Ernest Tam

Ernest (he/him) is a registered social worker with a MSW from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a BSW from Trent University. He has worked with youth in different settings such as a group facilitator for life skills and mental health topics, a program facilitator as well as a counsellor for youth with “mental health stuff.” He is a counsellor with a lot of lived experience with “mental health stuff,” however he knows everyone’s mental health journey is unique.

Ernest believes that a lot of pain that people with “mental health stuff” comes from how society views mental health symptoms which in turn affects how someone with “mental health stuff” would see themselves.

He works to create a space where one feels comfortable in discussing what has brought them to seek support, while working together to create next steps. He believes someone is always the expert of their experience, and his job is to support people using their knowledge of themselves. He believes that people may act in “unhealthy” ways in order to survive, and are always trying their best. He believes in honouring that while supporting the “ideal” version of someone to come out.

Ernest uses CBT, DBT, SFBT, and anti-oppressive framework, mindfulness, and self compassion to support the folks that he works with. He wants to continue his education and support folks using EMDR. Ernest works with folks who live alongside depression, anxiety/stress social anxiety, OCD, suicidal ideation, self harm, anger, and issues with communication. He is also passionate around issues concerning racial identity.

When he has time to himself, he enjoys playing video games, spending time with his bunny, exploring new places, and getting new tattoos and piercings. He likes to learn new ways to care for his own mental health by attending peer support groups, using the techniques he uses in his work with others, and attending therapy.