Feb 5, 2026 | Mental Health, Faces of HDGH
Every February, Psychology Month shines a spotlight on the important role psychology plays in helping people live healthy, fulfilling lives. At Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), this work is deeply woven into our mission of providing compassionate, person-centred care.
As part of this year’s Psychology Month, we sat down with Dr. Adetola Grillo, Clinical Psychologist at the Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute (TNI), who recently joined HDGH in July. In this Q&A, Dr. Grillo shares her journey, her approach to care, and why psychological support is essential to recovery.
A: I began practicing in Canada in 2021. I am registered with the College of Psychologists and Behavioural Analysts of Ontario and went through a period of supervised practice. I worked in private practice and then moved to Windsor this past July to join HDGH.
My role as a psychologist has involved conducting psychological assessments and providing therapy. My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and I also use Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I describe my practice as very person-centred and I have a lot of experience working with those who have experienced trauma.
At HDGH, I primarily work with adults and older adults who often have complex mental health needs, which requires a lot of patience, empathy, and flexibility. It’s important for me to see the whole person — not just their diagnosis. Many of our patients and clients are parents, grandparents, professionals, or caregivers. They have strengths, histories, and identities that matter.
I focus on building on those strengths while supporting their recovery. Working within a multidisciplinary team is also a huge part of what makes care at HDGH so effective. Our patients’ needs are medical, psychological, social, and physical, and it takes a team approach to truly support them.
Sometimes I connect with a patient’s family members to gather information for assessments or to help support therapy. Other times, I participate in family meetings as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Families are often an important part of a person’s support system, and collaborating with them helps ensure care is aligned and effective.
A: I’ve always been interested in the health professions. My mother is a retired nurse, so I grew up around hospitals — it felt natural to me. I considered medicine, but I didn’t enjoy subjects like chemistry and physics, so I decided to become a different kind of doctor. In the end, it worked out perfectly because I find psychology fascinating. We are all curious about human behaviour. We try to understand why people act the way they do. Studying the science behind those behaviours really interested me, and I’ve truly enjoyed the journey so far.
When I interviewed at HDGH, I immediately noticed the culture and strong sense of teamwork. From my very first day, I met so many people who had been here for 10, 20, and even 30 years. That spoke volumes to me. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and made this new experience feel positive and supportive. It’s something that has stayed with me since day one.
My journey here has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve grown professionally and personally since joining the organization, and I’m truly enjoying the journey.
A: Psychological therapy is an essential part of recovery — not just in mental health hospitals, but everywhere. There’s a saying that “there’s no health without mental health,” and it’s true. Mental health affects how we think, solve problems, manage relationships, regulate emotions, and understand ourselves.
People usually come to therapy after trying to cope on their own and realizing they need support. One of the greatest benefits of therapy is developing self-awareness — understanding how you think, feel, and where you get stuck. We often operate on “autopilot.” Therapy creates space to slow down and reflect. It’s a safe, non-judgmental environment where people can explore their experiences and learn healthier ways of responding to challenges.
It’s also a corrective space. People can try new approaches, understand patterns that aren’t working, and build more effective coping skills.
Research shows that many therapeutic approaches, whether it’s CBT, DBT or other evidence-based interventions, are effective. What consistently stands out is the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Feeling safe, heard, and supported by a knowledgeable professional makes a real difference.
At HDGH, building strong, trusting relationships is central to our care. It reflects our commitment to dignity, respect, and compassion.
A: First, I would say: it makes sense. Many people hesitate because of stigma or self-judgment. They worry that asking for help means they are weak or failing. We are often our own harshest critics. But problems whether they arise from life stressors, developmental transitions, interpersonal relationships, or emotional, personality or cognitive dysfunction are part of being human.
It’s okay to talk to friends and family, and that can be very helpful. But if you’ve tried that and you’re still struggling, seeking professional support is important — just like seeing a doctor for physical concerns. Mental health isn’t just about willpower. It involves our brain, our physiology, our thoughts, and our emotions. Sometimes we need expert support to understand and manage those processes. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.
During Psychology Month, we recognize the vital role psychologists and mental health professionals play in supporting recovery, resilience, and well-being. Dr. Grillo’s work reflects HDGH’s commitment to provide compassionate, holistic, and person-centered care that honours each person’s dignity and potential. Thank you to all of our psychologists for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of our patients, clients, families, and community.