Simone Saunders, a therapist from Calgary, is causing a stir in the mental health community by using her platform to provide support for Canadians with non-white identities. From humble beginnings to a growing presence on social media, Saunders is helping to change the landscape of therapy, one TikTok at a time.
As the founder of Cognitive Corner, Saunders has amassed over half a million followers on social media, where she shares valuable content on mental health issues. Her videos, ranging from short psychoeducational segments to personal anecdotes, deeply resonate with her audience. “It is essential to have therapists who can integrate all aspects of your identity, whether it’s racial, gender, sexual, or any other,” said Saunders, who noticed a lack of representation in the counseling world when she was seeking therapy herself.
According to a 2021 study conducted by Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, barriers to accessing mental health services “are primarily systemic and disproportionately affect those with lower socioeconomic status, as well as immigrants, refugees, and racial minorities.” A study involving 129 Black youth in Alberta suggests the need for increased diversity in the therapeutic workforce.
Saunders’ presence on TikTok has not been limited to the internet. Her videos addressing the stigma surrounding mental health have gained viral attention throughout North America. Encouraged by this success, Saunders took a bold step and translated her virtual success into the physical space of her practice in Calgary.
For Saunders, success is not measured by numbers but by the impact she has in creating a safe space for everyone. “It’s heartwarming to read the comments and see that not only does the audience resonate with the content, but they also resonate with the experiences of others,” Saunders said. “It’s a combination of the topics I observe in practice, things happening in the world, my own research, and experiences.”
Reflecting on her journey, Saunders said she never expected social media to have such a profound influence. “It’s a truly beautiful feeling to create such a sense of community.”