Patience Owan

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:
Spending quality time with my family, dancing, running, or playing with my kids at the park. I also enjoy travelling to explore different cultures, learning new languages, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Self Care:
I prioritize fitness, running, meditation, prayer, and reading to maintain a healthy balance in my life. Taking care of myself allows me to show up fully for my clients and my family.

For Fun:
I love dancing, watching movies, and travelling. Experiencing new places and cultures keeps me energized and inspired.

For Growth:
I continuously engage in professional development to refine my skills, from learning new therapeutic techniques to pursuing advanced certifications. Growth, for me, is both personal and professional.

Something unique about me is:

I am deeply passionate about health and fitness, and I believe in the importance of balancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Before I was in the mental health field

I was working as a travel agent. The most impactful thing about my experience here was learning about different places in the world and helping others make their travel dreams a reality.

Three things you are currently obsessed with and why:

1. Healthy Eating: I believe you are what you eat. A structured eating plan helps me maintain my overall health and energy levels.
2. Running: It’s my go-to activity for staying physically active, clearing my mind, and boosting my mood.
3. Being Organized: Keeping my space neat and orderly is therapeutic for me. It helps reduce stress and keeps me focused.

The most helpful book I have read is

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

My biggest takeaway from it was understanding how culture and tradition shape our values, beliefs, and perspectives on life.

The most interesting article or book I have read is

My Morning Routine.

Because it provided practical steps for creating a morning routine that works for my lifestyle and sets the tone for my day.

My favourite podcast is

Bigger Pockets.

The best thing about it is its practical advice on money management, investments, and retirement planning.

What's one quote that you like and why?

"Never let yesterday use up too much of today."

This reminds me to let go of the past and focus on what I can do to move forward in the present.

Specialty and Specific Interest Areas:

Client populations:
I work with adults, youths (15 and up), couples, and families.

Clinical concern:
I have a special interest in working with addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, burnout, stress, self-esteem, OCD, PTSD, workplace issues, and relationship challenges.

Non-clinical concern:
I have a special interest in working with parenting, fitness, routine-building, and personal growth.

Expertise and Additional Areas of Study:

I have the following additional courses / workshops / training:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
4. Psychological First Aid
5. EMDR (in progress)
6. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
7. Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI)

I have expertise and experience working with:

1. Adults and youths (15+)
2. Couples
3. Families
4. Providing case management, assessments, and therapeutic interventions for diverse populations

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I integrate with ShiftGrit’s therapy protocol:

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I draw from are:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): For identifying and reframing negative thought patterns.
2. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): For emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): For helping clients accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful action.
4. Narrative Therapy: To help clients reframe their life stories and view themselves in a more empowering way.
5. Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT): For focusing on strengths and solutions rather than problems.

People like working with me because...

I am practical, realistic, and bring a sense of humor to our sessions. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their challenges and discovering their potential. My approach balances compassion and structure, making the process feel empowering and effective.

Free Form:

I show up to every session as my best self, with the goal of helping my clients become the best versions of themselves. I am honored to walk alongside them as they discover their strength, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.