Monique Robinson
Registered Psychotherapist
Starting therapy can be such a daunting and difficult process. Reaching out for support is a brave first step and requires a tremendous amount of courage. I believe that honouring this courage is important and I strive to provide a warm and supportive environment to explore what can be at times, a challenging experience.
I draw from an integrative client-centred approach and use tools from DBT, Art therapy, 3rd wave cognitive-behaviour therapies, and dyadic developmental therapy. My style of therapy is playful, relaxed and compassionate. You are the expert in your experiences and my role is to help accompany you through this journey.
she/Her
Families, individuals, children (starting at 12+)
ACT
DBT
DDP
Art therapy
CBT
Person-centered
- I play the piano and enjoy creating paintings using acrylic or pour-over methods.
- I have a black cat called Maki and a fluffy dog called Freya that sometimes like to join video sessions.
- I have an uncanny ability to find 4 leaf clovers
More than just work
I am fully bilingual and French is my first language. I identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.I have always been a person who has been interested in better understanding our minds, thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This interest became stronger and more pronounced after struggling with an eating disorder for over 10 years of my life and having to navigate the road to recovery. I believe that my lived experience with an ED has contributed to a better understanding of eating disorders from a clinical perspective as well as empathy and understanding of the challenges that ensue.
Challenges I can support you through
Traumatic experience
Anxiety/Depression
LGBTQ+
Divorce
Life transitions
ADHD
Monique's experience:
Monique is a Registered Psychotherapist and University of Ottawa graduate with a Baccalaureate in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Over the past five years, she has worked in community mental health settings through the Montfort hospital and the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families. Through these opportunities, Monique has gained experience with presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma experiences,life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, eating disorders, and divorce. Monique has also worked in private practice setting learning art therapy interventions as well as further specializing in eating disorders. Monique believes that trauma-informed care is paramount to guide her practice.
- For me I find comfort being in nature, that's where I feel most grounded and most like myself. I believe that nature connects all living beings and we can all tune into it no matter where we are.
- My favourite quote: “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” ― Brené Brown
More than just work
The team is incredibly supportive, collaborative, caring, and compassionate. Being a multidisciplinary team, we are able to each bring our own expertise to the table and collaborate with others to strive for a more comprehensive and tailored approach.
The Balanced Practice has evolved to a team of registered dietitians and therapists on a mission to support folks in finding their perfect balance between food, body and mind. We believe that we cannot talk about food without addressing our mindset, beliefs and emotions. We work with our clients to help them walk away from diets, recover from their eating disorder and learn to reconnect to themselves so they can live their fullest life.
Our approach is weight inclusive, sexuality & gender affirming, trauma-informed and anti diet culture. We firmly believe that health is not reserved for any body type and that your recovery is possible.
the balanced practice?
Why
The Balanced Practice was created to fill the gap & INNOVATE THE WAY ED TREATMENT IS DONE.
The Balanced Practice is a place where you can be seen for you are, supported without judgement and empowered with evidence based & Lived Experience informed personalized treatment.
Because life is too short to struggle with your relationship with food & your body.
The Balanced Practice was founded by Marie-Pier, who after struggling with an eating disorder, noticed a gap in our healthcare system. Through her recovery, she noticed that treatment was often not inclusive, non collaborative or client centered and often offered only short term support.
