online across Ontario
Brigitte Diggins
Registered Psychotherapist · BA
- Couples, Families & Individuals
- English
Support for Affair Recovery, Anger Management, Anxiety, Conflict Resolution and 6 more ↓
Areas of focus
If what you are carrying is not listed, it is still worth a conversation.
- Affair Recovery
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Conflict Resolution
- Couples Communication
- Couples & Marriage
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Separation & Divorce
- Women's Issues
Also works with Caregiver stress, Family conflict, First responders, Forgiveness, Health wellness, Life transitions, Love intimacy, Mood disorders, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Pain management, Professional burnout, PTSD, Rehabilitation, Relationships dating, Return to work, Self-esteem, Trust issues and Workplace issues.
In Brigitte's words
“Things for us aren’t always easy. We’ve all been there. As a registered psychotherapist, I specialize in helping adults and couples work through the tough stuff.
For many of us it takes courage to “go get help.” Often it isn’t until the burden of pain, sadness, fear and shame becomes debilitating, that we find ourselves taking a cautious step toward change.
Continue reading Brigitte's approach
As a professional with 18 years’ experience, I never lose sight of how privileged I am to have earned the trust of those who would share with me their intimate and individual perspectives. I can always assure that my clients will be able to tell their story with dignity, in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Whether the issues are described as anxiety, depression, adjustment, conflict, or fear, my focus is to help individuals and couples find clarity, self-acceptance, and resolution. Through cognitive-behavioural-based therapy, my goal is to ensure that the individual voice is heard and that communication barriers are safely and respectfully redefined. The reward for me is in seeing the smile that comes from people taking back control and regaining quality of life. These things are possible.”
Background
Graduand Academic Medal, McMaster University
Registered with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Qualifications & registrations
- Also holds
- Cognitive Behavioural Sciences Program – Neurosciences 1 & 2, Psychometry
- Clinical mentorships 1997-2002
- Cognitive Behavioural International Training Team (Prisma Health), 1999-2002
- Experience
- 24 years
- Also a member of
- Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP)
Trained in these approaches — drawn on depending on what each person needs, not a fixed formula.
A few questions, answered
When I realized that people could help other people and maybe I could too. I realized how much we are alike, despite our differences. We all came from a family; we all carry a template of who we think we are; we all worry; we are all prepared to love; we all suffer pain and disappointment; we all have hope; we all want to be okay; we all need someone else who won’t judge us when things go sideways – but instead listen, help us find our strength, help us see the right goals, and keep going.
I am drawn to people and their stories. But – the special thing is seeing the light of positive change in a person: and knowing when I just made someone relax; hearing a person suddenly talk about noticing a change in their confidence; and experiencing someone feeling good enough to laugh for the first time.
Being hesitant to enter counselling is the most understandable thing in the world! Getting ready to share personal and vulnerable aspects of ourselves is precious; it’s private; and it can take some courage. So of course, it just may be a bit uncomfortable at first. That’s normal. And of course, not every therapist will necessarily feel like a fit. So, the key is to just give yourself a chance to explore slowly – explore the possibilities of building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship with that therapist. When it feels right – you’ll know it.
I am grateful that I have learned to see that the glass is half full, even in thirsty times! Which reminds me - I am grateful for my family – they keep my glass half full.
Trauma sufferers sometimes carry with them a sense of failure - that the emotional pain and confusion they may feel signals intrinsic weakness; essentially, entwining shame and guilt into what is already enough for a person to work through. Emotional vulnerability after trauma, even long afterward, is understood and a normal response to an abnormal situation – it is an understandable no matter who you are.
“You know me. I feel I can tell you anything.” “You are as advertised … you did not disappoint. I think you are amazing and awesome.” “I could not have done it without you…”
Getting to know Brigitte
- Would you rather cook or order in?
- Cooking!
- What song always gets you out on the dance floor?
- Full out rock! Most Rollings Stones tunes.
- What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?
- Full out ballet! – The Nutcracker & Pachelbel Canon
- Who has had the greatest influence in your life?
- My kids. No doubt.