About

Neil Silcox

If you’re reading this, I bet you’re hoping that something might change in your life. Maybe you already know what it is that you hope to change, or maybe you just know that something needs to be different. The fact that you’re here reading this, now, shows that something has already started to change — I’d be excited to work with you to help you as you continue to shift things in your life. Together, our work will help you reconnect with yourself, and build healthier relationships with friends, family, community, work, creativity, and the natural world. This might be hard work, but I’m committed to engaging in it together with humour, hope, and joy.

Each of us has within us all that we need to heal from our past hurts and move toward a better future. However, many things from our past and present can block these systems from doing their work. When our natural ability to recover and grow is blocked, it can lead to isolation, anxiety, depression, and despair. Our work together will be about unblocking and opening up new paths toward healing by honouring your past defence mechanisms and moving toward lightness, hope, and well-being.

My Story

My work with clients is informed by twenty years as a theatre artist, and ten years of teaching and mentoring young artists at universities and colleges across Canada. I have been an advocate for better and more just practices in theatre, secondary education, and academic employment, as well as helping individuals and institutions reimagine masculinity in new, healthier ways.

I have particular training and experience in working with queer, trans, and gender-diverse clients, as well as with kinky, poly, and ethically non-monogamous individuals and couples. As well as specialization in living a full, rich life with ADHD.

My work in theatre and education continues alongside my work as a therapist.

My Approach

My work is built around two pillars. Narrative Therapy emphasizes the power and importance of the stories you tell yourself about yourself (and the stories that have been told to you). Alongside this, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy invites us to explore and embrace whatever feelings you’re having, while moving toward your preferred future guided by your values. By getting curious about these stories, you can shed the narratives that are no longer serving you, and begin telling the story of who you are now and who you want to be. 

Culturally Responsive & Socially-Just Therapy

I am a white, straight man (he/they), and I recognize many privileges that come with my social position. I am committed to social justice in my work, and I recognize my own need to be continually growing, learning, and changing in order to fulfill this commitment. I work with clients of all genders, races, sexual orientations, and spiritual traditions, and respect how unique strengths and challenges arise from these identities for every individual.


Training

  • Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate, RCT-C)
    Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists
    Licence #RCT-C24-096

  • Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Professional Member #11249690

  • M.Ed., Counselling (Acadia University)

  • MFA, (York University)

  • Hon. BA, (University of Toronto & Sheridan College)

  • B.Ed., (University of Western Ontario)

    Additional Training

    • Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1

    • Adult ADHD Specialist Certificate Course (PESI Canada)