Mathai Devasia #2

About

I grew up in a rural agricultural community in Kerala, Southern India, where a culture rooted in caring and sharing shaped my values and inspired my path toward a helping profession. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Calicut, then pursued a Master’s in Social Work from Kerala University, specializing in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work. Adapting to city life was initially challenging, but it also helped me grow personally and professionally. I began my career as a Family Counsellor, supporting individuals, couples, and families with conflict resolution, communication, and daily life challenges. Motivated by a long-held dream, I founded a non-profit organization serving marginalized communities including fishermen, women, sex workers, and LGBTQ+ individuals. As Director, I led initiatives in behavior change communication, legal and medical aid, counselling, community development, and training for 13 years. During this time, I also earned a Law degree (LLB) from Calicut University. Later, I joined FXB International, overseeing programs across four Indian states, focusing on vulnerable children, women, and families. In 2012, I immigrated to Canada and started over. I completed a certificate in Canadian Social Work Practice from Ryerson University and had my MSW recognized as equivalent in Canada, leading to my registration as a Social Worker. In Canada, I worked with CMHA Toronto in the Mental Health Court Support Program, later becoming a Concurrent Disorders Specialist. I provided therapy to individuals navigating mental health and addiction, developing expertise in harm reduction, relapse prevention, and life skills. I pursued certifications in CBT, DBT, MI, SFBT, and EFFT, and currently provide structured psychotherapy and facilitate therapy groups for anxiety, depression, psychosis, addiction, and emotion regulation. I remain passionate about supporting people in achieving meaningful, empowered change.