Begin Your Insightful Journey, Embrace Growth & Transformation
Simar Gill Lowther, Registered Psychotherapist
Simar Gill Lowther, Registered Psychotherapist
Hello, I'm Simar, a passionate and empathetic licensed psychotherapist committed to fostering mental health and well-being through a holistic approach. With a strong educational background, I hold double Master's degrees in Counseling Psychology, providing me with a solid foundation to address various psychological concerns. Additionally, I've pursued additional diplomas and certificates in Mental Health and Addictions, augmenting my expertise and allowing me to offer comprehensive support to my clients.
I specialize in providing personalized therapy services to individuals and couples, recognizing the unique challenges each person faces. Whether it's navigating through life transitions, managing stress and anxiety, overcoming trauma, or addressing relationship issues, I am dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for exploration and healing. My ultimate goal is to facilitate positive change and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
At Insightful Journey, I keep it simple yet impactful: I believe empathy makes a real difference in your life. It's not merely about engaging in dialogue; it's about immersing myself in your unique narrative, comprehending your experiences, emotions, and aspirations on a deeply personal level.
Beyond surface conversations, I delve into the intricacies of your inner world, seeking to understand the nuances of your thoughts and feelings. This depth of understanding allows me to offer more than just words; it enables me to provide insights and strategies that are tailored specifically to resonate with your individual journey.
As we embark on this collaborative exploration, empathy serves as the cornerstone upon which our relationship is built, through which we forge genuine connections and cultivate trust. Guided by empathy, our interactions transcend the superficial, delving into the core of what truly matters to you.
My style of therapy is integrative, flowing smoothly between different modalities to best meet the unique needs of each client. I believe in the power of blending various therapeutic approaches to create a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.
In our sessions, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. I utilize metaphors and analogies to help simplify complex concepts and make them more relatable and understandable. These metaphors act as powerful tools for insight and reflection, allowing you to gain deeper understanding and perspective on your challenges.
Throughout our work together, I provide practical tools and techniques that you can incorporate into your daily life.
Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (2021)
Diploma in Health Care Administration (2015)
Diploma in Addictions and Mental Health (2014)
Masters of Arts in Psychology (2012)
Diploma in Guidance and Counseling (2010)
Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology (2009)
In Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), individuals gain insight into how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact to influence their experiences. Through collaborative work with a therapist, they learn practical techniques to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to distress or dysfunction. This process equips individuals with skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and cope effectively with challenging situations. CBT empowers individuals to take an active role in their mental well-being, offering a structured and goal-oriented approach to address specific issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties. By fostering a deeper understanding of their inner world and providing tools for change, CBT enables individuals to lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for individuals is a therapeutic approach focused on understanding and processing emotions to facilitate healing and personal growth. Within a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, clients explore their emotional experiences, identify behavioral patterns, and work towards resolving inner conflicts.
The essence of EFT for individuals lies in helping clients develop a deeper awareness and acceptance of their emotions, even those that are challenging or distressing. Through compassionate exploration and validation, clients gain insight into the underlying meaning and significance of their emotions in the context of their lives.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that views individuals as containing multiple "parts" or sub-personalities within themselves. In IFS therapy, the goal is to help individuals understand and harmonize these internal parts to achieve greater emotional balance and well-being. The core premise of IFS is that each part carries valuable information and serves a protective function, often stemming from past experiences and traumas. Through therapeutic techniques such as "unblending" (separating from identified parts) and "reparenting" (providing nurturing care to wounded parts), individuals work towards healing internal conflicts and restoring balance to their internal system.
A trauma-informed approach to therapy is a guiding framework that acknowledges the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals' lives. It recognizes that traumatic experiences can deeply shape how individuals think, feel, and interact with the world around them. In therapy, a trauma-informed lens emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, validated, and respected. Therapists prioritize establishing trust and building rapport, ensuring that clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions and sharing their experiences at their own pace. Therapist adopt strategies to minimize retraumatization and promote healing, such as offering psychoeducation about trauma reactions, teaching coping skills for managing distress, and fostering a sense of empowerment through collaborative goal-setting.
The mindfulness approach to therapy integrates mindfulness techniques into the therapeutic process to promote self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional well-being. Central to this approach is the cultivation of present-moment awareness, where individuals learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. Therapists guide clients to explore their inner experiences with curiosity and compassion, helping them develop a more balanced relationship with their thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and body scans are incorporated into therapy sessions to help individuals develop mindfulness skills that can be applied in their daily lives. By fostering greater self-awareness and emotional resilience, the mindfulness approach empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater equanimity and wisdom, promoting overall well-being and personal growth.
DBT is rooted in the dialectical philosophy, which emphasizes the integration of seemingly opposite concepts—acceptance and change. key element of DBT is skills training, which focuses on building four sets of skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Distress tolerance skills help individuals cope with intense emotions and crises without resorting to harmful behaviors, while emotion regulation skills teach strategies for identifying, understanding, and managing emotions effectively. Interpersonal effectiveness skills focus on improving communication, setting boundaries, and building healthy relationships.
In addition to skills training, individual therapy sessions in DBT typically involve problem-solving and behavior analysis to address specific challenges and reinforce skill use. Therapists provide validation and support while also encouraging accountability and commitment to change.
In Walk and Talk Therapy, you'll have the unique opportunity to meet with me at a designated area, usually parks or trails in Oshawa and surrounding areas, ensuring flexibility and comfort throughout our session.
During our session, you'll have the freedom to walk at your own pace or sit and rest as needed, allowing us to engage in physical activity while delving into meaningful conversations. This innovative approach to therapy merges the therapeutic benefits of nature, physical activity, and psychotherapy into one session.
My Walk and Talk Therapy is also inclusive, welcoming you to bring your dogs or babies along. Overall, my Walk and Talk Therapy offers a refreshing alternative to traditional therapy settings.
May to September only!
Frontline workers, veterans, and refugees each play a vital role in our communities, often facing significant challenges that can impact their mental and emotional well-being. As frontline workers, you are on the front lines of care and support, dedicating yourselves to the health and safety of others, often under immense pressure. Veterans bring valuable experiences and sacrifices, yet they may grapple with the lasting effects of their service. Refugees, seeking safety and a new beginning, often carry the weight of trauma and uncertainty.
Together, these groups form a tapestry of resilience and strength, yet the emotional toll can be profound. It’s essential to recognize that seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a crucial step toward healing. At Insightful Journey, I am here to provide a compassionate space where you can share your experiences, process your feelings, and cultivate the resilience needed to thrive in your roles. Your well-being matters, and together, we can work toward a healthier, more balanced future for you and the communities you serve.
Direct billing is offered for Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
*Authorization by insurance and a prescription by a nurse practitioner or physician required.
If you ever find yourself uncertain, don't hesitate to reach out to me for personalized guidance and support.
Individual sessions are priced at $150, Couples sessions at $170, Family sessions at $180 and Walk & Talk Therapy at $180. I offer a sliding scale for those in need. For personalized and specific pricing information, please feel free to reach out to me directly. I'm here to help and ensure our services meet your needs.
The standard duration for therapy sessions at Insightful Journey is typically 50 minutes for both individual and couples therapy. However, you have the option to extend your session to 90 minutes if you prefer.
My professional title is Registered Psychotherapist, and I am affiliated with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
To determine if I am the right fit for you, consider scheduling a free 15-minute telephonic or virtual consultation. During this consultation, we can discuss my therapy style, and you can share more about yourself. If it feels like a good match, you're welcome to book your first session. There’s no obligation to continue therapy if you sense a disconnect with my approach. In such cases, I would be happy to provide referrals to other therapists who may better suit your needs.
After the consultation, if you choose to commence therapy, the subsequent steps include filling out the consent form for treatment and scheduling your first session.
Nature enthusiasts often find Walk and Talk Therapy fulfilling, as it fosters mindfulness and appreciation for natural surroundings. The rhythm of steps becomes a backdrop for introspection and self-discovery.
Walk and Talk Therapy might not suit individuals with physical limitations, severe health conditions, discomfort with non-traditional settings or outdoors, severe mental health issues needing structured therapy, safety/privacy concerns during outdoor sessions, or those seeking couples or family sessions.
Before we start Walk & Talk Therapy together, all new clients need to have at least one virtual or in-person session first. In this session, we'll complete paperwork like consent forms, gather your history, and discuss if Walk & Talk sessions are right for you. We’ll also talk about the risks and benefits involved. Most importantly, it’s a chance for us to get to know each other better.
Many insurance plans cover psychotherapy. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for registered psychotherapy services. If you require my license number, please let me know via email, and I would be happy to provide it.
At Insightful Journey, we appreciate your time and commitment to therapy. To ensure that we can accommodate all clients, we require 48 hours' notice (excluding weekends and holidays) for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. If you provide less than 48 hours' notice or miss your appointment, the full session fee will be charged to the credit card we have on file.
At Insightful Journey, I welcome payments for therapy sessions through all major credit cards. Payments are taken automatically using your card information at the start of each session, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for you. Your financial information is kept secure and confidential, so you can feel at ease knowing that your privacy is a top priority.
Insightful Journey's office is located at: Lord Simcoe Place
57 Simcoe St S, Suite 1J, Office #1, Oshawa, ON, L1H 4G4
If you’re having suicidal thoughts, do not feel safe, and/or are looking for immediate support, please visit your nearest emergency department, contact 911, or use the following resources:
Lord Simcoe Place, 57 Simcoe St S Suite 1J, Office 1, Oshawa, ON L1H 4G4
Mon | 12:00 p.m. – 08:00 p.m. | |
Tue | 11:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m. | |
Wed | 11:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m. | |
Thu | Closed | |
Fri | 10:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | 10:00 a.m. – 03:00 p.m. |
Insightful Journey Inc.
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