ABOUT Sheldon

My name is Sheldon, and I am a psychotherapist that takes a pragmatic and structured approach to help clients address concerns including trauma, addiction, grief, and high-stress life transitions. Through my educational background being in Psychology and Life Sciences with a focus on Neurosciences, I approach therapy through both a scientific and human-centered lens, helping clients understand the connection between thought patterns, emotions, and behavior. Through incorporating a deeper understanding of the neuroscience of mental health allows me to tailor therapy towards each individual, recognizing how stress, trauma, and behavioral patterns influence the brain and overall well-being.

My practice is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Therapy (ST) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), with an emphasis on mindfulness and neurobiologically trauma informed care that incorporates mindfulness techniques.

I work primarily with adolescents and adults seeking practical, methodical and adaptable strategies to manage emotional distress, whether it's navigating identity, trauma, addiction, grief and loss, anxiety, depression and mood disorders, burnout, life transitions, breaking unhealthy patterns, or regaining stability after a crisis.

My academic and professional background in hospital systems allows me to assess immediate short-term concerns quickly while also guiding clients toward deeper, long-term healing. Therapy with me is goal-oriented yet adaptable, some clients need structured interventions, while others benefit from more reflective, insight-driven conversations. I tailor each session to the individual, ensuring a balance between building coping skills, exploring personal meaning, and fostering resilience.

I believe that healing is not just about processing the past but also about creating tangible change in the present. It is a process of self-awareness, action, and growth, and I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Whether you’re seeking clarity, coping strategies, or a deeper understanding of yourself, I provide a space where you can move forward with confidence and purpose.

If you are ready to take the next step, I’m here to support you in moving forward with clarity and confidence.I’m Negar Dean, an MACP (Masters in Counselling Psychology) Practicum Student Therapist, and as someone who has walked the path of healing, I understand firsthand the impact that mental health can have on one’s life. I’ve experienced my own journey of healing, and it has profoundly shaped my approach to therapy. My own journey has taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and the power of therapy - lessons that now shape my work. 

Coming from a multi-ethnic background, I deeply value working with individuals from all walks of life, and I am passionate about supporting immigrants, vulnerable populations, and marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. My practice is built on respect for each person’s unique cultural, spiritual, and personal identity, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood.

I work with individuals of all ages, couples, and families, offering support for a wide range of challenges, including grief and loss, with training in supporting addictions and substance abuse, as well as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and grief. 

I believe that there is no universal approach to therapy. I tailor high-quality sessions specifically to each client, based on their individual personality and needs, by taking an integrative approach and drawing on a range of methods and therapeutic modalities such as Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), The Gottman Method, and Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. 

Above all, my goal is to provide a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions freely, whether you're navigating personal struggles, relationship challenges, or life transitions. Together, we’ll examine how your past experiences shape your present, harness your innate resilience, and build a path toward the life and relationships you desire.