. I’ve also confronted deep grief from the loss of a parent, and I understand how bereavement can colour a person’s world. Therapy has been an invaluable tool in helping me navigate difficult experiences, manage complex relationships, and process emotions.

My Mental Health Approach is Eclectic and Includes:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Trauma-Informed Therapy
• Humanistic Therapeutic Approach
• Client-centred Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing

Will Your Therapy Journey Start Here?

You might be on the fence about seeing a counsellor. Part of you may want to try something new, but another part may worry that therapy will require a lot of time and energy. Therapy at its core is a new path to self-discovery. It can bring up different emotions (including joy and laughter) and it can be described as self-work. My question to you is this: If you’re going to work on anything in your life, shouldn’t it be on yourself?