Maria Merenda (She/Her), MSW

I am a cisgender, queer woman with Middle Eastern and European roots. I was born in Toronto and have lived in various areas across the GTA.

 

Navigating life while in post-secondary can be hard. You’re not just a student. You’re made up of so many wonderful and complex parts, and it can be challenging to balance all of them at once. I aim to create a space where you can feel seen and heard, as you make sense of everything you’re carrying. I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and I’m honoured to walk alongside you on your mental health journey.  

 

As a Master of Social Work student, I have experience supporting youth and young adults facing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship challenges, perfectionism, identity, and life transitions. I work from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and inclusive lens, and value co-creating a space where emotions are welcomed and explored with curiosity and courage. I take an eclectic approach to counselling, often drawing on parts of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring my approach to meet each person’s needs.

 

As a student myself, I understand how overwhelming life can feel. In each of our interactions, I aim to bring empathy, authenticity, humour and collaboration to the work that we do. I look forward to sharing this space with you!