A little about
Mariam Daneshgar
Who am I?
I am a sleep + anxiety therapist who helps those struggling with anxiety and stress, and/or insomnia and sleep issues to get relief and to find balance. I am trained and licensed as a Registered Social Worker since 2009. Some of the places that I’ve provided support over the years include a University, acute-care and rehabilitation hospitals, community mental health settings and Employee Assistance Programs. Over the many years I have supported working professionals, parents, university students and recent graduates, and others in different stages of their lives and through their many unique issues. I’ve also lived through and have had to deal with some of those very same challenges myself so I feel quite passionate about helping others get through them.
I am also a mother, a partner, a pet mama and a plant mama, a friend, and a colleague. I love plants and am passionate about tending to my garden. I am a nature lover and enjoy its beauties and try my best to protect it. I’m also an avid DIYer and love creating, building, and giving another chance to the pre-loved.
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Education
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Master of Social Work, specialization in the Health and Mental Health stream, University of Toronto
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Honours Bachelor of Science, specialization in Psychology, University of Toronto
Professional Memberships
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Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Worker (OCSWSSW)- In good standing
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Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW)
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Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
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Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSB)
Advance Training
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Post-graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Insomnia (CBT-I)
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Clinical Anxiety and Depression Treatments
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Mindfulness Awareness Stabilization Training (MAST)
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Motivational Interviewing
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Brain-based psychotherapies
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Psycho-sensory techniques (Havening)
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Telemental Counselling
My
Approach
My practice is primarily informed by the ‘Bio-Psycho-Social’ perspective, which values various aspects of your life and how they collectively play a role in your health and mental health well-being. So it is very important for me to get to know you and learn and understand your issues and how they specifically impact you. This perspective also means that, even though our work may primarily focus on stress, anxiety and/or insomnia, I recognize the overall impact and try to support you within the larger context.
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As part of my therapeutic style I strongly believe that your goals should guide the process. I work collaboratively with you to reach tangible results through tailored plans designed around your needs in a supported, flexible, and responsive environment. I also routinely check-in with you to assess progress and to make sure we're on the right track. Once you have reached your therapeutic goals I also place a strong emphasis on ensuring that you are well supported, feel confident, and have a plan to maintain the gained improvements in the future. My ultimate goal is to "teach you how to fish".
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Therapeutic Modalities. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with a neuroscience lens. I have trained extensively in its application with various diagnoses, and have narrowed my focus on Anxiety and Stress disorders and sleep. Although CBT is my main therapeutic framework, I do incorporate complementary therapies that work well with CBT depending on the issue at hand and the best fit with your needs. These may include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relaxation Training, Psycho-sensory techniques, Mindfulness, Brain-based interventions, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
[Read More if you are interested to learn about the specific therapeutic modalities]
