Carmen Anton RN — Student Therapist

Becoming Institute • Nurse Psychotherapist Program (in training)

You don’t have to figure it out alone. True healing begins when we stop hiding our pain. I am right here with you, ready to listen, ready to support you, and ready to walk beside you as you rise and heal.

I am a Registered Nurse currently training as a Nurse Psychotherapist at the Becoming Institute, specializing in Trauma Recovery. I practice under the careful supervision of Dr. Joan Samuels-Dennis, Nurse Psychotherapist and Clinical Lead at Becoming Institute Inc.

For over 15 years I have worked as a nurse, primarily in acute care. Supporting people’s mental and emotional well-being has always been part of the care I provide, listening deeply and helping with what is needed. That chapter of my life taught me how to sit steady in the eye of someone else’s storm, to listen to what is left unsaid, and to honour the raw vulnerability of the human experience.

Nursing gave me a solid foundation. My training as a Nurse Psychotherapist is helping me go deeper into the healing work.

Centered in the spirit of Ubuntu, the truth that our humanity is deeply interconnected, I believe real transformation takes root through genuine connection. Healing cannot be rushed; it unfolds safely at a pace you dictate. In our time together, I blend trauma-informed care with the specialized modalities of the Becoming Method®, ensuring every step of your journey is fully supported by the clinical oversight of Dr. Samuels-Dennis.

Sessions are available virtually and I offer them in English.

If my words resonate with you, I would be honoured to connect for a brief introductory chat to see if we are a good fit. Please know that you are welcome here, exactly as you are.

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Dr. Joan Samuels-Dennis, Ph.D., is a trailblazing force in the field of psychotherapy, internationally recognized for her transformative approach to trauma recovery. Her groundbreaking psychotherapeutic technique – the Becoming Method™ – has revolutionized how we understand and treat the physical, mental, and spiritual responses to trauma. As the Dean of the School of Psychotherapeutic Innovations at the Becoming Institute, the first Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving institute for psychotherapy education, she is shaping the future of the profession with a focus on diversity, equity, and excellence.

With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Joan’s expertise as a trauma recovery specialist has left an indelible mark on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Her interdisciplinary background, encompassing nursing, psychology, mental health promotion, and philosophy, informs her holistic approach to healing, empowering clients and students alike to achieve resilience and well-being.

In addition to her leadership and clinical roles, Dr. Joan is a dedicated advocate committed to social change. As Chair of the National Healing Journey, she spearheads efforts to address historical traumas within the Afro-descendant community, advocating for healing and reconciliation from the enduring impacts of colonization, enslavement, and systemic racism.

An accomplished author with influential works such as “490: Forgive and Live Fearlessly,” Dr. Joan’s writings continue to inspire and guide readers globally. Her compassionate commitment to healing and her profound insights into the human experience make her a respected voice in the field.

Proudly Jamaican-Canadian, Dr. Joan resides in Brampton, ON with her loving husband and cherished family. Her passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to advancing the field of psychotherapy and fostering healing in individuals and communities attest to her enduring legacy and impact.

Dr. Joan Samuels-Dennis, Ph.D., is a trailblazing force in the field of psychotherapy, internatio... Read More

Angela Vanderbeke, RN- Student Therapist Becoming Institute- Nurse Psychotherapist Program (in training)

A nurse walking alongside you toward healing.

I am a Registered Nurse and a student therapist, currently completing my training in the Nurse Psychotherapist program at the Becoming Institute, with a specialization in Trauma Recovery. I practice under the clinical supervision of Dr. Joan Samuels-Dennis, Nurse Psychotherapist and Clinical Lead, Becoming Institute Inc.

I have worked as a nurse in mental health and crisis care for over 2 years, with previous experience in acute care nursing, working with people in their most vulnerable and challenging moments.

This work has taught me to listen deeply, honour each person’s story, and to hold steady when things feel uncertain. Nursing gave me my foundation; my psychotherapy training is deepening the craft.

My approach is grounded in Ubuntu- I am because we are- and in the belief that healing happens in relataionship, at your own pace. I draw on trauma-informed frameworks and the Becoming Method, always under the guidance of Dr. Samuels-Dennis.

I work with adults navigating complex mental health challenges, trauma and life transitions. I offer virtual sessions in English and Ukrainian.

I welcome an introductory session to see whether we may be a good fit.

Angela Vanderbeke, RN- Student Therapist Becoming Institute- Nurse Psychotherapist Program (in tr... Read More