Brooke Pickersgill
Hi, I’m Brooke. I’m a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University and an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Waterloo, specializing in crime and deviance. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over five years working in custody facilities and later on mental health crisis teams—experiences that gave me a real, firsthand understanding of what front-line work actually looks like beyond the textbooks.
I’ve spent years supporting first responders and their families and understand the culture, the pressure, and the “deal with it and move on” mentality that can make reaching out feel almost impossible. My approach is direct, honest, and practical. I don’t shy away from tough conversations, and I’m not interested in sugar-coating or chasing the latest wellness trend. People often describe me as straightforward and down to earth, using humour and realistic strategies to help clients cut through the noise and focus on what actually works.
My clinical experience includes supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, OCD, traumatic stress and PTSD, relationship concerns, emotional regulation challenges, and self-esteem issues. I draw on evidence-based approaches—including CBT, trauma-focused therapies, and attachment/developmental frameworks—while keeping things grounded, accessible, and genuinely useful.
Above all, I aim to create a space where clients feel understood, respected, and supported without judgment or pretense. Together, we work collaboratively to identify barriers, build on strengths, and develop realistic, sustainable strategies that support resilience, mental wellness, and healthy family functioning. Whether you’re dealing with operational stress, family strain, burnout, or the slow accumulation of “stuff you’ve shoved in a mental backpack for too long,” I’m here to help you unpack it and find a way forward.
Our Care Management Team will respond as soon as possible to get you started.