About - Lemons Into Lemonade

Tina Bendo

MSW, RSW

I’m Tina, a registered social worker with 10 years of counselling experience. I feel that counselling is a personal and individualized journey, and it is important that you find someone who matches your needs. I offer virtual and in-person therapy services through evidence-based approaches. My approach is that, even though we can’t choose what life brings us, we can work together to create positive change. Everyone comes to therapy with their own life experience and perspective; I want to honour your journey and be a source of support toward a more fulfilling life.

In my practice, I prioritize building rapport, transparent communication, and fostering a safe environment for individuals to heal.

I recognize that everyone’s circumstances are unique, and I’m committed to adapting my approach to support each client.

My Background and Experience

I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University and my Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. I have 10 years of experience in working in community and hospital mental health settings. Through this work I have learned how to work with a variety of clients’ needs including children, youth, adults, and families. Many of the clients I have experienced supporting have dealt with suicidal ideation, depression, perinatal challenges, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, and much more.

I’ve received training in the following modalities:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Trauma Information Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (skills and individual therapy)
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy
Trauma-Informed Practice
Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

I offer a free 15-30 minute consult. Choosing a therapist is an important decision. This consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your needs, ask questions, and learn more about how I work, so you can determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Areas of Specialty:

Children and Teens
Parent coaching
Pre and Post Natal Mental Health
Infertility Support
Transition into Parenthood
Adults
Anxiety
OCD
Depression
Emotional dysregulation
Suicidal ideation
Self-harm
Trauma

When I work with children and teens I use art and game based activities to make therapy engaging and approachable. I support young people in navigating challenges such as anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, and self-expression, while also working closely with parents to provide coaching and guidance. My approach is tailored to each child’s needs, fostering growth, resilience, and a sense of empowerment.

How I Approach Care

Collaborative

Counselling is a team effort. I believe that clients are experts in their own life, and it's important for their input to be included in treatment. I work with clients to determine the next steps, what is and is not working, and identify clear and attainable goals.

Respectful

Mutual respect is an essential aspect of counselling. I do my best to ensure that each client's well-being, wishes, and input are respected from the beginning of services. Being transparent about limitations, boundaries, and expectations are integral to how I conduct my work.

Dependable

In order for counselling to remain a safe space, it is important that a client can trust and rely on their therapist. I do this by fully showing up to each appointment, following through on what is discussed in session and prioritizing therapeutic rapport with each person.