Rached/Matthew Gmitrowicz

Rached/Matthew (both names, nicknames, or any pronouns are great) is a Narrative Therapist that practices using an eclectic mixture of approaches from across many modalities. They like to use evidence based techniques from IFS, CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness approaches that are individualized to how each client conceptualizes (imagines/thinks about) mental and relational health. Rached tries to leave their assumptions at the door when it comes to your experiences, identities, communities, and cultures. They care about your stories, and think that we all shape our internal selves and relationship dynamics through the stories we hold about ourselves. We have the power to reshape our lives by reinterpreting and finding new meaning from our experiences. Using your own values, you can shape the story you make moving forward, improving your relationships with yourself, your loved ones, and your communities.

Rached has spent many years working in the non-profit sector, often within the intersections of mental health, sexual health, and disability. After receiving a BA in Sexuality Marriage and Family Studies from the University of Waterloo, they further developed their anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lenses through direct work with marginalized and/or stigmatized populations in the world of sexuality; working with people with physical/intellectual/developmental disabilities, people living with HIV, gender and sexual minorities, and in supporting both people who have offended and survived sexual harm. Their experience ranges from education and group work, to crisis intervention and intensive case management. Rached received a MA in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University, reconnecting them with academic study in order to combine their lived experiences of providing direct mental health supports and up to date evidence based practices.

Providing mental health support has been a part of Rached’s journey for as long as they can recall. Their passion for this work comes from a belief that all people deserve the dignity of being understood. They strive towards creating authentic connection and making this work accessible by meeting people where they are at. Rached wants to understand the world from the perspectives of their clients and empathetically challenge them to take accountability, recognize their own strengths, and grow.

If they are not in session, Rached is probably singing. Cooking, crafting, and running are fun too, but they are probably singing while doing those. Rached is also a huge nerd who is happy to geek out about Star Trek, Wheel of Time, or anything musical theatre.