Kimberley Garec (she/her)
Sliding Scale? Open
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Kimberley is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Honours in Social Development Studies and both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Waterloo.
With over eight years of experience, she has supported individuals, couples, youth, and families across a wide range of community and mental health settings. Kimberley believes empathy is the most powerful tool mental health professionals can bring to their practice. Her career is deeply rooted in a passion for empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful, sustainable change.
For Kimberley, mental health is a journey. She sees each individual as carrying a unique story, rich with opportunities for growth, healing, and resilience. Grounded in a client-centered, strengths-based approach, Kimberley leads with empathy and compassion. She is committed to fostering a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and respected. Viewing therapy as a collaborative process, she partners with her clients to chart a path toward self-discovery and lasting well-being—one that is both achievable and sustainable. Operating from both an anti-oppressive lens and a trauma-informed approach, Kimberley welcomes clients facing a wide range of challenges, including grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, addictions, body image concerns, self-harm, self-esteem issues, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, and life transitions.
She has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and holds a particular passion for providing affirming care to teens and young adults exploring their identities. Kimberley is also adept at supporting neurodivergent clients, such as those with ADHD or other unique learning styles and thinking patterns.
Kimberley has a particular passion for supporting clients living with chronic health conditions, chronic pain, and physical or invisible disabilities. She empowers them using a strengths-based, person-centered approach rooted in the social model of disability. Informed by her own lived experience, Kimberley deeply understands the complexities of navigating oppressive systems and is committed to advocating for social justice and fostering meaningful change
Kimberley takes a holistic and flexible approach to therapy, drawing on evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. She also incorporates mindfulness, self-care strategies, breathwork, and mind-body connection practices to provide a compassionate and tailored therapeutic experience.
Kimberley’s career spans work in community organizations, academic settings, and healthcare systems, equipping her to connect with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. She is dedicated to fostering resilience and helping clients reclaim their narratives while guiding this process with empathy and authenticity. Outside of her practice, Kimberley prioritizes professional growth through ongoing education, staying at the forefront of best practices in social work and psychotherapy. She is particularly dedicated to advancing cultural competency and advocating for Truth and Reconciliation to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and support sustainable, healthier societal change.
