Abi Awotunde, MSW, RSW
Locations: Phone/Video
Disciplines: Individual Therapy, Couple Therapy, and Family Therapy
Language: English and Yoruba
Top Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, Relationships, and Trauma & PTSD
Education
Masters of Social Work Degree (MSW), Wilfrid Laurier University
Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW), Ryerson University
License and Memberships
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW): 833284
Training and Certifications
First Aid/ CPR & AED Training – Level C
Trauma Tier I & II Training
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB)
Mental Health First Aid
Sexual Violence Response Certificate
Centering Black Youth Wellbeing Certificate
Cognitive Processing Training (CPT)
Abi’s Story
As a first-generation child to immigrant parents from Nigeria, I’ve navigated many difficult spaces within society where I was told—both overtly and covertly—that I wasn’t good enough. Luckily, I was able to cultivate a support system growing up that helped to highlight my personal strength and perseverance. The only difference between myself and others who may struggle with their mental health is pure luck. I was privileged enough to grow up in an environment where I was nurtured and supported, despite the many challenges I faced. Others are not so lucky, and I am aware of that.
I have lived experience with a family member that struggled with depression and other mental health issues for many years which heavily impacted my family, relationships, and self-esteem. My life experiences have fueled my passion for the work I do and my commitment to helping others see their potential.
Some people have been dealt a difficult hand in life which can make pushing forward seem impossible. Challenges like anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relational issues can be hard for people to navigate alone. I believe each person has the ability and skill to be able to help themselves, and it is my role to help support people in that process. My job is not to “fix” you, but to guide and assist you in becoming your best self.
I have worked in both clinical and community settings with individuals, families, children, and youth from various ages and backgrounds and have learned much about the strength of the people I have worked with.
I am a calm, non-judgmental individual that will offer you the space to explore your emotions and internal questions. Trust is an important element to building a healthy therapeutic relationship, and I am committed to ensuring the people I work with feel emotionally safe and comfortable. I utilize a strength-based, trauma-informed collaborative approach to therapy. I am not the expert on your life, you are! My goal is to create a plan with my clients to find solutions to address the challenges in their lives. These solutions are created to be tangible and sustainable, all while being sensitive to how past experiences have shaped you. I help people unlearn habits that may no longer serve them and help them acquire new skills. I do this by using an eclectic approach to therapy to decide what method works best to achieve your goals, because one size does not fit all. Cultural sensitivity, humility and awareness are important elements ingrained in how I practice and I am committed to seeing people from a holistic perspective, because people are complex and multi-dimensional.
You don’t have to go through the tough times alone, and if you’re considering therapy, it can be the catalyst to helping you start or continue your healing journey. Ultimately, my hope is for you to receive the support you need. If you think I could be the right therapist for you, using the link below please feel free to book a session with me directly, or book a free 15-minute phone consultation if you have any further questions. Even if I may not be the right fit for you, I’d be happy to connect you to someone else who is. Thank you, and I’m looking forward to working together!