online across Ontario
Thiviyan Sithganesan
Registered Social Worker · MSW · RSW
- Individuals, Couples & Families
- English
Support for Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression and Men's Issues.
Areas of focus
If what you are carrying is not listed, it is still worth a conversation.
Also works with Immigration adjustment cultural adjustments, Mother and daughter relationships, Relationships dating, Special needs / disabilities and Stress management.
In Thiviyan's words
Thiviyan is a clinical social worker with experience working alongside children, adolescents, and adults from a wide range of populations. He is an open-minded and empathetic practitioner who has tremendous patience with his clients. Using a collaborative approach, Thiviyan works alongside his clients to shape their own journey through therapy.
Continue reading Thiviyan's approach
Thiviyan prides himself on explaining abstract therapeutic concepts in a relatable way to his clients. He employs techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in his practice.
Thiviyan is passionate about sharing his wealth of counselling knowledge with clients to equip them with the strategies and techniques needed to manage challenging situations. He prides himself on his ability to explain abstract therapeutic concepts in a relatable way, using clever examples, metaphors, and even games!
Thiviyan received his Master of Social Work from Western University. He is registered, and in good standing, with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Thiviyan also enjoys hobbies, such as basketball and playing board games with friends.
Background
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Waterloo
Registered with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Qualifications & registrations
- Also holds
- Master of Social Work, Western University
- Experience
- 4 Years
- Also a member of
- Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)
Trained in these approaches — drawn on depending on what each person needs, not a fixed formula.
A few questions, answered
I was doing a co-op in university for a tech company in the IT department. I remember watching the clock every day waiting for the day to end because I hated the job. On the last day of my co-op, I remember that even though I didn’t enjoy my work, I felt sad to be leaving behind all of the connections that I made with the employees there. I realized that the part that I did enjoy about my job was being able to support other people with challenges they were encountering because of a skillset that I possessed. I made the connection that I need to find a career where I can achieve this feeling and I switched programs to become a therapist.
There are many things about being a therapist that are my favourite! I appreciate that every day is different and that I am able to see people be vulnerable and achieve growth. The things that I come across in therapy and the skills that I’ve learned as a therapist can also be applied to my own challenges which is not a quality that is as relevant in many other careers. I feel that my work is meaningful and it makes me feel unique because there aren’t many people with my upbringing that become therapists.
The hardest part about counselling is often attending the appointment, so if that is the position that you are in then you could benefit from making your only focus getting to the appointment and letting things fall into place from that point onward. When you break down the task to simply showing up, it makes it feel easier than if we are having broader thoughts about the entire process of starting therapy, and you will be more likely to overcome your anxiety.
My biggest accomplishment is authoring my own educational children’s book series on mindfulness and emotions. I noticed that the resources and worksheets that are available to children could benefit from having accompanying illustrations that show them exactly what it looks like to use mindfulness with their emotions.
I genuinely believe that people will be able to overcome their challenges through therapy at some point in their lives. When people are willing to be vulnerable with themselves by going to therapy, I know that they have begun their process, though may be a long and winding one. Even when I come across clients that appear to be having significant challenges, I have observed on many occasions that one opportunity can be all that it takes to uplift someone from a seemingly hopeless place.
One of my clients, who initially expressed doubt about the effectiveness of learning skills in therapy, shared that he found the skills effective after a few sessions because he could apply them together. He suggested that any one skill on its own might not be able to make a significant difference but when he possessed an arsenal of skills and could use them in conjunction with each other, he felt more empowered and confident in managing the challenges that came his way.
Getting to know Thiviyan
- What activity instantly calms you?
- Folding fresh laundry
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
- Done is often better than good when it comes to completing tasks.
- What’s the best piece of advice a family member has given you?
- Ask good questions everywhere you go.