Robyn Ocean

Registered Social Worker

I’m an honest, straight forward, compassionate counsellor and coach. I am here to support young people, women and helping professionals to unleash their full potential. If your issues are related to relationships, boundaries, self-confidence, career or graduation transitions, burn out or general existential malaise, let’s work it out together.

My approach varies based on your needs, but generally from a trauma-informed place I use harm reduction, narrative, CBT, and coaching to support you to reach your goals. I am interested in the truth, and not just the stories we tell ourselves. I can support you to unpack harmful stories told to you by our consumer culture, your mom, a toxic partner, or a self-serving coworker. We will do some digging, you will make connections, and you’ll have the skills to navigate whatever comes up. But we don’t have to dig up all the skeletons and we don’t have to build a home in the past. Let’s use the past as context, look to the future, and stay in the present. 

I really believe people are brave enough to uncover their authentic selves and I am here to support that true you to come out in the world. If you want everything to change, you have to change everything. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Q & A with Robyn

What made you decide to choose your role as a therapist?

“I didn't choose to be a therapist, this profession chose me. I was given an opportunity to support incarcerated women from a justice perspective and because of my political action work. By chance, I became a trusted support person and women shared their stories with me. At some point I realized I needed to learn some specialized skills to do this important work and so went to school for counselling. I just always wanted to support women to make change in their worlds until the world changed. And counselling is a great way to support someone to change their world, and that will change the world.”

What do you like most about what you do?

“Witnessing someone come to a realization or give themselves a break or feel a feeling for the first time...it's an epic thing to be a part of. I have such a strong belief that things will change and people can get to where they want to go, when I see a piece of it, I'm pumped.”

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

“That being able to "handle something on your own" means doing it by yourself. Handling your issues or dealing with your mental health on your own means reaching out for support, that is something you can do as an independent person. If you think doing it alone means being alone to do it, then you're cycling in the problems that make your mental health worse. Isolation breeds crises. Connection breeds hope.”

What do you value most in a client?

“An openness to put away defense mechanisms that worked in the past, and to try something new even though it's hard. I value a client who can lean into their authenticity.”

What would you like a client to say about you?

“That they felt heard and understood. That we created a safe space for them to share and grow. That they feel better than when they came in and it's because they felt inspired to make change. And now they have skills to maintain that change and amplify their lives.”

What is your biggest achievement to date - personal or professional?

“I educated more than 8000 post secondary students on the complexities and importance of consent.
I've taught 5 University Social Work courses and inspired the next generation of professionals.
Personally, I quit smoking cigarettes and I am pumped about that.
I've moved a million times and always build something new and special for myself.
I overcame childhood trauma and stress, developed boundaries and built healthy relationships. I'm still working on that and I hope I always am.”

What are your biggest professional challenges?

"That sometimes we only have a few sessions together but there is always more to say and work through.”

Approach

• Client-centred

• Trauma-Informed

• Narrative

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Harm Reduction

Education / Accomplishments /Awards

• Assaulted Women and Children Counsellor and Advocate Diploma- George Brown College

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)- McMaster University

• Master of Social Work (MSW)- McMaster University

Professional Memberships

• Registered Social Worker - Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

Average Cost 

• $150.00 - $165.00 (per session )

• Check with your insurance provider for coverage opportunities

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

Optimism & Pessimism
Understanding Complexity
Personal Growth
Disclosure

What is your personal mantra or favourite quote?

Just for fun

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

"Walk my dog. Spend time with friends. Road trips. Watch F1 races (nobody thinks that I would, but I am hooked).”

Fav Book

“Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. - I've read every one of his books and then gave up on fiction because nothing else compares.”

Do you have a favourite season?

"Fall is my favourite season hands down. I love scarves. I love the crisp air. I love sweatshirts. I love the leaves changing colour. I love layers. I love my blundstones. I love watching the epic transition of autumn.”

Do you know any other languages?

“I used to know some Spanish when I lived in South America, but now it's gone!”