Simone Donaldson
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."
-Alice Walker
Hello, my name is Simone Donaldson and I am a Black female therapist serving serving individuals, couples, and families across Ontario including Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Ottawa, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and a Master’s degree from Dalhousie University. With over 15 years of experience in the social work and mental health field, my work has been dedicated to supporting racialized communities and providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. My practice is shaped by both my formal training and lived experiences, allowing me to support clients in ways that are relational, culturally responsive, and grounded in real-life understanding.
My work has also contributed to broader conversations in the field, including being a co-author in the Canadian text Africentric Social Work. This foundation continues to shape how I support clients in ways that are grounded, relational, and culturally attuned.
I believe that we often forget that we already possess the answers , strengths, and capability to navigate difficult times, and my hope is to guide people to and through these answers. I also believe if we reminded ourselves that we are inherently valuable and created for a purpose, we would tap into our most healed selves, allowing us to thrive.
Psychotherapy is transformational work for the mind, body and soul. I have seen personally and professionally where mental health support can truly change whole lives, and when neglected, completely deteriorate lives. I entered this work, because even at a young age, I was always drawn to ensuring others felt seen, heard, valued and well. I am both an advocate and nurturer at heart and I carry that into the work I do with every client.
Who Simone Serves
Simone works with individuals 12+, couples, and families across Ontario who are navigating emotional, relational, and life challenges, prioritizing the Black community.
Therapy sessions are available virtually across Ontario, including the GTA, Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto, as well as in person in North York.
Areas of Focus
Simone provides virtual and in-person therapy and support for individuals, couples, and families navigating:
- Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress
- Racial trauma, intergenerational trauma, and internalized racism
- Relationship conflict and communication challenges
- Grief, loss, and unresolved trauma
- Self-worth, shame, and identity development
- Anger and emotional regulation
- Domestic violence and relational harm
Therapeutic Approach
Simone is an eclectic therapist whose work is grounded in Africentric, anti-racist, and relational frameworks. Her approach is culturally responsive and holistic, ensuring that your identity, lived experiences, and relationships are central to the work. Her practice is guided by the Love Lens™ framework.
Modalities include:
- Narrative Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Somatic and trauma-based approaches
Fun Facts About Me
Besides “Quality Time” and "Acts of Service", unofficially my love languages are also laughter and music. I love to sing and can easily listen to music all day every day. To decompress after a long day, my go to is usually to watch a good comedy show or movie, and I love to bring humour into my personal and professional life.
Favourite Agapé Lens Value
My favourite Agapé Lens value is Authenticity & Purpose. I am convinced that being able to walk in one's authenticity and purpose, means that one is walking in a courageous, healing, and liberated place.This is my hope for myself, friends, family, and all of those I touch through my work.