(He/Him pronouns)
 

Hi there! My name is Benn Brisland, I offer brief and long-term individual counseling, to pre-teens, adolescents, adults, and families. You may have arrived here because you want to make a change in your life. Together, we can work to understand why things are happening, find root causes, and identify patterns. Collaboratively we will create a plan to address your challenges, practice new skills, and find happiness, purpose, or relief. 

I have been working in the field of mental health for 18 years in different capacities and I have a passion for working with transgender and non-binary individuals. My first clinical years as a Child and Youth Worker were based in therapeutic residential programs for youth experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Since 2013, I have worked at a large mental health teaching hospital in Toronto, most recently providing gender-affirming services to adult clients throughout the province of Ontario. I have also been a volunteer mental health counsellor at a residential summer camp in Washington State for 2SLGBTQ youth and families since 2004. It was there, in the forest, where I discovered my love for listening and holding space for a person’s intersection of identities, their stories, history and resilience.

 
I am a Registered Social Worker and a Child and Youth Worker. I have an Advanced Diploma in Child and Youth Work (CYW) from George Brown College and earned both my Bachelors and Masters of Social Work from York University. I am a registered member in good standing of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), and the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW).
 
I specialize in:
  • Trans-affirming care including surgery assessments.
  • Supporting families of trans folks.
  • 2SLGBTQIA 
  • Neurodiversity especially those who are recently exploring this piece of their identity. 
  • Addiction and Substance use – I practice from a harm-reduction approach. I am also GAIN certified which is an assessment necessary if one is seeking an OHIP funded substance use treatment bed within the province. 
  • Mood disorders
  • Youth (12+)
Outside of work I enjoy anything and everything crafty especially knitting and sewing; and you will often find me with multiple projects on the go simultaneously! I am the proud father of two kiddos who keep life interesting and me on my toes! 
 
Availability 
Currently in the evenings and on Sunday, with some flexibility. I am currently accepting new clients. 
 
Rates
$150/hour, with a limited amount of sliding scale spaces, and tiered pricing options available, based on need. Contact me directly to discuss rates if access is a challenge.
 
Note: At present I do not offer couples therapy. For a referral to a couples therapist, contact info@healingcollective.ca
 

Request Appointment: Please note that contents may be viewed by the Healing Collective team, but will be kept confidential.

Quick Profile

Name:Benn Brisland

Phone:

Email:                   info@thedeeproots.ca

Specialty:

Trans-affirming care including surgery assessments.
Supporting families of trans folks.
2SLGBTQIA 
Neurodiversity especially those who are recently exploring this piece of their identity. 
Addiction and Substance use – I practice from a harm-reduction approach. I am also GAIN certified which is an assessment necessary if one is seeking an OHIP funded substance use treatment bed within the province. 
Mood disorders
Youth (12+)

Degree:Masters of Social Work