Kylie Banks
MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Q) she/her
Thanks for taking the time to get to know me. I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with CRPO. I received my Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from Kings University College, and my Masters of the Arts in Counselling Psychology from Western University. As a transgender woman, I am particularly passionate about working with members of marginalized groups and constantly seeking to expand my knowledge of those who have been disenfranchised.
How I got here
Emphasizes the relationship between myself and my clients. Naturally, I want therapy to feel like a safe space where people are seen and understood, but in addition to that, the therapy relationship is unique compared to our other relationships in that it can be a social microcosm we can explore.
I’m sure you’re wondering what the hell I mean by that so let me explain: often issues we have in our personal relationships, be it anxiety around others, fears of judgement, tendencies to be self-critical or controlling etc., often show up in the therapeutic relationship. When it does, we can work through that in the session and look at why this is occurring, something we are seldom able to do in our personal relationship. So, it wouldn’t be uncommon for me to stop you in a middle of a session and ask something like “Are you worried I’m judging you right now?” so that we can explore what it’s like in that moment to feel how you’re feeling and what may be contributing to that.
Therapy with me
Another thing I like to highlight is how I think of my role as a therapist in your life. I tend to think of myself as sitting in the passenger seat offering navigational help while you drive the car. I’m probably the 9 millionth therapist to use this analogy, but I’ll sacrifice originality for genuineness any day. I don’t see myself as having all the answers, but as someone who can help point out some things on the road of life worthy of inspection. That’s probably enough for the driving analogy. Ultimately, your life is your life, and I can’t make choices for you or tell you what to do, but in my experience if we can connect and work together we can come to a place where we can help you work through problems and live your life authentically.
My role as a therapist
LGBTQ+ issues, Gender Identity issues, Sexuality issues, Sex Work Issues, Trauma (including complex trauma), Depression and Anxiety, Suicidality, Interpersonal/Relation Conflicts & Self-Esteem/Body Image.
Who I work with
Internal Family Systems Therapy, Relational Cultural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Psychotherapy, Trans Affirmative Psychotherapy, Sex Work Affirmative Psychotherapy, Anti-Oppressive Psychotherapy.
My trainings and approch to therapy
Enjoying playing sports (particularly volleyball), reading, and makeup.
