Darwin Lyons

Personal biography

I believe healing begins when we fully embody our emotions—mind and body, and truly listen to the wisdom they carry. You are the expert of your own life, and my role is to listen attentively, foster growth, and meet you where you are. I strive to listen with my whole body and being, tuning into you in the present moment. It is a privilege to witness people’s stories, and I feel deeply honoured to support you on your therapeutic journey.

Approach

I tailor therapy to each individual because I believe there is no one-size-fits-all path to healing. My approach is integrative, drawing primarily from Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and somatic approaches, with certificates in Emotion Focused Therapy – Individuals Level 1, Emotion Focused-Therapy for Youth, Emotion-Focused Family Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i). My research has focused on the ways the nervous system shapes our lived experience, and I bring the understanding that the mind and body work together in the healing process. Together, these approaches can help you deepen your understanding of what your emotions and body are communicating, so you can move toward a life that feels more authentic, connected, and fulfilling.

Experience

Therapy is my second career, and my work has been enriched by a diverse professional background spanning 20 years in theatre, film, education, the service industry, and tech. Each of these experiences taught me something different about what it means to be human, allowing me to connect with people from many walks of life with curiosity, empathy, and openness. I know what it feels like to be stuck, and I also know what it feels like to find a path that is meaningful, fulfilling, and buoyant. It is a privilege to support others as they work towards a path that feels right to them.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults, and I value bringing a broad perspective and genuine curiosity to every therapeutic relationship. I also bring a social justice lens to my work and believe in uplifting all the parts of a person that make them unique, including (but not limited to) their ethnic background, LGBTQIA2S+ identity, and equitable needs. I am honoured to work and live on Turtle Island and consider myself a lifelong learner, always seeking to deepen my understanding of the people and communities I serve.

Working With Me

I hold a Master’s in Psychology from Adler Graduate Professional School and provide therapy as a Clinical Associate at Therapy Villa under the supervision of Ms. Niyati Gandhi, M.A., C.Psych. I offer both virtual and in-person services, and I would be honoured to meet you wherever you are in your journey.

More Than Just My Work

When I’m not at work you can find me exploring the cultural events in the city, reading fiction, hiking in nature and enjoying time with my family.