Hello and welcome to my virtual space!
My name is Jay, and I’m a trans-identified masculine-presenting social worker of settler-colonial decent. Born and raised on the East Coast of Canada. I moved to Toronto in 2015 to complete my master’s in social work and follow my passion for supporting queer and trans folxs. I have been working with and advocating for the queer and trans community since 2012, when I began giving trans 101 talks to the community and local schools. My work has spanned three provinces and continues to expand here in Toronto.
Where I came from
Growing up in a rural community meant I was always surrounded by people who knew me and my family. People had expectations about who I was supposed to be and what I would do once I grew up. It also meant everyone knows everything about everyone, and if you are queer, word spreads quickly. Getting to where I am today was an adventure and a half. Throughout my life, I have battled: depression, anxiety, shame, dysphoria, dysmorphia, and transphobia. However, I have realized that even though things are not exactly how I want them to be, I am okay, I am resilient, I have support, and I have people I can talk to. My journey of self-discovery has driven my passion for supporting others to do the same.
My Work
I do my best to meet people where they are mentally, emotionally, and physically. I will work with you to create a safe, welcoming space free from judgment. My office, be it virtual or in- person, is your space just as much as it is mine. During our sessions together, you are in the driver’s seat and have control over our conversations. I will ask leading or guiding questions, challenge you on occasion, and encourage alternative modes of thinking, but ultimately, you get to choose what we discuss. I practice from an anti-oppressive lens using an integrative approach to therapy, meaning I will pull from various therapeutic approaches based on what I feel will resonate with you.
Common approaches I utilize are:
– Person-centered
– Solution-focused
– Strength-Based
– Mindfulness
– Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
– Talk Therapy.
Purpose of this Blog
My intention with future blog posts is to provide resources and information for 2SILGBTQ folxs, their friends, family, partners, and allies. Blogs will be posted once a month and cover all manner of topics, including but not limited to stress, anxiety, transition-related surgeries, how to access OHIP funding, and advocating for your trans or gender non-conforming child.
Colonialism and Land Acknowledgment
Even in a virtual space, I feel it is important to recognize my white settler connection to colonization and recognize the terrible things which have been done and are still being done to Indigenous People in Canada. It is important to me that I acknowledge the land on which I practice. I am a white person of settler-colonial decent who is living and practicing social work on land which is home to many nations, including the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory, known as Tkaronto, is part of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, which is an agreement to peaceably share and care for the resources surrounding the Great Lakes region.
I am grateful to be able to live, work and play on this land.