Getting to Know Your Therapist: A Conversation with Brandon Schiafone

Registered Social Worker Brandon Schiafone discusses his motivations for pursuing a career in mental health, outlines his therapeutic approach, and reflects on how his personal experiences have influenced his professional path. He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology from Seneca College. During his graduate studies, he completed a practicum at Recalibrate Therapeutic Services, where he provided client support for over a year before being offered a contract with RTS.

Jordan: Good morning, Brandon. Thanks for being here. Why did you choose this field and what made you want to become a therapist?

Brandon: Good morning, Jordan! I grew up with multiple disabilities. I'm completely blind and also hard of hearing, with about 60% of my hearing available to me. Growing up like that, I naturally became involved in the community of other kids and young adults with disabilities.

Jordan: Did being around all those people inspire you to help them with their mental health?

Brandon: I noticed there was a divide. Some people struggled to move past their disabilities. They became consumed by them and felt stuck, like they couldn't progress or build something more for themselves. But then others said, "Yes, I have these challenges, but I'm going to find a way forward." That's always the path that resonated with me.

Over time, I realized that path is not exclusive to living with disabilities. It applies to so many life challenges: financial struggles, relationship issues, and more. At the root of a lot of these struggles is self-doubt and how we see ourselves. I could've let that self-doubt define me, but I chose not to.

That's where I found my motivation. I wanted to help people who feel stuck in that cycle of doubt and lack of motivation, and help them move toward a place where they can pursue their goals and feel fulfilled.

Jordan: Well, that's amazing. You didn't let your disabilities hold you back and you pushed forward through adversity. That's really inspiring. So now that you're in the field, is it what you expected?

Brandon: Yes and no. It's what I expected in terms of working with clients where I meet people facing challenges who need my support and guidance.

What surprised me was the sheer amount of knowledge in the field. There are so many different therapeutic approaches like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. I initially felt like I needed to know everything.

But I realized that's not realistic. It's impossible to master everything. That realization changed how I approach therapy. Now, I focus on developing a strong foundation in approaches that resonate with me while drawing from others when needed.

Jordan: That makes sense. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, especially when working with so many different people with a wide variety of personalities.

Brandon: Exactly. It helped me appreciate finding a modality that fits me and adapting it to each client.

Jordan: Speaking of that, when you first meet a client, do you have a favourite way to build trust and rapport with them?

Brandon: I wouldn't say I have one "favourite" way. People often say I'm approachable and calm, but for me, it really comes down to being present.

It's about actively listening. While learning about a client, I'm not thinking about dinner or a TV show in the back of my mind, but fully engaging with the client and trying to understand their situation. As you get to know them, you start to see their worldview and patterns. It's about meeting them where they are and working collaboratively without assumptions.

Jordan: That makes a lot of sense. I certainly appreciate when someone is clearly paying attention to what I am saying and not thinking about something else or typing away on their phone. Does being blind and hearing impaired affect how you engage with the client?

Brandon: In some ways, yes. I can't rely on visual cues like other therapists might. But instead, I'm very attuned to shifts in how someone speaks.

I notice changes in emotion through voice and demeanour. In some ways, it makes me a stronger listener because I'm not distracted by any visual information.

Jordan: So you're really reading their tone and energy.

Brandon: Exactly. I'm very attuned and attentive to those changes since I can't do things like notice a frown and ask them what's on their mind based on that. So it's less about those visual cues and more about feeling the energy of the client as time goes on.

Jordan: You've probably gotten really good at doing that, since you've been adapting yourself to others your entire life.

Brandon: I'd say I've gotten better, but I believe we never stop learning. There's always room to improve.

Jordan: That's a great mindset. Do you ever know when a client no longer needs therapy?

Brandon: That really depends on the client. Some people just want a safe space to talk, while others come in with complex issues like trauma or difficult life situations that require long-term work.

Ultimately, it's up to the client. We can offer recommendations, but they decide when they've achieved their goals or feel ready to stop.

Personally, I think everyone can benefit from therapy, even as a form of mental health maintenance. But motivation is key. We can provide tools and strategies, but the client has to apply them outside of sessions. Therapy doesn't stop when they leave the office.

Jordan: So what you're saying is you guide the client, but at the end of the day it takes both of you to help bring out their full potential.

Brandon: Exactly.

Jordan: So what keeps you motivated? What's the most rewarding part of your job?

Brandon: There are a few things. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. Everyone's experiences carry valuable lessons. So whatever their personal story is, there's always lessons to be learned. Not just for them, but for myself too. I love meeting new people, learning their stories, what they've experienced, what their struggles have been, and we both get to learn from them. My clients are always giving me new perspectives and new ways to think.

I also love how this career gives me the opportunity for growth. There are always training sessions, workshops, and new things to learn in this field. It aligns with my belief that we should keep learning and growing throughout life, and these lessons allow me to help my clients the best I possibly can.

Jordan: Yeah, I always see you're attending different seminars and building all these skills.

Brandon: It can be a bit of a trap. I have to be careful not to spread myself too thin and choose training workshops that align with my therapeutic approach.

Jordan: Last question I have for you, Brandon. What advice would you give the people out there that are unsure about starting therapy?

Brandon: We live in a society where physical health is praised. People applaud going to the gym and staying fit, but there's less emphasis on working on your mental health.

Your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are just as important, and they essentially define who you are as a person. Having poor mental health can ruin an entire day, week or even your month if the situation is really bad. Maintaining your mental health is key to maintaining a happy life.

That is why therapy is a great place to start. Friends and family can support you, but therapists have the expertise to guide you, help you set goals, and work through challenges.

There's still stigma, but you owe it to yourself to take that step. You deserve to live a fulfilling life. Pursuing your goals, building relationships, and becoming the person you want to be. And you deserve to be able to look back at your life and say, I love what I built. I love that I overcame this adversity. I love who I've become. And I think therapy is the foundation block to those things.

Jordan: That was beautifully said. Thank you so much, Brandon.

Brandon: Thank you.