Marra Sheldon
MSW, Registered Social Worker
B.A Psychology and Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies
Graduate Certificate Addictions & Mental Health
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
I am a seasoned Registered Social Worker with a decade of experience who works with moods, anxiety, self esteem, identity, attachment wounds and relationships. I have a background in psychology and sexuality, and marriage and family. In my work with couples I provide support with conflict, life transitions, infidelity, and trauma. I also work with first responders, and have experience supporting gender identity work.
You may be feeling the weight of the world and need some support. You may feel like you do not know which way is up or the space to uncover what you have inside that can help you. Together we can explore ways to heal and strengthen your connections to yourself and others. We can build your confidence so you can feel more aligned with who you are, what you need and what you want your life to look like.
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I offer a holistic approach that honours the mind-body connection and allows you to be seen, heard and supported. I integrate therapeutic strategies with more physical and somatic practices like yoga and mindfulness. This strengthens connection and gives you ground so you can better manage the curveballs in your life.
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I completed my graduate masters studies at University of Toronto, and my undergraduate studies at University of Waterloo. And for the past nine years I have worked in a variety of therapeutic roles to support first responders, adult issues, youth programs, gender identity work and couples therapy.
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I wholeheartedly believe you can care for yourself, grow personally, and engage with the world in a positive or honest way. ​
Welcome. I look forward to working with you!
Subjects:
Trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Mood Disorders, Addictions, Personality Disorders, Gender Identity, First Responders, Relationship Issues
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Types of Therapy:
Gottman Couples Method, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, CBT, IFS-Informed, Attachment Theory
My Pronouns:
she/her
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Beyond my Work:
When I am not caring for my beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Ella you can find me hopping around Hamilton trying different cafes and restaurants, hiking the Bruce Trail, or at a yoga class! I also love music, travel and scuba diving. Anything active, count me in!
More about me, and how I work...
With DBT, I focus on helping you cultivate mindfulness, emotional regulation and distress tolerance to navigate life’s challenges. By fostering a compassionate and non-judgemental space, I use the therapy to support you in deepening your understanding of yourself, the challenges you are facing, and learning practical tools to manage your emotions and create more balance in your life.
With the Gottman method in couples, I will support you in using evidence-based tools and strategies to strengthen your connection and explore underlying needs and patterns of behaviour and interactions. With a focus on vulnerability and empathy, I guide partners in rebuilding trust and understanding of one another. This process empowers couples to communicate more effectively, navigate conflict and reconnect in meaningful ways.
By integrating effective modalities, I involve the mind-body connection and each person’s unique journey...taking into consideration your background and the things that make you, you. My goal is to create a safe space where individuals and couples can heal, grow and build authentic relationships with themselves and each other.