Eryn Tong is a Doctoral Associate at Laksman Doell Psychology, who is currently completing the final stages of her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto. She has completed all of the coursework required for her doctoral degree and is currently finalizing her research and clinical training, prior to proceeding with registration as a psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. Her area of specialization is in adult mental health, working with individuals who present with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, substance use concerns, psychosis, and serious mental illness. She also works with individuals and caregivers who are navigating difficult life transitions including adjusting to, and coping with, chronic illness, grief, changes in relationship dynamics, and existential challenges that may arise.
Eryn believes in the importance of developing a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients wherein they can work collaboratively to explore past and current challenges, to deepen self-understanding, and to identify and challenge the patterns that may be getting in their way, while building upon their values, strengths, and sense of meaning and purpose. To do this, Eryn approaches therapy with curiosity and empathic attunement to her clients and their experience, including how intersecting identities and power dynamics can shape their experience moving through the world and within the therapeutic relationship. She is also dedicated to providing a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented approach to care in order to best meet clients where they are. Her clinical approach is integrative and draws from various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), to tailor treatment to the unique needs and goals of each client.
Eryn completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toronto. Eryn has trained in a variety of clinical settings, including the FOCUS Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team and the Family Health Team at St. Michael’s Hospital; the Concurrent Outpatient Medical & Psychosocial Addiction Services (COMPASS) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH); and the OISE Psychology Clinic at the University of Toronto.
Eryn believes in the intricate relationship between research and clinical practice and their capacity to inspire and inform each other. She has been actively involved in psychological research for over a decade at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, focusing on psychosocial oncology, caregiving, and bereavement in cancer care. This included completing her Master of Science with a specialization in Aging, Palliative, and Supportive Care at the University of Toronto. Her current doctoral research is focused on the experience of emerging adults caring for a parent living with advanced disease. Her research has been supported by several awards, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, the highest major federal scholarship in Canada.
Eryn is a member of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology. She is also a member of YA Cares, an interdisciplinary team dedicated to young adult and adult children caregiving research.