Owen Dooley-Phillips

Hi, I’m Owen, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University.

You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by anxiety, depression, grief, or life’s challenges. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of past trauma, navigating the pain of loss, struggling with low mood or worry, or managing the stress of living in a world that doesn’t always understand neurodiverse experiences. Whatever you are going through, I strive to meet you with compassion, understanding, and a collaborative spirit by offering a safe, supportive space where we can explore your experiences together and move toward healing and growth at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, with a particular focus on men’s issues, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety and depression, and supporting neurodiverse individuals. Whether you or your child are navigating the unique challenges of autism or other forms of neurodiversity, I can provide support that is compassionate, practical, and developmentally attuned. This may include helping children recognize and regulate emotions, developing coping tools for anxiety or meltdowns, building social and relational skills, or supporting smoother transitions at school and in daily life. I also work with you as the parent or family member to strengthen communication, support sibling dynamics, and explore attachment-based approaches that foster resilience and connection.

In our work together, the tools we use will be shaped around you (or your child) so they feel both practical and meaningful. This may look like learning to recognize and name emotions, practicing perspective-taking through role-play or conversation, or replacing self-critical thoughts with more balanced ones. We might explore patterns and triggers that cause frustration and find healthier ways to respond, or spend time reflecting on what being neurodivergent or autistic means for you (or your child) personally. Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child or an adult navigating your own neurodiversity, sessions are always collaborative, respectful of your pace, and grounded in your strengths.

My approach is holistic and client-centred, recognizing the importance of the body–mind connection in overall well-being. I draw on evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Humanistic approaches, all within a trauma-informed lens. My professional experience as a Behaviour Therapist gave me a strong foundation in supporting neurodiverse individuals, crisis intervention, and emotional development, skills that continue to shape my practice today.

My passion for this work is deeply personal, rooted in growing up with parents who dedicated their lives to social services and healthcare. Their example instilled in me the value of compassion, resilience, and community care, which I now carry into my own therapeutic work. Together, we can build coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and uncover new ways forward.

Starting therapy doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out. It simply means you’re open to support. I’m here to listen, guide, and work alongside you as you move toward healing and growth. The process typically starts with an initial consultation where we can discuss your needs and goals, and from there, we can decide on a plan that works best for you.