Anthony Girard
Registered Psychotherapist, Founder & Chief Therapeutic Officer at The Mind Space
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
About Me
As a dedicated mental health professional at The Mind Space, I am deeply passionate about guiding individuals towards unlocking their full potential through personalized therapy and comprehensive mental wellness strategies. My practice is founded on providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and client-centred support within a non-judgmental and inclusive environment.
My extensive experience has allowed me to work with a diverse range of clients, assisting them in navigating complex life transitions, managing emotional disturbances, and overcoming career challenges. My focus remains steadfast on fostering profound healing and building resilience.
I firmly believe in a philosophy of continuous growth—not just for my clients, but for my own professional development as well. At The Mind Space, my priority is a flexible and highly personalized approach, ensuring that each individual receives the specific, tailored care they need to thrive. Inspired by my personal journey and a strong commitment to inclusivity, I strive to make high-quality mental health care both accessible and free from stigma.
Let’s connect and explore how we can collaboratively create meaningful change, taking one empowering step at a time.
My Practice: The Mind Space
Welcome to The Mind Space Therapy – A Space for All! Our mission is to promote mental health and well-being by providing accessible and effective psychotherapy services. Recognizing that 1 in 5 Canadians face mental health challenges each year, our approach employs practical and evidence-based techniques to facilitate positive changes in thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and social connections.
We offer online therapy, mental health consultation, and psychotherapy services. Committed to making care accessible for everyone, we operate on a sliding scale, with sessions ranging from $100 to $175.
We embrace an integrative approach to well-being, exploring how psychotherapy can significantly enhance daily life and overall mental wellness. Our collaborations, such as with the PaRx Program, highlight our dedication to integrating innovative methods like nature-based healing into mental health practices.
Learn more about our services and philosophy at: www.themindspace.org
Experience
Founder & Chief Therapeutic Officer
Dec 2023 – Present
The Mind Space · Self-employed
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada · Remote
Mental Health and Wellness Lead (ECCC)
Aug 2023 – Present
Government of Canada · Permanent Full-time
Hybrid
Program Consultant (Operations Team) (ESDC)
Jan 2022 – Aug 2023
Government of Canada · Permanent Full-time
- Coordinated the National Advisory Committee for Canada's Volunteer Awards (CVA).
- Served as a Subject Matter Expert for the CVA online system (MS Dynamics).
- Provided training for CVA staff on the CVA online system.
- Acted as a liaison between the CVA program and CVA online system optimization project.
Administrative Team Lead (ESDC)
Aug 2019 – Jan 2022
Government of Canada · Permanent Full-time
Investment Project Team Lead (ESDC)
Oct 2020 – Jan 2021
Government of Canada · Permanent Full-time
Junior Program Officer (FSWEP) (ESDC)
May 2018 – Aug 2019
Government of Canada · Permanent Full-time
Gatineau, Québec
Intermediate Therapist
Mar 2023 – Apr 2024
Aili Therapy · Contract Part-time
Remote
Delivered therapy focused on accessibility, ensuring high-quality care regardless of financial capacity. Collaborated with a diverse team of therapists to support individuals, couples, and families through all stages of life, while actively working to accommodate varying client budgets.
Student Therapist - M. Ed, RP (Qualifying)
Sep 2022 – Mar 2023
Internship
English Tutor
Feb 2015 – Apr 2018
Collège La Cité
- Provided academic support to students to facilitate their English language acquisition.
- Clarified and explained complex English concepts effectively.
- Translated and corrected documents to ensure accuracy and clarity.
- Assisted students in comprehending online reading, listening, and grammar quizzes.
The Corporation Of The Municipality Of Greenstone
May 2011 – Oct 2015
Geraldton, Ontario
Geraldton Pool Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
May 2011 – Oct 2015
- Managed payment processes for swimming activities.
- Performed and accurately recorded pool tests to ensure water safety.
- Observed patrons to ensure their safety and taught various swimming techniques/skills.
Geraldton Parks and Recreation (Student)
May 2015 – Aug 2016
- Contributed to the beautification of municipal parks and recreational areas.
- Assisted in setting up various community events.
Geraldton Arena, Rink Assistant
Nov 2011 – Apr 2014
- Performed general janitorial duties to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
- Monitored public skating sessions to ensure safety and adherence to rules.
Kitchen Assistant
May 2011 – Aug 2011
- Provided assistance to accommodate evacuees during the 2011/2014 periods.
- Responsible for replenishing beverages in fridges and distributing them.
- Ensured hot water distributors were refilled.
- Engaged with people outside of work contexts.
Student Trustee
Aug 2012 – Jul 2013
Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l'Ontario
Sudbury/Longlac, Ontario
- Represented students from across the school board, advocating for their interests.
- Served as a mediator between the school board and the student body to facilitate communication and conflict resolution.
Education
University of Ottawa
Sep 2020 – Apr 2023
Maîtrise en éducation Concentration en psychologie du counseling
University of Ottawa
Sep 2015 – Apr 2020
Honours B.A., Psychology with a Minor in Criminology
Collège La Cité
Sep 2014 – Apr 2015
Certificate, General Arts and Sciences – Social Sciences (in French)
4.0/9 GPA (with great distinction)
Class representative
Relevant classes: mental health, sociology, religious studies, philosophy, psychology
École secondaire Château-Jeunesse
2009 – 2013
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Academic - French
Various functions on student council in high school
Treasurer
Class representative
Intensive fund raising to travel across Italy and Greece (2010)
Licenses & Certifications
Certified Facilitator: The Working Mind - First Responder
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Issued Apr 2024
Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner
Prosci
Issued Oct 2021
Honours & Awards
ISSD Awards - All for One, One for All Award
Issued by Income Security and Social Development Branch (ISSDB) · Jun 2022
Associated with Government of Canada
An award given to a team (the Employee Consultation Group) who went above and beyond in providing support to the sponsoring team in achieving an objective(s), program(s) launch, initiative(s) or task(s).
ISSD Awards - To Excellence and Beyond
Issued by Income Security and Social Development Branch (ISSDB) · Jun 2022
Associated with Government of Canada
Given to an individual who demonstrates daily, and consistently, a commitment to excellence in everything they do.
Skills
Volunteering
Laboratory Aide
NISE Laboratory (Neuroimmunology, Stress, and Endocrinology)
Sep 2017 – Apr 2019
Science and Technology
Approximately 200 hours volunteer experience involving the laboratory, research, statistics
Fundraising
Ottawa race weekend – Team Sylvain, 5k
May 2017 – May 2019
Health
Over $28k raised for the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Life Skills Assistant
Daybreak Housing not-for-profit
Sep 2019 – Dec 2019
Poverty Alleviation
- Outreach for potential partnerships
- Designed and delivered a Microsoft basics class
30 hours
Student Volunteer
The Glebe Centre Long-Term Care Home & Abbotsford Community Programs
Jan 2019 – Apr 2019
Health
Snoezelen program, Multisensory Environment (MSE) therapy
30 hours of direct patient contact.