Now Accepting New Clients · Scarborough & Virtual Ontario

You've Carried
This Long Enough.

Helping adults, couples, first responders, and veterans across Ontario work through trauma, stress, and relationship difficulties — so that life starts feeling genuinely different again. In Scarborough and online.

18 Years Experience Direct Billing Available In-Person & Virtual Free 20-Min Consultation OCSWSSW Registered
18+Years Experience
RSWOntario Registered Social Worker
9+Evidence-Based Approaches
Free15-Min First Consultation
12+Insurance Plans Accepted
You're Not Alone

Does Any of This Sound Familiar?

Many people who reach out to Andrew are dealing with one — or several — of these experiences. If you recognize yourself here, therapy can help.

You replay past events over and over and can't seem to let them go

Your relationship feels stuck, distant, or like it's on the edge

You're exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on empty — every single day

You've seen things on the job that stay with you when the shift ends

You've served and come home, but part of you still feels like you're over there

You want help but feel like you should be able to handle this on your own

You feel disconnected from yourself, your emotions, or the people you love

Anxiety and stress are affecting your work, sleep, and relationships

What I Treat

How I Can Help

Andrew offers evidence-based therapy tailored to your specific situation — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Trauma Therapy

Processing the past to reclaim your life

Whether it's a single incident, childhood experiences, or complex ongoing trauma — Andrew uses EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and other evidence-based approaches to help you process what happened so it no longer controls your daily life.

Learn about Trauma Therapy

Relationship Counselling

Rebuild connection, trust, and communication

Relationships are hard. Whether you're navigating communication breakdowns, trust issues, conflict, intimacy challenges, or questioning the future of your relationship — individual and couples therapy can help you find a clearer path.

Learn about Relationship Counselling

Stress & Burnout

Reclaim calm when everything feels like too much

Chronic stress, workplace burnout, and overwhelm are more than just feeling busy — they affect your health, mood, and relationships. Andrew helps you identify root causes and build sustainable strategies for real, lasting relief.

Learn about Stress & Burnout Therapy
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Who I Work With

Specialized Support for Those Who Need It

Andrew brings dedicated expertise to populations with specific needs — including those who rarely seek help.

Adults

Navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, and personal growth

Couples

Communication, conflict resolution, trust repair, and relationship renewal

First Responders

Police, fire, paramedics & dispatchers dealing with occupational trauma & stress

Military & Veterans

Dedicated support for those who have served, with an understanding of military culture

Men 18–65

A judgement-free space for men ready to take the first step toward feeling better

Andrew Garnet MSW, RSW
About Your Therapist

Meet Andrew Garnet

MSW, RSW — Registered Social Worker · Scarborough, Ontario

With 18 years of experience as a Registered Social Worker, I've walked alongside hundreds of people through their most difficult moments — and their most meaningful breakthroughs.

My approach is collaborative and genuinely evidence-based. I draw on EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and several other approaches — but I always tailor what I use to what works for you specifically, not a generic template.

I have deep respect for the courage it takes to ask for help. That's especially true for first responders, veterans, and men — people who are often taught that pushing through is the only option. It isn't. There's a different way, and I'd be honoured to help you find it.

MSWRSWEMDR Trained18 Years ExperienceOCSWSSW Member
Evidence-Based Practice

Therapeutic Approaches

Andrew draws on nine evidence-based modalities to build a treatment plan that fits your specific needs — not a one-size-fits-all formula.

EMDR · Eye Movement Desensitization & ReprocessingCBT · Cognitive Behavioural TherapyACT · Acceptance & Commitment TherapyDBT · Dialectical Behaviour TherapySFBT · Solution-Focused Brief TherapySP · Sensorimotor PsychotherapyMBSR · Mindfulness-Based Stress ReductionMBCT · Mindfulness-Based Cognitive TherapyIPT · Interpersonal Therapy
“The moment someone decides to reach out — that moment alone takes more courage than most people realize. My work is to make sure that courage leads somewhere real.”
Andrew Garnet MSW, RSW  ·  18 Years in Practice
Getting Started

How It Works

Most people who reach out have been thinking about it for a while. The process is straightforward and low-pressure — here's exactly what to expect.

Book a Free 15-Min Call

Tell Andrew briefly what's going on — and ask whatever questions you have. No intake forms, no commitment. Just a real conversation to see if it feels like the right fit.

Your First Full Session

No agenda other than understanding what you're carrying and what you want to be different. You set the pace. Andrew brings the questions that help you get clear on what's actually going on — and you'll leave with a clearer sense of what we're working toward together.

Work That Follows You Into Real Life

Sessions are focused, not open-ended. You leave each one knowing what to notice or practise before next time. Most people notice a meaningful shift within 6–8 sessions — not just coping better, but genuinely responding differently to the situations that used to derail them.

Book Your Free Consultation Now
Credentials & Coverage

Why Clients Trust Garnet Counselling

Andrew is a regulated health professional — registered with and accountable to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Regulated & Accountable

RSW registration means Andrew meets strict professional standards and is subject to the OCSWSSW Code of Ethics and ongoing oversight.

Strictly Confidential

Your privacy is protected by professional ethics, PHIPA, and PIPEDA. Nothing you share leaves the session without your explicit consent.

18 Years of Practice

Andrew has worked with hundreds of adults, couples, first responders, and veterans across a wide range of presentations and life circumstances.

Direct Billing Available

Sessions with an RSW are covered by most extended health plans. Direct billing means you may pay little to nothing out of pocket.

Extended Health Benefits Accepted

Most extended health plans that cover Registered Social Workers include:

ManulifeSun LifeCanada Life (Great-West)DesjardinsBlue Cross (Medavie)Green Shield CanadaOTIPChambers of Commerce GroupIndustrial AllianceCowan InsuranceJohnston GroupClaimSecure

Contact us before your first session to confirm your specific coverage. Most plans cover RSW services.

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Transparent Pricing

Fees, Insurance & Direct Billing

No hidden fees. Extended health benefits accepted with direct billing available for most major plans.

Free Consultation
$0
20-minute phone or video call

No obligation, no intake forms — just an honest conversation to see if we're the right fit for each other.

Book Free Call
Couples Therapy
$200
per 50-minute session

Relationship counselling for couples navigating conflict, distance, trust repair, and communication.

Book a Session

Most extended health benefit plans that include Registered Social Workers cover these sessions. Direct billing available — you may pay little to nothing out of pocket. Contact us before your first appointment to confirm your coverage.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

A Registered Social Worker (RSW) in Ontario is a regulated health professional licensed by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). Andrew holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and RSW registration, meaning his practice is held to the highest professional and ethical standards in Ontario. Sessions with an RSW are typically covered by extended health benefit plans.

Yes. Andrew accepts many extended health benefit plans and offers direct billing for numerous providers — meaning you may pay little to nothing out of pocket. Common plans that cover RSW services include Great-West Life, Manulife, Sunlife, Desjardins, and many others. Contact us before your first session to confirm your specific coverage.

Yes. Andrew offers secure, confidential video sessions for clients anywhere in Ontario. Virtual sessions are conducted via a PIPEDA-compliant platform and are just as effective as in-person therapy for most concerns. This makes it easy to access quality care from home, your office, or any private space — no commute required.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation — such as guided eye movements or tapping — to help the brain fully process distressing memories that have become “stuck.” Once processed, the memory loses its emotional charge without requiring you to talk about it in detail. EMDR is endorsed by the World Health Organization, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the American Psychological Association. Learn more about EMDR →

Standard sessions are 50 minutes. For most clients, weekly sessions are recommended at the start of treatment to build momentum. As you progress, sessions may shift to bi-weekly. Extended sessions (75–90 minutes) can be arranged for intensive EMDR processing work. Andrew will discuss a plan that fits your needs and schedule.

It's completely normal to feel nervous or unsure. Your first step is a free 20-minute consultation — a casual phone or video call where you can ask questions and decide if Andrew feels like the right fit. There's no obligation. Your first full session focuses on listening to your story and understanding what you're hoping to get from therapy. Andrew creates a non-judgmental, confidential space where you set the pace.

You don't have to. Most people come in feeling exactly that way — “I don't even know where to start” is one of the most common opening lines. Andrew's job is to ask the questions that help you find the words. You just have to show up.

You'll notice it in real life, not in the session. Handling something that used to derail you. A conversation that would have gone badly before going differently. Sleeping better. Feeling less reactive. Most people notice something genuinely shifting within 6–8 sessions — not a dramatic breakthrough, just a quiet but real difference. If you don't, Andrew will talk with you about why and adjust the approach.

It happens — and it's worth understanding why. The most common reasons are a mismatch with the therapist, an approach that wasn't suited to what you were actually dealing with, or not enough time to build the safety that deeper work requires. Tell Andrew what didn't work before. That's useful information, and it shapes how we start.

Yes — this is a population Andrew is deeply committed to. He understands the unique culture, pressures, and hesitance around seeking help that comes with serving in emergency services and the military. Andrew provides specialized support for operational stress injuries, PTSD, moral injury, occupational burnout, and the transition challenges that come with service. Learn more about first responder support →

Andrew's in-person office is located at 10 Milner Business Court, Scarborough, Ontario, conveniently accessible from the 401. Virtual sessions are available for clients anywhere in Ontario. Get directions and contact info →

Before You Reach Out

A Few Things Worth Knowing

Most people who reach out have the same quiet concerns. Here's what Andrew wants every potential client to know before they book.

Everything Is Confidential

What you share in a session is legally and ethically protected under PHIPA. Nothing leaves the room without your explicit consent — not to your employer, your family, or anyone else.

There Is No Wrong Way to Start

Most people don't know what to say in a first session. You don't need to have it together before reaching out. “I don't even know where to begin” is one of the most common first lines — and a perfectly fine place to start.

You're Never Locked In

Sessions are booked one at a time. There's no long-term contract, no cancellation penalty, and no expectation to continue longer than is useful. You decide — always.

Ready to Begin?

Take the First Step Today

Booking is easy. Use the online scheduler to find a time that works for you — or call or email if you prefer.

In-Person Office
10 Milner Business Court
Scarborough, Ontario
Virtual Sessions
Available anywhere in Ontario
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9am – 8pm · Sat: 9am – 2pm
Book Online via Jane
Resources & Insights

From the Blog

Practical information to help you understand your options and take the next step.

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You Don't Have to Carry This Any Longer.

You don't have to have it all figured out before reaching out. A free 20-minute conversation is all it takes to get started.