online across Ontario
Ramneet Lotay
Registered Social Worker · MSW · RSW
- Individuals
- English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu
Support for Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Abuse and 3 more ↓
Areas of focus
If what you are carrying is not listed, it is still worth a conversation.
Also works with Abuse survivor issues, Addictions, Aggression, Alcohol drug addiction, Body image issues, Crisis intervention, Eating disorders, Emotional / psychological abuse, First responders, Immigration adjustment cultural adjustments, Mood disorders, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Professional burnout, PTSD, Relationships dating, Self-esteem, Self-harm, Sexual addiction and Stress management.
In Ramneet's words
I recognize that even though individuals might be struggling and feeling hopeless, they hold in themselves strength and resiliency. Each one of us is an expert in our own lives and my passion lies in helping individuals recognize their strengths and abilities.
I am a registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and with the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW). I hold a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor with a focus on health, as well as a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours from York University.
Continue reading Ramneet's approach
Having worked in Violence Against Women Prevention Programs in Peel, I have supported individuals impacted by trauma caused by violence and sexual abuse. In addition to this, I have experience working with individuals struggling with mental health and addictions as a result of the duality of cultures. Moreover, I have a great deal of experience in group facilitation where I facilitated group programs for men, women, and children who have experienced violence.
Being CBT certified and working primarily from a critical reflective and anti-oppressive practice lens, I use strengths-based, narrative, and CBT approaches during sessions with clients. I recognize the importance of building a deep connection with those I am working with and find this to be incredibly valuable. In addition to the English language, I am verbally fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu and able to provide counselling in these languages. I can identify the importance of language as being a tool of strength, whereby I am able to successfully connect with clients.
Being a first-generation South Asian Canadian woman, I am aware of barriers faced by young men and women due to culture and I am able to bring a unique perspective to practice while providing a safe and comforting environment.
The overall goal is to utilize my skills and abilities to make a difference in the community. I would be privileged to hear your story and support you in overcoming any challenges you may be having in your life.
Background
BSW (York University)
Registered with Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
Also listed on
Qualifications & registrations
- Also holds
- MSW (University of Windsor)
- CBT Certified (Level one and Two)
- Improving Service Accessibility Through Solution Focused Brief Therapy: Making the Most of Brief Therapeutic Encounters with Clients (Two-Day Training)
- Experience
- 13 Years
- Also a member of
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Trained in these approaches — drawn on depending on what each person needs, not a fixed formula.
A few questions, answered
I was born in Toronto and raised in the Peel Region to immigrant parents from Punjab, India, who stressed the value of hard work, dedication, and staying focused. Above all, they taught me to be a good human being, to help those who are not as privileged as I am, and to always see the best in people. This led me to pursue a career in social work, where I continue to have the most amazing opportunities to work with and support individuals who are experiencing barriers.
My favourite thing about being a therapist is the ability to care for others and learning from them. It is extremely rewarding.
This is your time and counselling is an important first step to begin your self-care journey. It is an opportunity to build a relationship with yourself. Life is extremely stressful, take some time away from your busy life- just for you!
My life goal is to continue growing and to better myself physically, emotionally and mentally. I want to be a lifelong learner and experience different cultures and people. I want to help others and make a difference.
We give ourselves an opportunity to hear ourselves speak in a safe and comforting environment. Saying things out loud is very different from thinking about things mentally. Hearing yourself speak can be very beneficial and gives you the opportunity to make very important connections that you otherwise may not make.
I was privileged to be one of the first staff at the Safe Centre of Peel. A centre which models Family Justice Advocacy Centres across North America. A one-stop shop for women fleeing violence who can access childcare, social, legal and crisis support.
Getting to know Ramneet
- What activity instantly calms you?
- Deep belly breathing and a mindfulness exercise, such as physical grounding instantly calms me. An example of this exercise is; What are five things I can see, point them out? What are four things I can touch and how do they feel (texture or temperature)? What are three things I can hear? What are two things I can smell/taste? What is one positive and uplifting thing I can say to myself?
- How do you enjoy spending your alone time?
- Listening to music or a podcast while I clean.
- What’s the best piece of advice a family member has given you?
- The best piece of advice I received was from my mom. She has always encouraged me to have structure and routine in my day, even on a day I am not working. The benefits of a routine include predictability in an unpredictable world. Since I cannot control anything outside of me, I can surely have a bit of a game plan to conquer the day.