About Me

Desmond Lee (he/him/his), BA (Hons), BSW, MSW, RSW

Compassion and care can happen from just about anywhere. We don’t need fancy buildings or attractive spaces to heal our emotional wounds, but we do need to feel safe. To be seen and heard is crucial in how we heal, evolve, and realize who we are and who we want to be, regardless of where our starting points are. Though we may feel stuck at times, we always have the capacity for movement. Sometimes all we need is some support and a little bit of shade to continue our journey.

My journey into social work began quite organically. While working in print media for a number of years, I began to notice my affection for helping others in my personal life through various life transitions and mental health concerns. At the time, I had not considered a career in supporting and caring for others. For a host of reasons, many of us are unaware of our capacities, and worse, discouraged from playing roles that do not fit societal expectations. After some time, reflection, and the support of a mentor, I refocused my perspective on what I found meaningful and possible, which lead to a career change into social work.  

I am a registered social worker with over 10 years of clinical and community experience, having spent 5 years at a community health centre in Toronto, providing psychotherapy, advocacy, and community engagement with diverse populations. Prior to this role, my field experience included engaging in areas of chronic mental health, addictions, youth, and the shelter system. 

My work and life have been eclectic, which indeed reflects in my approach to psychotherapy. My approach is relational, intersectional, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed, drawing upon therapeutic models such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Through these lenses, I work in collaboration with individuals and couples to explore personal and relational challenges. We all deserve a space for healing, transformation, and self-exploration.