Gurneet Kandola

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:

I enjoy spending time with my family, I have two kids 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. We are very close as a family and love playing board games and watching movies together. I also love to spend some alone/ me time doing what I enjoy.

For Self-Care:

I love to spend some alone time reading and relaxing and as well as I also enjoy doing gardening and having lots of indoor plants.

For Fun:

Love to have fun with my family and friends. We go together as a family for long bike rides.

For Growth:

Keep reading and learning from everyone. I am also looking into taking some courses to be able to do some testing and as well as expand my knowledge in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

Something unique about me is:

I am easygoing and calm.

What are your academic credentials?

I graduated from Panjab University with a Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology and Public Administration. I then earned my Masters in Social Work from Himachal Pradesh University in 2006 and then I earned/completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology from Himachal Pradesh University in year 2007.

I migrated to Canada in the year 2009 in October and after getting all my credentials assessed by IQAS (International Qualification Assessments Services) I was Credited in Canada with a BA in Social Work and Masters in Social Work and a PG Diploma in Clinical Psychology. Then I earned my Provincial RSW (Registered Social Worker) license in 2010 completed the supervised 1500hrs and received my RSW license with ACSW in 2012 in Canada.

Before I Was in the Mental Health Field…

I was working in:

When I migrated to Canada in the year 2009 I started to learn about the Canadian work practice by volunteering with Catholic Social Services and during my last 15+ years of experience in Canada I have worked with Catholic Social Services as a CYCW (Child and Youth Care Worker), a worker with CHIMO in TSIL program where I supported the young people to transition to adulthood, working with CASA in their TAG program and as well as CASA house working with children and teens with behavioural and mental health issues and working in collaboration with the families to equip them with skills to support their kids. I also worked with Child and Family Services as a Senior Child Intervention Practitioner and worked with vulnerable children and families and with adults struggling with mental health and addictions as well as work with youth struggling with addictions, mental health and high-risk behaviour. I also worked as an FCSW (Foster care support worker) for foster families who support the children in care.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:

Learning the Canadian work ethics but also seeing how there are so much less recourses available for mental health and there is such a big system lapse. How long does it take to get the support and how do they impact the people more and more in the long term?

Three Things I’m Currently Obsessed With and Why:

1. Expanding my skills of counselling.
2. Learning and widening my knowledge for DBT.
3. Reading: I love reading autobiographies and true stories and I have obsession to read books.

Books & Podcasts

The Most Helpful Book I’ve Read Is:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Biggest Takeaway: The importance of following your life purpose, dream and embracing the journey and trusting the universe to help you achieve your dreams, even when faced with challenges. This book has helped me a lot to stay calm and focused in difficult times.

The Most Interesting Book I’ve Read Is:

My Feudal Lord by Tehmina Durrani
Why: It is a powerful autobiographical account of a women exposed to the struggles in the patriarchal and feudal society highlighting gender discrimination and domestic violence and the courage it takes to speak out against injustice and seek liberation. Its a beautiful book exhibiting resiliency.

Favorite Podcast:

I haven't gotten into podcasts yet, but if you have any recommendations, let me know!

Specialty & Specific Interest Areas

Client Populations:

I specialize in supporting Individuals, youth, and families through challenges in the areas of addictions, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, stress/burnout, navigating life transitions and family dynamics/blended families. I also specializes in supporting youth over 12 years of age struggling with emotional regulation, anger management, communication, learning strategies, education, parent-child conflict, and anxiety.

Clinical Concerns:

I specialize in supporting Individuals, youth, and families through the challenges in the areas of addictions, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief loss, stress/burnout, navigating life transitions and family dynamics/blended families. I also, specializes in supporting youth over 12 years of age struggling with emotional regulation, anger management, communication, learning strategies, education, parent-child conflict, and anxiety.

Non-Clinical Concerns:

I am passionate about helping people live life to their fullest and strive to build meaningful and purposeful relationship with clients to ensure they can heal and evolve to move forward. I value a relational approach in therapeutic alliance.

Expertise & Additional Areas of Study

I have the following additional courses, workshops, and training:

• DBT Training
• Working Minds training
• Crisis mental health and suicide risk assessment

Some of the Clinical Orientations, Methods, and Theories I Integrate with ShiftGrit’s Therapy Protocol:

1. Strength based and person centered Therapy
2. Motivational interviewing / role play examples.
3. I also offer culturally attuned therapy with my understanding as an immigrant myself and as well rooted in culturally sensitive practices. – Fluent in English, Punjabi and Hindi.

People Like Working with Me Because…

I truly honour the worth of each person and admire them. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients where they are free to show up, express, and explore themselves authentically on their personal path to growth and self-love. I am very compassionate , empathetic and focus on problem solving and as well as reflect on the situation or issues with all perspectives.