Lizanne DeSouza (RP - Qualifying)

Hi there! My name is Lizanne, and I am a new student intern at Changing Tides Counselling. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

After completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Law & Society from York University, and a diploma in Social Service Work from George Brown College; I have spent the last 10 years working with the older adult population. I have helped individuals with a dementia diagnosis and their families employ coping skills to manage their diagnoses, and work through their feelings of grief. I was inspired to pursue a Master’s degree to learn tools to support clients further, after I got to be part of their journeys and witness their growth.

My focus is to create a non-judgmental space while offering different perspectives to clients who I believe are the experts of their own lives. Making clients feel safe is very important to me. As someone of South Asian descent, I bring an understanding of the stigma surrounding mental health in certain communities. I also have a particular interest in women's mental health, working with survivors of narcissistic abuse, and working with care partners caring for a loved one living with dementia.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my 6-year-old daughter, listening to music, and visiting new places.