Background

Mabuhay – Hello, my name is John Tolentino, and I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) at Avery Therapy Center. I am an outgoing, cisgender, queer, Filipino-Canadian, settler-migrant. I was born and raised in Umbria, Italy and now I am grateful to live on the unceded territories of the əl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) Nations, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

Growing up, my mother taught me about the essence of life and specifically what it means to be of help to others with a kind attitude. I bring this lesson learnt as a child as an extension to my therapeutic work with clients who are seeking a space to find clarity in their life. In tandem with this, I earned a Bachelor of Arts where I majored in Psychology and minored in Counselling and Human Development. I also have a certificate in Substance Use. I have taken graduate courses in Complex Trauma and Psychosomatics. I have worked in the human social service field for the past ten years in a variety of roles. I have experience working with youth and adults with multiple marginalities. Specifically, I have been humbled to support folks in communities including but not limited to: LGBIATQ2s+, Indigenous peoples, faith-based persons, sex workers and people who engage in substances. 

 

Therapeutic Approach

I use an empathetic approach to meet you where you are at. I borrow from many different theories making my style eclectic; these theories include strengths-based, emotion-focused, narrative, mindfulness, and the use of self. I believe in collectivism and holistic wellness. Moreover, I am also passionate about social justice and use an anti-oppressive framework to consider any systemic barriers that might impact your life. I recognize the complex intersections of identities and commit to allying and holding a safe space for you. 

 

In your sessions, I gently invite you to bring your whole sense of self – I encourage your authenticity and honour your journey. I would like to think of therapy as exploration in which you are the driver of your life, and I am beside you on the front passenger seat, offering suggestions and recommendations for where you would like to go to find meaning and purpose. There is no one right way to do therapy, and I would be thrilled to find what would work best for you and your goals in our time together. 

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My availability can be found here.