Remi Long (she/her)
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and hold a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University as well as a BA from the University of Toronto. In addition to my formal education I spent 3 years as a volunteer crisis responder where I spoke with callers with wide ranging mental health needs, provided emotional support, and assessed and deescalated those in crisis.
Through my Master’s practicum placement I have had the privilege of working with clients experiencing many different challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, emotion dysregulation, low self esteem, and eating disorders. I have taken additional training in treatment for eating disorders including DBT for ED levels 1 and 2.
My approach is warm and validating and emphasizes both understanding the past and making changes in the present. I hope that I can provide clients with a base of safety and acceptance from which they can undertake the courageous work of making the changes that feel meaningful and important to them.
"One of my highest values as a clinician is client autonomy which means that I hold deep respect for everyone’s right to choose what feels right for them. Everyone’s circumstances are so different and it’s never up to me to decide on a client’s behalf what’s best for their life. I hope that our conversations can offer guidance, insight, and support as you determine your next right step. "
Remi first approached Carly about a placement opportunity in September 2022. Carly was incredibly impressed by Remi's determination to work in this field and her ability to advocate for the needs of clients before she even started!
We were very lucky to have Remi join us in of May 2023. In her first year with us she has shown that this is the field she’s meant to be in. Her calm energy, her dedication to learning and her experience have made her an asset to her clients here already.
Remi is excelling in her work with people with Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression and relationship challenges. She has recently developed a keen interest in working more with people impacted by OCD.
Remi is with us in person on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is with us online throughout the rest of the week.
What areas of practice and populations do you enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with teens and adults and specifically with those who are navigating disordered eating, anxiety, OCD, and challenges that come up in the context of important relationships. I also love working with people who are curious about how their earlier life experiences have impacted them or how they came to feel, think and behave the way they do.
What prevents people from coming in and doing this work?
I think a few things!
1)One thing I’ve heard a lot of is the idea that talking about a problem won’t help. If someone doesn’t think talking about things is going to help it’s no surprise they would avoid coming in.
2) Lack of access. Therapy is expensive
3) Avoidance serves a function. When something hurts it makes sense that we don’t want it to be touched. If we talk about it we open up the possibility that we will have to come into contact with things that have caused us feelings like pain, grief, fear or shame. It’s a big ask of oneself to be willing to invite those feelings forward in order to resolve them.
What modalities do you use? How would you describe your approach/style to this work?
While my approach to any issue varies depending on the specific situation I most commonly draw from DBT and CBT. My approach focuses both on helping clients to understand what’s happening currently and how their past experiences inform this, and what can be done to bring about change that feels meaningful for them.
How do you help people who are not sure what to talk about in therapy?
Sometimes I’ll use guiding questions to help someone clarify what feels important to them. A few of my favourites are ‘what do you wish was different about your life right now?’ or ‘Looking back at the past week, were there any tough moments or moments of high emotion?’ My goal is to help them identify what things are challenging day to day so we can figure out where to go next.
"It's a gift to be allowed to be part of someone's healing"
When treating someone with an Eating disorder, what do you feel they need most?
While I generally defer to what the person feels they need most, I find that often having someone to help them make sense of what’s happening can be very validating. Eating disorders often leave people feeling confused about their own feelings and behaviours. Having someone who can validate that experience and help them understand what’s happening is so important.
What personal qualities/values are important to you as a clinician?
One of my highest values as a clinician is client autonomy which means that I hold deep respect for everyone’s right to choose what feels right for them. Everyone’s circumstances are so different and it’s never up to me to decide on a client’s behalf what’s best for their life. I hope that our conversations can offer guidance, insight, and support as you determine your next right step.
What phrases or sayings have people used to describe their work with you?
My hope is that clients would say that our work together both helps them to make sense of what’s happening in their lives and helps them to develop specific strategies they can carry with them outside of our time together.
What made you want to work with CCP?
One of the things that drew me to CCP was Carly’s commitment to creating an environment that is truly collaborative. Being part of a team is my favourite way to work and it has been inspiring to witness the passion and care that everyone here brings to their area of expertise. I feel honoured to be working among such wonderful and knowledgeable clinicians.
What's something surprising about you?
One of the joys of my life is playing rugby. I both played and coached at the varsity level and look forward to every summer where I captain my club team.
Not only do I love the challenge, fun and social elements of rugby, but my experiences as an athlete have also impacted my approach as a therapist! Having worked with many different coaches, I have had the opportunity to notice what approaches brought out the best in me. The coaches who inspired me were the ones who believed in my competence and would have grace for me when I made mistakes. They gave me the courage to take risks on field, to try things that were hard, and to be a braver and more resilient version of myself. I hope that I can recreate this kind of support in a therapeutic setting.
