Marlena is currently accepting new clients

Marlena Damone (she/her)
BA., BEd., MC
Registered Psychotherapist
Independent Contractor

Marlena works with:
Individuals (18 years+)

(905) 527 - 6337
marlena@everwellcounselling.ca

Marlena Damone

Registered Psychotherapist

I’ve always been drawn to counselling. Relationships and exploring meaning are central to who I am, and I feel like counselling is a natural extension of what I value most.

I have over 12 years of experience working alongside adults, parents, children, teens, and families across different settings. My approach to therapy has been deeply informed by my outreach experience with families. Supporting children and parents in their homes opened my eyes to how our lifelong patterns can develop, and the transformative power of learning how to feel safe and connected within our selves and our relationships.

I have a warm and compassionate style that respects who you are and how you want to experience therapy. I’m easy to talk to, love a good metaphor, and strive to create a space where we can slow things down and move from awareness to action. Above all, I’m continually inspired by people’s strength and resilience. I think we all deserve the chance to realize our strengths, to make sense of our experiences, and to find personally meaningful ways to move forward.

Approaches: Integrative Person-Centred, Emotionally-Focused, Existential, Attachment-Based, Cognitive Behavioural, Self-Compassion and Mindfulness-Based, Strengths-Based, Parts Work, Trauma-Informed.

Q & A with Marlena

What does ‘wellness’ mean to you?

“Wellness is a dynamic state of being that allows us to heal, grow, and work through what comes our way. Wellness is shaped by our physical, mental, social, and spiritual experiences and contributes to a sense of inner peace.”

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about mental health?

“I think a big misconception is that you need to wait until something big happens in order to receive mental health support. Counselling at any point in your life can help you develop ways to navigate your experiences and set a foundation for well being.”

What does ‘integrated health’ mean to you?

“It’s a holistic approach to well being that draws from different modalities and contributes to healing through focusing on the body, mind, and spirit.”

How does counselling contribute to better health?

“Counselling has so many great benefits: you can explore ways to reduce stress, gain coping skills to help you manage difficult situations, improve your mood, enhance your relationships, and become more aware of what you want and need to be well.”

What would you like a client to say about working with you?

“I would like a client to say I took the time to understand them, that I was supportive, easy to talk to, and that I provided a safe space for them to explore their issues. I hope a client would say they found the process meaningful and that what we did together was helpful. Above all, I would like a client to say they felt valued, respected, and heard.”  

What do you value most in a client?

“What I value most in a client is their strength and the courage that is involved in opening up and seeking support. I value honesty and vulnerability. I value the client’s individual experiences and their expertise of their life.”

What is your personal mantra or favourite quote?

“Doing one thing differently is often the same as doing everything differently”
— Matt Haig
 

Areas of Practice

  • Relationship Issues

  • Anxiety

  • Parenting

  • Family Issues

  • Stress and Burnout

  • Healthy Communication and Boundaries

  • Self-Acceptance

  • Managing Difficult Emotions

  • Life Transitions

Education & Memberships

  • Masters of Counselling Psychology, Athabasca University

  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major, English Specialist, University of Toronto

  • Bachelor of Education, Brock University

  • College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), Registered Psychotherapist

Average Cost 

  • $150 / 50 minute session

  • Extended sessions available

  • Check with your insurance provider for coverage opportunities

What personal qualities are important for the job that you do?

Compassion
Openness
Curiosity
Warmth
Acceptance
Patience

Just for fun

What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekend?

“Spending time outdoors with my family, making more bread than I know what to do with, and enjoying the quiet of naptime while I still can.”

What was the last really good book you read?

“Greenwood by Michael Christie”

What is your favourite place to find inspiration?

“Through good conversations or quiet places in nature.”

What’s something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

“I’ve worked over 20 different jobs, including online surveillance work and working on cruise ships.”