Priya Rajendran

Shanmugapriya (Priya) Rajendran has her Bachelor’s in alternative medicine from The TamilNadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University and a Master’s in Psychology from Annamalai University in India. She has been practicing Psychology for over 10 years. She is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Her vast knowledge covers working with adults and seniors alike. She specializes in working with clients with low mood, stress, anxiety, and depression. She has helped bring in positive changes in many of her client’s lives in her own unique way. She strongly believes in the definition of health accredited by the World Health Organization “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

Q&A with Priya

For starters, tell me a little about yourself

I pride myself in how I address my clients, which is through a Holistic Approach. I tend to look well into their personal needs so that I can provide them with the best care possible. I am open to learning from different client life experiences because I believe that these experiences can teach something valuable for a lifelong benefit. Others regard me as a sweet, simple and down-to-earth person. I value family and culturally bounded personality, and therefore can better understand the client’s depth of interpersonal conflicts. I enjoy spending time with friends, reveling in each other’s company as part of my self-care routine. My hobbies include cooking innovative recipes for my loved ones and most importantly spending time with myself, reflecting on my choices and rejoicing on how far I’ve come. Music has always been my best companion and I have recently discovered that waterfalls are my therapeutic healer. I actively reinforce this to my clients: “You are not alone, and help is available if you are ready.”

What's your therapeutic style? What's your approach to therapy? 

My therapeutic style is a client-centered approach where my clients are treated how they want to be treated. My approach to therapy is evidence-based and includes many different methods such as Emotion focussed therapy, Cognitive-behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Exposure Therapy and Mindfulness-based Therapy. All of these styles allow me to practice an eclectic approach in how I interact with my clients.

What mental health concerns do you specialize in? 

I specialize in depression, anxiety, self-harm and crisis intervention, eating disorders, workplace and financial stress, trauma, alcohol and addiction, family and interpersonal issues, career counseling, life skills education, sleep troubles, and  building self-confidence. Furthermore, I also support newcomers through the culture stress and culture shock that they might be dealing with.

What's the best compliment you have received while being a psychotherapist?

I believe that compliments are the epitome of the journey of the Client-Therapist Relationship. A therapist’s success relies on their clients becoming equipped with skills to bring about a better version of themselves in both their personal and professional lives. My clients have expressed their gratitude and respect towards me through the work we have done together. I have been complimented by my clients in my approach to bringing their life back on track and in how I have implemented positive changes in their lives.

What can clients expect when they work with you? 

My clients can expect a non-judgmental, safe, and culture-sensitive environment. They need to be open to learning the skills I teach and applying them to their day-to-day life to view their problems from a broader perspective and be better equipped to cope with them. There are no absolute solutions for specific problems, but the cognitive blocks that hinder the ability to analyze and create an action plan to resolve them. After working with me, clients can understand that sometimes acceptance brings marvelous changes to their life and they can find a stronger inner self within themselves. 

What are some therapeutic values that you bring to the table? 

I value respecting human rights and dignity, commitment to promoting client’s well-being and protecting clients' safety, being trustworthy as well as ensuring the integrity of Client –Therapist relationship. I am also mindful and adhere to the ethical and professional practice standards at all times. I provide honest and accurate information and focus largely on realistic goals. 

Why choose you?

I am someone who listens, engages and is serious about your troubles, analyzes it and helps you work through your struggles. I am someone with whom you can feel comfortable with, where your thoughts, feelings, and emotions are prioritized. You will be treated as a whole person, not just a focus on your mental health needs but also your emotional, social, physical and spiritual well being as well. With my experience in mental health support for over a decade, I can guide you through your darkness and take you to the ray of hope desired by you.