Lucy Silhan
Binbrook,ON
Summary
I am an empathetic and grounded psychotherapist, deeply committed to person-centred care and a compassion-based approach. Drawing from over a decade of experience in psychology and early childhood development, I offer a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their inner world and cultivate meaningful change. Having recently completed a master’s in counselling psychology, along with advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I integrate evidence-based practices with an authentic therapeutic presence and cultural awareness. I am passionate about fostering resilience, healing, and self-understanding across diverse communities.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychotherapist (Qualifying)-Intern
Get Reconnected Psychotherapy
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Established a safe and supportive environment for clients, fostering open communication and trust during therapy sessions.
- Utilized mindfulness techniques during sessions to help clients develop greater self-awareness and coping skills for managing stressors.
- Built strong rapport with clients through active listening skills and empathic understanding of their experiences, fostering lasting therapeutic relationships.
- Developed personalized treatment plans to address each client's specific needs, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Maintained and updated patient records, changes in service plans and treatment reports.
- Provided crisis support and emergency care for patients.
- Led therapeutic process groups focused on topics such as grief, self-esteem, and anger management, facilitating peer support and personal growth among participants.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed, effectively addressing acute emotional distress and preventing harm to self or others.
- Maintained detailed clinical records and documentation, ensuring accurate tracking of client progress and adherence to legal requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients' psychological functioning, identifying areas for targeted therapeutic interventions.
- Guided clients in the development of skills and cognitive behavioural therapy techniques.
- Assisted couples in improving communication patterns by facilitating productive conversations about relationship challenges using Gottman method principles.
- Assisted clients in better understanding their roles as parents, focusing on developing skills to nurture and guide children.
- Worked with interdisciplinary treatment team to develop treatment plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals in coordinating care for clients with co-occurring mental health and physical health concerns, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.
Child Care Operator
Mary-lou's Daycare
06.2013 - 03.2019
- Enhanced student learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in lesson plans.
- Enhanced sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory development using traditional and modern educational strategies and techniques.
- Implemented evidence-based behaviour management systems to maintain a positive atmosphere conducive to learning for all students.
- Improved literacy rates by implementing targeted reading interventions and guided reading sessions.
- Encouraged children's independence and self-help skills through daily routines and activities.
- Promoted physical health by incorporating movement breaks and outdoor play opportunities into each day's schedule.
Early Childhood Educator
Brant Children's Centre
01.2010 - 04.2013
- Supported children with special needs, creating customized learning strategies to accommodate various abilities.
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Boosted children's social skills development through group projects and collaborative games.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment that fostered respect, empathy, and cultural awareness among students.
- Fostered creativity in the classroom through art projects, dramatic play, storytelling exercises, and other imaginative pursuits.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Established ongoing professional development goals, participating in workshops and conferences to stay current on emerging trends in early childhood education.
Special Needs Worker
YWCA
09.1999 - 03.2002
- Encourage independence by teaching life skills.
- Provide emotional support, routine, and companionship.
- Organize recreational activities, outings, or job skills training.
- Support social integration — helping clients connect with others or participate in community life.
- Adapt programs so that clients with varying needs can participate meaningfully.
Special Services at Home Worker
Hamilton Association for Community Living
04.1997 - 08.1999
- Life Skills Training
- Teach daily tasks like dressing, grooming, cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry.
- Help with money management or learning how to follow a routine.
- Assist with hygiene, toileting, bathing, or feeding — depending on the individual’s physical needs.
- Social & Communication Skills
- Help build social skills through play, conversation, or structured activities.
- Support communication development — including using AAC devices, sign language, or visual aids if needed.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Fredericton, NB04.2025
Early Childhood Education Diploma - undefined
St. Lawrence College
Kingston, ON01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON01.2005
Skills
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Compassion-Focused Practice
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Trauma-Informed Approaches
- Culturally Responsive Care
- Child and Family Support
- Active Listening & Empathic Attunement
- Building Therapeutic Alliance
- Motivational interviewing
- Anxiety management
- Building rapport
- Case documentation
- Treatment Planning
- Suicide risk assessment
- Crisis intervention
Certification
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Intensive Online Course Completed October 2024
- Indigenous Canada Course – University of Alberta Completed January 2005
- Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors-Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) Level 1 with Janina Fisher Completed April 2025
Certificates
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) #18206, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Crisis Prevention Institute, Hamilton, ON, CPR, St. John Ambulance, Hamilton, ON
Recognition Letter from Hamilton Police Services
I was recognized for helping an individual in crisis from jumping off a 12-story building
Timeline
Psychotherapist (Qualifying)-Intern
Get Reconnected Psychotherapy
09.2024 - 04.2025
Child Care Operator
Mary-lou's Daycare
06.2013 - 03.2019
Early Childhood Educator
Brant Children's Centre
01.2010 - 04.2013
Special Needs Worker
YWCA
09.1999 - 03.2002
Special Services at Home Worker
Hamilton Association for Community Living
04.1997 - 08.1999
Early Childhood Education Diploma - undefined
St. Lawrence College
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
McMaster University
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