About Ilana Goldsmith

Ilana is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). She holds a Psychology undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University. 

Ilana has extensive experience supporting post-secondary students. She spent five years as a Counsellor at Centennial College, providing brief, solution-focused psychotherapy and academic accommodation support. Over the past decade, she has worked at various universities and colleges across Ontario, supporting students with overcoming personal, professional and academic challenges. She is committed to helping students rebuild their mental health and define their own unique paths to success. 

Ilana also specializes in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma both as children and as adults. Trauma can include the impacts of childhood neglect, parental substance abuse (e.g., alcoholism), abandonment as well as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Additionally, Ilana supports adults who have experienced or witnessed more recent sexual violence, accidents, or sudden loss. She understands how trauma can impact people’s lives. Thanks to her specialized trauma training in EMDR, Ilana can help her clients work through trauma symptoms such as flashbacks, sleeplessness, avoidance, difficulties in relationships, hypervigilance and overwhelming negative emotions such as fear and shame.   

Ilana is also passionate about helping new parents adjust to the challenges and stress in their new roles. This includes providing parents with a safe, non-judgmental space to talk openly about the unexpected emotional and psychological challenges of early parenthood. For some parents, these feelings might include more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, guilt, and difficulties attaching to their child or changes in dynamics in relationships with their partner, friends, and family members. Ilana helps new parents understand their own needs, identify new resources, and develop practical strategies to improve their mental health as they adapt to this major change in their lives.  

Known for her warm and encouraging approach, Ilana views therapy as a space for growth and healing. She respects the courage it takes to begin therapy, drawing on her own experiences as a client. Ilana integrates various therapeutic approaches to help clients explore the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while also addressing how past experiences shape present challenges. She empowers clients to heal, build emotional resilience, and live in alignment with their values. 

Outside of work, Ilana enjoys spending time with her family, chasing after her toddler and dog alike! She also loves playing and watching soccer, reading, watching Netflix, and playing the piano or guitar on occasion! 

Email: ilana.goldsmith@mylifecounselling.ca
Phone: 1-800-828-9484 (ext. 132)