Member Spotlight: Niles Patel

This week we shine the light on Psychotherapist Niles Patel. Here, he shares his perspective on his work, and why experiencing a full range of emotions is the key to personal fulfillment and self-care. 

Stay tuned for a follow-up article, showcasing our Community Engagement Coordinator's personal experience with Niles!

Niles Patel, MSW, RSW

Psychotherapist

Fave food - too many, but Italian
Fave book - currently The Alice Network
Fave flower  - rose
Fave tree - weeping willow
Teacher/elder you give special thanks to - all my elders in spirit, guiding & protecting me

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"Be who you want to be, acknowledge your strength and wisdom which guide you." (Niles Patel)

​1. How would you describe your work, to somebody that doesn't know anything about what you do?

I provide collaborative counselling support to people age 19 and up who are coping with various concerns. These concerns can be from experiences with depression, anxiety, stress, communication, relationship issues and more. 

2. What kinds of issues do you have a particular gift with supporting people through?

Emotional work, looking at their coping, assisting with communicating feelings or having challenging conversations. 

3. What is the most fulfilling part about working with this specific healing modality?

The hope that people take away something from the collaborative work which helps in some way or assists with awareness building toward change in their circumstances. 

4. What are some of your go to pieces of advice to help someone cultivate a better relationship with their feelings?

It is completely okay and normal to feel a range of emotions, and to be able to express them in ways which are meaningful and helpful. We can work on how to cope with these emotions rather than shutting down or avoiding an emotion. 


5. How does somebody find out if you are a good fit for Psychotherapy with you or not? 

Through an initial session where we explore the ways in which I work and the reasons/goals/intentions for their attending counselling. Seeing if what they seek aligns with how I work. 

6. If you were to write a self-help book, what would the topic be, and why? 

"Emotions - fragile. How to be, to feel and be okay with myself" I believe that we are surrounded by emotions towards everything in our daily lives, and that becoming more comfortable with them can help us in many situations. 

Contact Niles

7. Do you have a daily self-care practice or ritual that is helpful for you?

Music of all kinds is helpful, and finding space for me-time. 

8. What do you think are the key ingredients to living a happy life? 

Tricky question. Individually this can be very different. The space and freedom to be yourself, to live the life you want I would say are the general pieces along with many more specific aspects. 

9. What is a quote that you resonate with, which reflects what you believe in & what you practice?

From myself - be who you want to be, acknowledge your strength and wisdom which guide you. ​

"...the space and freedom to be yourself, to live the life you want I would say are the general pieces...