A Life Felt Deeply: Meet Our Co-Founder Sonya Deol

It’s hard to put into words all the ways life has shaped me – and continues to. But I hope that with sharing some of my story, I can relate to others on a human level. As a therapist I have the privilege of witnessing people’s stories everyday – stories of pain, grief, sadness, joy, anticipation, anger, and possibility. I hold these moments with care and respect. Perhaps by sharing part of my own journey, I can help demystify the person sitting across from you.

From a young age, I’ve been a listener – not just with my ears, but with my whole body. I listened closely to what was going on around me as a way of staying safe. I tuned into others’ emotions and needs, learning to be kind, responsible, sensitive, and alert.

I also felt things deeply – constantly rocking back and forth in a sea of emotions. My sensitivity meant I carried not just my own feelings, but often the pain of those around me. That level of emotional vigilance didn’t leave much space for me to play without worry, to safely make mistakes, to be carefree and innocent.

As the eldest of four children raised by a single mother, I often took on the role of problem-solver. But the childhood trauma I experienced was out of my control, and that helplessness was overwhelming. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression at 13 years old, and much of my adolescence was marked by emotional disconnection and a deep desire for the pain to end.

The brilliance of the nervous system is that it’s wired for survival – so I made it through. Art, music, writing, and learning became my lifelines. Despite the impact on my mental health, I studied hard in school, got my first job at 15 years old, and eventually worked my way through university.

When I was 19, I met my partner, whose steady presence slowly expanded my view of what life could be – more hopeful, joyful, and safe. Trusting this new perspective wasn’t easy at first, but over time I allowed myself to begin believing in it.

Together, we moved to South Korea to teach English – and ended up staying for five years. That experience was so transformative. I learned to adapt to a new culture, made lifelong friendships, traveled extensively, and even co-founded an adventure travel company with my partner. Travelling and living in different places continue to be a source of healing and inspiration in my life, and I’ve come to see this as a part of my family’s generational pattern of movement across countries.

When I returned to Canada in 2016, I continued my personal healing journey. Family challenges resurfaced, and the work of repairing relationships was hard and ongoing. I began seeking regular therapy, which deeply supported my growth and led me to pursue my own path in social work and psychotherapy.

While studying for my Master of Social Work, I worked in crisis intervention, supporting people in their most vulnerable moments. I completed my degree in 2020 and soon after opened a private practice to support the impact of the pandemic on mental health.

My partner and I had made a home in Mimico, where I feel connected to both the area and the community. A couple of years ago, during a period of shared loss, my colleague Carly and I came together to co-found South Etobicoke Therapy. Our vision was to build a welcoming space where lived experience interweaves with professional care and community connection to support healing.

I know that pain in life is inevitable – but healing from it requires safety, choice, and support. My work as a therapist is not only informed by my education and training, but by the parts of me that have lived through anxiety, responsibility, cultural shifts, loss, and the long path back to self-connection.

I’m not here to “fix” anyone – I’m here to walk beside you as you make sense of your experiences, reclaim your voice, and gently explore what healing might look like for you. My approach is relational, intuitive, and rooted in deep respect for your inner wisdom.

Therapy can help you reconnect with yourself, others, and with the life force energy that may have gone quiet during difficult times.

I look forward to meeting you when you’re ready.