Clinical Therapist, Mental Health and Justice Program
Poonam’s advice and inspiration for others
I believe in the inherent goodness of humanity. Our strengths outweigh our weaknesses. With innate resilience, motivation, self-agency, and determination, we can reshape our stories and lead meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Giving up is not an option; perseverance transforms challenges into opportunities, allowing us to become our best selves.
Poonam’s most rewarding accomplishment at CMHA
Treating my clients with utmost respect, without judgment, and listening to them empathetically has been incredibly fulfilling. Helping them see beyond their struggles and supporting their progress are among the most gratifying aspects of my work at CMHA.
Some of my memorable achievements at CMHA are:
- Developing the hybrid Mental Health and Justice Clinical Therapy program and defining its criteria.
- Customizing group therapy to meet the specific needs of court clients dealing with anger, relationship issues, and behavioral challenges.
- Creating a Problematic Sexual Behavior program after completing Intensive Sex Therapy training to better serve clients charged with sex-related offenses.
- Leading highly attended therapy groups and receiving positive feedback from both clients and colleagues.
- Establishing an internal tracking system to monitor client progress, benefiting case managers and court workers.
- Excelling in meeting service statistics and expectations for both adult and youth clients.
- Being nominated for the Beacon of Excellence in Care award in November 2023.
- Building therapeutic relationships with youth referred from the probation offices and delivering effective in-person services to them.
Why Poonam enjoys working at CMHA
Trained in forensic counseling, I’m passionate about person-centred therapy. CMHA has empowered me with autonomy, allowing me to apply and master my skills in a field I deeply care about. Making a difference in my clients’ lives gives profound meaning to my own. CMHA also fosters ongoing professional development, which supports my continuous learning and skill enhancement. The unwavering support from the Mental Health and Justice team has enabled me to realize my potential and contribute to CMHA’s mission.
How our Mental Health and Justice Program supports our community
Our clients often come from marginalized, racialized backgrounds and face stigma within society and the criminal justice system. The dedicated professionals of the Mental Health and Justice Team invest in their clients’ stories and cases, restoring dignity, reducing stigma, and helping clients rebuild meaningful lives. We empower them to rewrite their narratives and find personal meaning and purpose.
