Hey There!
My name is MaryJoy (MJ) Ecijan
I’m a Southeast Asian (Filipino-Japanese) woman, as well as a second-generation immigrant. As a BIPOC individual, I have first-hand experience with dealing with first-generation immigrant parents, as well as high academic, athletic, and personal expectations. A personal quote that I’d like to share with others is, "Practice makes progress, not perfect." People sometimes don't notice how far they've come until they sit back and look back on how much they've accomplished or changed. I would love to acknowledge your resiliency and support your goals.
Get to Know MaryJoy
MaryJoy is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists in Ontario (CRPO). She also holds a Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree in Psychology with a double minor in Sociology and Philosophy from Toronto Metropolitan University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health from Durham College, and a Master of Arts Graduate degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She also has professional developments from Harvard Medical School for General Psychiatric Management (GPM) for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and is currently working on Clinical Care for Autistic Adults.
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MaryJoy's work experience in the mental health field has started during her student placement at West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre as a youth harm reduction counsellor, where she has supported youth between the ages of 12-years old to 17-years old. During this virtual experience, she co-facilitated girls only group therapy sessions and provided individual youth therapy for youth in Extra Judicial Measures (EJM). She has continued her practicum experience at York University as a Varsity Athlete Counsellor, where she has experience in virtual and in-person individual therapy for young adults 18-years old to 25-years old, as well as adults over 25-years old. Currently, she is an independent contractor as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Live Inspired Counselling and After Tomorrow Counselling + Psychotherapy. During this experience she is providing virtual therapy for Ontario residents and in-person therapy in Uxbridge, Ontario for individuals 12-years old and older.
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MaryJoy's integrative approach is rooted in a client-centred, strengths-based, and collaborative approach, including aspects of Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Relational-Cultural Therapy. As an individual trained in addictions counselling and GPM for BPD, this allows her to better personalize therapy sessions to an individual's skills set, as well as their therapeutic needs, wants, and goals.
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MaryJoy's area of focus with clients is to help with self-awareness, self-compassion, and encourage self-growth in and out of therapy sessions. Many of her experience includes supporting high performing individuals such as athletes, as well as high school students and post-secondary students, and those struggling with emotion regulation. However, she also has experience in supporting those with addictions and substance abuse disorders, borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety including social anxiety and performance anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, low motivation, interpersonal and family conflict, grief and loss including pet loss, infertility and parenting, boundaries and relationships, stress and burnout, as well as issues related to self-esteem.
Fun Facts
About MJ Ecijan
Outside of my work in therapy, I enjoy a variety of activities that keep me mentally and physically active and inspired. You'll often find me immersed in watching Korean dramas and anime, and reading mangas and manhwas. I love playing sports such as golf and basketball, as well as going to the gym which simultaneously challenge me physically and mentally.
My beautiful Corgi-Pomeranian dog brings joy and companionship to my life, and I try to make time with her by going on walks and playing catch. When I'm not reading or listening to podcasts, you might catch me doing the Daily New York Times Wordle. I also love spending time with friends and family, whether it's playing mahjong or singing car karaoke.
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Having been a high performer for many years, I understand the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This supports my commitment to self-care and setting boundaries to ensure I'm staying effective, as well as mentally and emotionally capable.