Welcome to Side Road Psychotherapy
Many counseling practices offer care to First Responders, claiming they understand the unique jobs, risks, and stressors of service members.
However, at the end of the day, the only people who truly understand the complicated issues faced by First Responders are those who have worked in these frontline professions.
At Side Road Psychotherapy, we understand shift work, complicated family dynamics, trauma, burnout, and the pressure to just 'suck it up.'
Meet The Therapist
Hi, I am Magdalena Pettit, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Side Road Psychotherapy.
With over 11 years of experience working as a Special Constable for a major police service, I understand that being a First Responder is full of challenges and unspeakable moments.
Over time, trauma exposure impacts brain functioning and the parasympathetic nervous system, narrowing our window of tolerance. This phenomenon affects our mood, personality, and ability to manage stress.
My mission is to support First Responders on their journey of healing from occupational stress injuries.
My Areas Of Specialization
Specially Tailored for the First Responders
I enjoy working with First Responders, my past work experince helps me develop raport and build trust with my clientelle. Thanks to my background in law enforcement, I can build a relationship with my clients through a commonality of experiences and a shared language. You won't have to worry about offending me or feeling like you need to sensor what you really want to say. I provide a supportive, judgement free zone to help you on your wellness journey.
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Mental Health Disorders:
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Emotional Well-being and Coping:
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Relationships and Family:
Life Transitions and Adjustments:
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No Waitlists, No Referal Needed
I see First Responders from varying stages of their careers, from new recruits who want to establish a therapeutic relationship that will sustain them through their toughest days. To seasoned veterans who want to work on their mental health to improve their quality of life. Whatever your reason for seeking help, I'm here for you.
Treatment Approach
Types of Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, using mindfulness strategies to increase psychological flexibility. It encourages commitment to personal values and actions that align with those values.
Attachment-based Therapy: This therapy focuses on the connections between early attachment experiences and present-day relationships. It aims to help individuals understand and improve their interpersonal relationships by addressing unresolved attachment issues. Brainspotting: Brainspotting uses the visual field to locate eye positions that correlate with unprocessed trauma in the brain. This technique helps individuals access and process deeply held emotional pain to facilitate healing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a structured, time-limited therapy that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is effective for a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral therapy designed for PTSD. It helps individuals challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to trauma, reducing its emotional impact.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT focuses on building and improving emotional bonds within relationships. It helps individuals and couples understand and change patterns of negative interactions to foster secure emotional connections.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS is a form of therapy that views the mind as composed of multiple parts, each with its own perspective and feelings. It aims to heal wounded parts through self-compassion and understanding.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT combines cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness strategies to help individuals manage depression and prevent relapse. It emphasizes present-moment awareness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings.
Motivational Interviewing: This client-centered approach enhances motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It is particularly effective in addressing substance abuse and other behavior-related issues.
Person-Centered Therapy: Also known as client-centered therapy, this approach emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine interaction to help clients achieve personal growth and self-acceptance.
Strength-Based Therapy: This approach focuses on individuals' strengths and resources rather than their deficits. It aims to build resilience and empower clients to overcome challenges using their inherent capabilities.
Trauma-Focused Therapy: Trauma-focused therapy addresses the specific emotional and psychological needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. It often incorporates elements from various therapeutic approaches to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Contact Information
Phone/Text: 289-208-5442
Email: pettitpsychotherapy@gmail.com
Location: Virtual Therapy Across Ontario.
In-person sessions: 3425 Harvester Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7N3N1
