About Me

Brigitte Szybbo, B.Sc.(PT), MACP, RPT

I am a registered psychotherapist with extensive experience within the youth and emerging adult population. My first degree is in Physiotherapy and my particular interest in the mind-body connection led me to complete my Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. I believe that my understanding of the human body and its connection to how we make sense of things allows me to provide a more holistic approach to counselling. 

My area of training and expertise is in the understanding and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. My experience includes working at McMaster University counselling students presenting with a variety of mental health challenges, including academic stress, perfectionism, generalized anxiety, depression, substance use and eating disorders. I created and facilitated an ongoing 6-week Worry and Anxiety group for students at the university.  I use a variety of evidence based therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness. I believe that the therapeutic relationship and the need for flexibility around counselling approaches is particularly important for individuals engaging in a therapeutic experience.

I am the mother of two young adult daughters and understand first-hand the culture and expectations of high achievement in the secondary and post-secondary school systems. I recognize this population’s unique academic and mental health challenges within a competitive, high pressure environment, while also understanding the parenting challenges this might present. I enjoy working with young individuals and strive to create an environment of trust, ease and honesty.