Debbie Garshon, MSW, RSW

Debbie is a Registered Social Worker and provider of Psychotherapy. She brings over 20 years of experience working in health clinics and corporate environments both in Canada and the U.S. She first obtained her BSW from York University and later an MSW from the University of Toronto. Initially starting in health care, Debbie worked in many health care facilities, such as Planned Parenthood of Toronto and the Morgentaler Clinic, in women’s health, specifically in sexual and reproductive health. Shortly after graduating from her Master’s level training, she landed in the EAP world, consulting to workplaces on organizational challenges. Debbie later moved to the leadership team at Canada’s largest EAP company (formerly Warren Shepell) consulting workplaces on employee relations and wellness in the workplace. As Director of Organizational Health and Training, Debbie provided training to organizations, on issues such as managing disability leaves, successful RTW facilitation and introducing people leaders to Mental Health issues and raising awareness in the workplace. Towards the end of her tenure there, she worked closely with Bell Canada, developing curriculum to train in-house on Mental Health to their employees, before they launched their public campaign to raise awareness of Mental Health, known to all as Bell Canada’s “Let’s Talk.” After gaining valued experience in the corporate world, Debbie returned to her clinical ‘roots’ as this remained her passion. She further trained as a Marital and Family therapist, through The University of Guelph’s OAMFT program and began private practice, focusing on individual, couples and sex therapy. Debbie balanced her time between private practice and working as a Social Worker/Psychotherapist in Family Health team practices, enjoying the support from the medical world but also being available to clients in primary care facilities. Often working with clients who otherwise would not have access to good psychotherapy support. Just recently, Debbie has left the Family Health team setting to continue her work with individuals struggling with their mental health and various challenges and joins CBTA in their North York and Aurora offices. As well, she will be assisting the Beacon group as a consultant for their Disability Management program. Debbie holds both Bachelor and Master degrees in Social Work. She is a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and belongs to the Association of Ontario Social Workers (OASW). She has completed the course studies for RMFT credentials. Modalities of practice include CBT, IPT, SFBT, Collaborative therapy and EFT for couples.