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"We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to-do' list" - Michelle Obama

Heart Centered Therapy - One Client At A Time

MY STORY

Photo of Mary Keogh, Registered Psychotherapist

 

A LITTLE ABOUT ME......

 

My name is Mary Keogh and I was born in Dublin, Ireland. I moved to Toronto as a Nanny when I was 20.  My plan was to stay in Canada for 1 year but you know what they say about best-laid plans! I met my husband after 9 months and we ended up staying and making our lives here. I love my life here in Toronto but I still, get home to Ireland as often as possible to see family and friends - not to mention the ocean - there is something special to me still about walking the beaches there (regardless of the weather!).

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My most outstanding achievement and gift in life is becoming a Mum. I have a daughter who was conceived through fertility treatment (IUI/fertility drugs), I am a bereaved Mum (2nd-trimester loss of my son due to incompetent cervix), and a Mum through adoption (my youngest son was adopted internationally when he had just turned 1). 

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My long journey to become a Mum significantly impacted me and my life path. Through my infertility and pregnancy loss journey, I learned patience, humility, resilience, and the power and benefit of relaxation through mind/body connection (mindfulness, guided visualization, and meditation).  I also learned the benefit of developing balance and perspective in my own life. We are all so much stronger than we know.  Also, seeking the support of a therapist at the time was instrumental in my ability to handle the ups and downs of life and develop healthy coping skills. 

 

 

MY EDUCATION

 

I am a Registered Psychotherapist and I have a Masters's level diploma in Psychotherapy.  I am a member in good standing with the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario).  I also hold my designation in Human Resources (CHRP). I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and I have a strong commitment to ongoing professional development. 

MY CAREER BACKGROUND

 

Past

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I worked in the Human Resource field in the Private and Public sectors in Toronto for over 20 years in a variety of roles.  What I loved most about my time in HR were the relationships I built with clients and colleagues.  I am at my heart a relationship builder and believe strongly in the power of human connection. My communication style is casual and conversational. I believe in being honest, compassionate, kind, and genuine.

 

Present​

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I am a therapist who provides individual therapy to adults 18 and older.  My new career as a Psychotherapist is a perfect marrying of my HR career (connecting with people by listening & building relationships based on trust and respect), my education in Psychotherapy & my long-held interest in holistic mental health, as well as my own life experiences.  I am also proof that career changes are possible at any age!

 

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MY APPROACH AS A THERAPIST 

 

My personal style or approach I bring as a therapist is one of heart-centered warmth & compassion along with gentle humor.  Being a therapist enables me to work in a deeper and more authentic, meaningful way with my clients than I did when I was an HR professional, something I find very fulfilling.  I am passionate about mental health and wellness and normalizing the conversation around it. I believe being open about our emotions and feelings and asking for support when needed is a strength and not a weakness. I hold a space for my Clients always to be heard, validated & supported.  Together we uncover limiting beliefs, emotional patterns, or behaviors that impact your life negatively. Therapy may also lead us to identify, process, and heal hurts and losses my clients have experienced, sometimes as far back as childhood.

 

I work collaboratively with my clients to identify and introduce new skills and tools that will aid them in coping with life.  A life where they feel more in control and fulfilled and, where they will not only survive but thrive.

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As a therapist, it is an honor for me to connect and build relationships with my clients. Seeing a therapist takes commitment and courage, to witness my client’s hard work and transformation is for me, a gift and one I do not take lightly.

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AREAS I HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST IN AS A THERAPIST:

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  • Stress/anxiety

  • Relationship issues 

  • Communication issues (finding your voice)

  • Life transitions (moving to a new country, retirement, becoming a parent, empty nester, career change)

  • Low self-esteem or self-worth

  • Grief work (loss of a loved one, relationship, job)

  • Workplace stress & anxiety

  • Infertility

  • Pregnancy loss (1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester) 

  • Identifying and mobilizing individual strengths

 

IN CLOSING 

 

By reading my home page and about me page I hope it has given you some insight as to who I am, my approach, and how I can assist you.  

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I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to potential clients. Feeling at ease and comfortable with your therapist is a large predictor of success in the therapist/client relationship. Email me at mary@solasmentalhealth.ca or call me at 416.526.9903 to connect. 

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