ABOUT THE ZEN SOCIAL WORKER

Timothy Gordon, MSW

Registered Social Worker

My name is Tim. I'm passionate about being a  social worker and therapeutic counsellor; I feel privileged to do this work, to be trusted with client’s innermost thoughts and personal experiences, to train mental health professionals in providing evidence-based services to others, and to reach communities well beyond my home in Canada to ensure everyone has access to resources they need not only to succeed but thrive. I obtained my Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2013 ​and am an Attachment and Trauma Specialist working with adults and children.

I have published books and peer-reviewed articles, including a chapter in a textbook on holistic healing, therapeutic resources, and courses for health professionals, and I am an award-winning author.

Featured In

  • Breethe

  • Books and Decks

  • Youtube Channel

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

ACT is the cornerstone of our therapeutic framework. It is a cutting-edge, evidence-based approach to cognitive behavioural therapy that emphasizes acceptance, presence, and the pursuit of personal values. We believe that it is essential to acknowledge and accept your thoughts and emotions rather than attempt to suppress or avoid them. Through ACT, we guide you in developing psychological flexibility, which enables you to live a more fulfilling and authentic life with empirically supported improvements in quality of life.

ACT is not just a clinical methodology but a way of life in our practice. We help you develop skills to:

  • Understand and embrace your thoughts and feelings.

  • Author your values and set meaningful life goals.

  • Cultivate mindfulness and self-compassion.

  • Take committed actions in alignment with your values and reduce relapse.

Yoga & Mindfulness

Incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices into our approach is our commitment to nurturing the whole self. These ancient disciplines provide invaluable tools for cultivating physical and mental well-being.

Yoga, with its focus on breath, movement, and body awareness, can help you:

  • Release physical tension and improve flexibility.

  • Enhance emotional regulation and self-awareness.

  • Connect with the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged in the current moment without judgment. We teach you how to:

  • Cultivate greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions.

  • Develop a compassionate relationship with yourself.

  • Find peace and balance amidst life's challenges.

Prolonged Exposure

We understand that living with the aftermath of trauma can be incredibly challenging, and we are committed to offering effective and evidence-based therapy to help you regain control over your life. Prolonged Exposure is a well-established, evidence-based therapeutic approach that has shown remarkable success in treating PTSD. Our highly skilled and compassionate team of counsellors is here to guide you through this transformative journey. We create a safe and supportive environment for you to confront and process your traumatic experiences, reduce distressing symptoms, and ultimately reclaim your life. If you're ready to take the first step towards healing and recovery, we're here to support you every step of the way. Your path to renewed well-being begins here.

Sec. 30 Assessment & Voice of the Child Report

Sometimes, family conflicts involving separation, divorce, time sharing and co-parenting can’t be resolved with counselling. This is a very difficult process for everyone involved, and the court may order a Section 30 Assessment under the Ontario Children’s Law Reform Act. Alternatively, a voice of the child report may be requested to include a child’s thoughts, feelings, experiences, and preferences in the child's time-sharing and custody decisions.

I am trained in a continuing education accredited and internationally implemented methodology for parenting capacity assessment, custody, access, time-sharing, and parenting planning.

The Many Hats I Wear

  • ACT Trainer

    I have taught Acceptance & Commitment Therapy at McMaster University, internationally at workshops, and present my work at conferences.

  • Author

    I have published books and scientific articles. I am the co-author of The ACT Approach and The ACT Deck, Acceptance & Mindfulness for Children & Adolescents, Mindful Yoga-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and created the Trauma Coping Skills Deck.

    ​I also wrote a free self-help book.

  • Yoga Instructor

    I have an interest in using yoga and contemplative practices in my clinical work and became a yoga instructor to better adapt the practice to my work with clients. I am the founder of MYACT (Mindful Yoga-Based ACT) and offer an eight week group through my independent practice.

Get started with TZSW, today.