About Me
My name is Justin Pinksen and I’m honoured to collaborate with you in your life journey.
I am originally from rural Newfoundland, and grew up in a small community until I left to pursue university. I often attribute my down-to-earth personality, my deep passion to be helpful and empathic, and also my quirky sense of humour to my early years.
I have several degrees and designations with my most recent being a Master of Social Work (Wilfrid Laurier University - 2015), which informs my work and allows me to deeply understand and address human dynamics and complex psychosocial factors holistically. I consider myself quite diverse in my therapy background and approach. Over the years I have found myself really adapting my style based on what each unique client brings to their relationship with me.
I have worked with youth and families for nearly 15 years – in several different Canadian provinces, and in several cities in Southern Ontario in a clinical capacity. I have worked within inpatient services, outpatient services, as a public servant as well as in private practice. I also have experience providing adult individual therapy as well as couples therapy in the greater Toronto area. My approach is mostly informed using an attachment, trauma-focused lens - looking at client's life experiences that brought them to where they are today.
My common practice areas include intergenerational trauma, disordered eating, anxiety, substance abuse, loss and bereavement, familial violence, relationship difficulties and attachment related challenges. I also have a passion for work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and within this my treatment focuses include: gender and sexuality related challenges (including identity discovery, hormonal and transition navigation, and familial education), as well as self-compassion work.
I am a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, as well as a member of the Ontario Association for Social Workers.
"When people build up walls, they end up keeping other people out - but they're also keeping themselves in."
Karamo Brown