top of page

Meet the Team

We are two sisters who grew up in a small town, therefore we understand the importance and need for mental health support in rural communities.

 

As parents ourselves, we have also seen the need for services geared towards children, youth, and caregivers. We are both registered social workers with prior community and hospital experience. We look forward to meeting your family's- and the community's- needs for mental health support.

IMG_9798_edited.jpg

About Us

IMG_0702 2.JPG

Brittany Bent BSW, MSW, RSW

 

Client Focus: 

Adults (Parents/Guardians) 

Youth 16+

Hi! I'm  Brittany! 

Welcome to the first step to a new way forward! I believe the therapeutic relationship and collaboration are some of the biggest tools to aid in creating positive change. By providing a space that is non-judgmental, and client-centered, my goal is to help individuals build strong coping skills, relationships, and communication to help be the parent they desire to be. I hope that parents will find confidence in themselves and their ability to take on old or new challenges in their life using the skills, methods, and techniques discussed in session.

 

Approach to therapy: 

I recognize that parenting isn’t easy, and it certainly doesn’t come with a handbook. We place a lot of pressure on ourselves to be “good parents” and are often left feeling inadequate, overwhelmed, or maybe even confused. My goal is to help you sort through what it means to be a parent, and how your experiences as an individual may be impacting your ability to attend to your children and family in the way you want to be able to. Some of these experiences may be symptoms of mental health, experiences of trauma, relationship stress, use of maladaptive coping strategies or lack of healthy coping strategies, communication issues, or any other family stressors that leave you “full” and unable to take on anything else life throws at you. I draw from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

 

Education and Experience:

Master of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work

Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work

​

Additional Certifications and Trainings:

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Suicide Intervention (safeTALK, ASIST)

Sara Emptage BSW, MSW, RSW

 

Client Focus: 

Parents/Guardians

Child/Youth (7-20s)

Hi, I’m Sara!

I look forward to working with you on your journey! I have extensive experience working in a residential treatment facility with youth experiencing complex mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.), family conflict, and developmental trauma. In our teen years, many things can and will change, which can leave a young person to feeling overwhelmed, not heard, and/or struggling to embrace a new identity amongst other difficulties. I recognize how challenging seeking counselling support can be, as a parent or a young person, and am very intentional in making the space a comfortable and safe environment. Our life stories speak volumes, and I look forward to helping you write the next chapter of your story. ​

​

Approach to therapy:

As a Social Worker, individual, and parent, I value compassion and collaboration. Working from both a trauma-informed and attachment lens, I practice a client-centered approach to address the diverse needs of the individuals I work with. This means I meet the individual where they're at in their journey. I draw upon evidence-based practices including, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Strength Based Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. 

 

Education and Experience

Master of Social Work Degree

Bachelor of Social Work Degree

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Sociology

​

Additional Certificates and Trainings:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy through Wilfred Laurier University

Adolescent Suicide Intervention and Prevention

Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Play Therapy Summit 2024- PESI 

Autism Specialist Certification  (In Progress- November 2024-April 2025)

CommYOUnity Counselling and Family Support Ltd.                     info@commyounitycounselling.ca                      519-285-2525                   125 Dundas Street, PO box 298, Thamesford, Ontario

bottom of page