Chronic Pain Therapists in M4M
The Design Your Life Centre
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M
I am an award-winning Clinical Psychologist, acclaimed speaker, and the CEO, founder, and clinical director of The Design Your Life Centre, a psychotherapy practice in Toronto and the founder of the online Design Your Life Community. With more than 20 years experience helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult journeys such as infertility, pregnancy loss, chronic pain, chronic illness and sudden traumatic events, my strength is my ability to recognize resilience and teach people how to apply proven psychological strategies in order to move past mere survival and thrive in the face of adversity.
I am an award-winning Clinical Psychologist, acclaimed speaker, and the CEO, founder, and clinical director of The Design Your Life Centre, a psychotherapy practice in Toronto and the founder of the online Design Your Life Community. With more than 20 years experience helping people navigate some of life’s most difficult journeys such as infertility, pregnancy loss, chronic pain, chronic illness and sudden traumatic events, my strength is my ability to recognize resilience and teach people how to apply proven psychological strategies in order to move past mere survival and thrive in the face of adversity.
Tiina Kivinen
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
People I work with are often seeking help for feelings of overwhelm or emotional pain. Some are managing emotions like anxiety, stress, and depression, while others are healing from past trauma. But there's hope. The path toward understanding and emotional well-being is something we can walk together. I focus on helping those who are navigating various life transitions, healing emotional pain, or simply want to understand themselves better. In partnering with me, we'll open doors to new possibilities of healing and growth. In our sessions, we'll work together to make your life tangibly better.
People I work with are often seeking help for feelings of overwhelm or emotional pain. Some are managing emotions like anxiety, stress, and depression, while others are healing from past trauma. But there's hope. The path toward understanding and emotional well-being is something we can walk together. I focus on helping those who are navigating various life transitions, healing emotional pain, or simply want to understand themselves better. In partnering with me, we'll open doors to new possibilities of healing and growth. In our sessions, we'll work together to make your life tangibly better.
Gwen Merrick Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MHsc
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
I'm not broken, just bent - as the wise Pink once said, we are never truly "broken," just human. Each of our unique experiences, traumas, biology, and environment have all played a role in shaping our current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. And the good news is, meaningful and lasting change is possible for everyone. When we work together, we'll start by gaining an understanding of what brought you to therapy. From there, we'll dive deeper, uncovering the underlying patterns and root causes behind your struggles. My approach blends evidence-based modalities like EMDR with the wisdom of the body, mind, and spirit.
I'm not broken, just bent - as the wise Pink once said, we are never truly "broken," just human. Each of our unique experiences, traumas, biology, and environment have all played a role in shaping our current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. And the good news is, meaningful and lasting change is possible for everyone. When we work together, we'll start by gaining an understanding of what brought you to therapy. From there, we'll dive deeper, uncovering the underlying patterns and root causes behind your struggles. My approach blends evidence-based modalities like EMDR with the wisdom of the body, mind, and spirit.
Zari Atai
Registered Social Worker, BSW, RMSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
Hello and welcome. Thank you for checking out my profile. Everyone gets tangled up with some issues. It could be because of painful past, difficulty balancing emotions, being pressured by expectations, or relational issues. If you suffer from anxiety, depression or emotional imbalance, or you are having some difficulties with your love ones, I am here to support you to find your equilibrium, life priorities and inner peace. I work with adults, couples, families, and young adults/teens assisting them in managing their stress, improving communication with self and others, loss/grief, parenting skills, and other issues.
Hello and welcome. Thank you for checking out my profile. Everyone gets tangled up with some issues. It could be because of painful past, difficulty balancing emotions, being pressured by expectations, or relational issues. If you suffer from anxiety, depression or emotional imbalance, or you are having some difficulties with your love ones, I am here to support you to find your equilibrium, life priorities and inner peace. I work with adults, couples, families, and young adults/teens assisting them in managing their stress, improving communication with self and others, loss/grief, parenting skills, and other issues.
Yumeka Wong
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), DTATI, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
I believe all of us are capable of change at any age with determination and support. I've been an immigrant for half of my life and there were many moments in my life where I felt lonely and worthless. Sense of belonging can be lost and you can experience depression and anxiety. This may affect your sleep, eating habits, or immune system. Art helped me a number of times in these moments. It gave me an opportunity to grow and let me express difficult emotions. Now it is my turn to help others in difficult situations by providing support, relaxation, and opportunity for self-discovery through the creative expression of art therapy.
I believe all of us are capable of change at any age with determination and support. I've been an immigrant for half of my life and there were many moments in my life where I felt lonely and worthless. Sense of belonging can be lost and you can experience depression and anxiety. This may affect your sleep, eating habits, or immune system. Art helped me a number of times in these moments. It gave me an opportunity to grow and let me express difficult emotions. Now it is my turn to help others in difficult situations by providing support, relaxation, and opportunity for self-discovery through the creative expression of art therapy.
Starling Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M
Starling Psychological Services is a multidisciplinary mental health clinic offering therapy services to adults in Ontario. Our goal is to provide professional and ethical psychotherapy for a range of mental health concerns and everyday problems. Our team of psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists has extensive training and experience helping our clients to improve symptoms and develop the skills and strategies needed to make positive changes in their lives. We take a collaborative approach to counselling and work with our clients to set therapy goals and create a treatment plan to address them.
Starling Psychological Services is a multidisciplinary mental health clinic offering therapy services to adults in Ontario. Our goal is to provide professional and ethical psychotherapy for a range of mental health concerns and everyday problems. Our team of psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists has extensive training and experience helping our clients to improve symptoms and develop the skills and strategies needed to make positive changes in their lives. We take a collaborative approach to counselling and work with our clients to set therapy goals and create a treatment plan to address them.
The Heart of Healing Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M
Anxiety, loneliness, burnout, stress, family, ADHD, trauma, or life transitions (to name a few) … if you need help with any of these, you've come to the right place. We have extensive training to help you find solutions or provide a listening ear. We've worked with people from diverse backgrounds and ages and what’s most important to know is that at the heart of healing… is connection. Whether it's connecting with loved ones or seeking guidance from a counselor, creating a safe space is key to inspiring change. Let us support you in making positive changes and living your best life.
Anxiety, loneliness, burnout, stress, family, ADHD, trauma, or life transitions (to name a few) … if you need help with any of these, you've come to the right place. We have extensive training to help you find solutions or provide a listening ear. We've worked with people from diverse backgrounds and ages and what’s most important to know is that at the heart of healing… is connection. Whether it's connecting with loved ones or seeking guidance from a counselor, creating a safe space is key to inspiring change. Let us support you in making positive changes and living your best life.
Brian Baumal
CRPO
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4M
I lost 100lbs and currently kept it off for eight years (I started August 15, 2012). I remember at my heaviest weight, I wanted to talk to someone who had been there, done that & understood I so badly wanted to change and my frustration at not changing. I wanted someone who could quiet my mind when it worried about my weight and help me gain control of my body and life. I know what it's like to start losing weight, only to abandon the effort shortly thereafter. If you repeat that pattern and put your health and quality of life at risk, then you likely feel that there are issues that need to be addressed psychologically - I can help!
I lost 100lbs and currently kept it off for eight years (I started August 15, 2012). I remember at my heaviest weight, I wanted to talk to someone who had been there, done that & understood I so badly wanted to change and my frustration at not changing. I wanted someone who could quiet my mind when it worried about my weight and help me gain control of my body and life. I know what it's like to start losing weight, only to abandon the effort shortly thereafter. If you repeat that pattern and put your health and quality of life at risk, then you likely feel that there are issues that need to be addressed psychologically - I can help!
Tamar Ishaky
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M
It's important that you acknowledge yourself for taking the step of finding someone to provide guidance. In my thirty years of experience I've learned that a big part of the healing occurs as a by-product of the relationship between client and psychotherapist. When this relationship is grounded in safety and compassion, the relationship blossoms and healing occurs. My working style is client centered and collaborative. It invites self-inquiry--leading to a deeper understanding of issues and their root causes.
It's important that you acknowledge yourself for taking the step of finding someone to provide guidance. In my thirty years of experience I've learned that a big part of the healing occurs as a by-product of the relationship between client and psychotherapist. When this relationship is grounded in safety and compassion, the relationship blossoms and healing occurs. My working style is client centered and collaborative. It invites self-inquiry--leading to a deeper understanding of issues and their root causes.
Diane M Cassidy
Registered Psychotherapist, RN, BA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
Namaste! I provide individual, relationship and marriage counselling, in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. Over the last 35 years I have worked with individuals and couples guiding, teaching and helping them by using an eclectic approach, and a variety of different types of modalities depending on the particular needs of my clients. I also provide family mediation and relationship counselling for couples who have split. I am a sex therapist, working with all couples and individuals. I specialize in many areas, as I believe all issues are connected, so to treat problems in isolation is unrealistic and can be short lived.
Namaste! I provide individual, relationship and marriage counselling, in a nonjudgmental, relaxed environment. Over the last 35 years I have worked with individuals and couples guiding, teaching and helping them by using an eclectic approach, and a variety of different types of modalities depending on the particular needs of my clients. I also provide family mediation and relationship counselling for couples who have split. I am a sex therapist, working with all couples and individuals. I specialize in many areas, as I believe all issues are connected, so to treat problems in isolation is unrealistic and can be short lived.
Janice Cook (Psychotherapy For You Ontario)
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
As a Registered Social Worker and virtual counselor based in Ontario, I hold a Master of Social Work degree, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and a diploma in Child and Youth Work. My focus is on providing strength-based, client-centered therapy services tailored to children aged 8 and above, individuals, families, and couples. Employing an anti-oppressive approach, I customize each session to meet the unique needs of every individual. Through my years of experience, I've come to understand that the cornerstone of effective therapy lies in truly listening to my clients.
As a Registered Social Worker and virtual counselor based in Ontario, I hold a Master of Social Work degree, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and a diploma in Child and Youth Work. My focus is on providing strength-based, client-centered therapy services tailored to children aged 8 and above, individuals, families, and couples. Employing an anti-oppressive approach, I customize each session to meet the unique needs of every individual. Through my years of experience, I've come to understand that the cornerstone of effective therapy lies in truly listening to my clients.
15 Second Videos
The Design Your Life Centre
Yumeka Wong
The Heart of Healing Counselling Services
Brian Baumal
Andrea Taylor
Kimberley Orton
Steph Paolucci
Sehr Athar
Connections2Health Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, CRPO, RP, SCPHN, BACP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4M
The relationship between therapist and client is a fundamental aspect to facilitating change, possibly more so than the theoretical background. When we begin a therapeutic relationship, I hope you will feel supported through a genuine connection, where you will feel safe to bring your story and all of you into the therapy hour. Together, we will work through issues, worries, crisis's, life events, or the challenges of long term conditions, as a team. We will work together to look for positive change, resolutions to emotional suffering, and perhaps acceptance.
The relationship between therapist and client is a fundamental aspect to facilitating change, possibly more so than the theoretical background. When we begin a therapeutic relationship, I hope you will feel supported through a genuine connection, where you will feel safe to bring your story and all of you into the therapy hour. Together, we will work through issues, worries, crisis's, life events, or the challenges of long term conditions, as a team. We will work together to look for positive change, resolutions to emotional suffering, and perhaps acceptance.
Lorraine M Munro (She They)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4M
As a psychotherapist, I support you in fostering authentic relationships with yourself and your communities. I offer a space for reflection that is non-judgmental, queer positive - and has wheelchair access. I draw on a variety of approaches, with a focus on what works for you, and the different parts of you.
As a psychotherapist, I support you in fostering authentic relationships with yourself and your communities. I offer a space for reflection that is non-judgmental, queer positive - and has wheelchair access. I draw on a variety of approaches, with a focus on what works for you, and the different parts of you.
Andrea Taylor
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MPS, CMT-P
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M
Therapy is an investment in yourself. It's a place to explore what is most important in your life, especially if you've been feeling "stuck" or unable to fully enjoy your life. Perhaps you've been experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression that have been limiting your ability to take action or make a change to improve your quality of life. Maybe you're in the midst of a difficult life transition, coping with grief from a personal loss, or experiencing workplace burnout, and finding it difficult to regain your emotional stability, energy, and well-being. In therapy, we talk about strategies and about the "big questions" of life.
Therapy is an investment in yourself. It's a place to explore what is most important in your life, especially if you've been feeling "stuck" or unable to fully enjoy your life. Perhaps you've been experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression that have been limiting your ability to take action or make a change to improve your quality of life. Maybe you're in the midst of a difficult life transition, coping with grief from a personal loss, or experiencing workplace burnout, and finding it difficult to regain your emotional stability, energy, and well-being. In therapy, we talk about strategies and about the "big questions" of life.
Megan Wood
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
Are you feeling lost, stressed, or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble focusing, issues with memory, relationships, or struggle with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Are you interested in changing or adding to your coping skills, or wanting to learn more about yourself? My therapy practice is about providing you with a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore your past, present, and goals for the future. Together we will explore your resilience and strengths, identify your personal goals, manage strong emotions, and navigate difficult relationships.
Are you feeling lost, stressed, or overwhelmed? Do you have trouble focusing, issues with memory, relationships, or struggle with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Are you interested in changing or adding to your coping skills, or wanting to learn more about yourself? My therapy practice is about providing you with a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to explore your past, present, and goals for the future. Together we will explore your resilience and strengths, identify your personal goals, manage strong emotions, and navigate difficult relationships.
Jaime Robson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
With a deep curiosity for the human condition, I practice Integrative Therapy, combining elements drawn from various methods (including EMDR, SE, CBT, mindfulness, and the Tri-Phasic Trauma Practice Model) to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. I believe healing is a collaborative endeavour, and the therapeutic relationship is as important as the therapy itself. I offer virtual services, including individual counselling, group therapy, and supervision—As well as 20-minute complimentary consultations. Direct billing is available through Canada Life, Green Shield, SunLife, and Blue Cross/Medavie.
With a deep curiosity for the human condition, I practice Integrative Therapy, combining elements drawn from various methods (including EMDR, SE, CBT, mindfulness, and the Tri-Phasic Trauma Practice Model) to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. I believe healing is a collaborative endeavour, and the therapeutic relationship is as important as the therapy itself. I offer virtual services, including individual counselling, group therapy, and supervision—As well as 20-minute complimentary consultations. Direct billing is available through Canada Life, Green Shield, SunLife, and Blue Cross/Medavie.
Kimberley Orton
Pre-Licensed Professional, RM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M
You can do this! And perinatal therapy, a beacon of support and understanding, can help. Tailored to your specific needs, it offers a safe way to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of this transformative time. Through personalized sessions, you'll find solace in addressing anxiety, depression, and fears, while also fostering a deeper connection with your growing family. With each session, you'll gain invaluable coping skills, enhancing your resilience and nurturing your emotional well-being. Perinatal therapy empowers you to embrace your new identity with confidence, ensuring a smoother transition.
You can do this! And perinatal therapy, a beacon of support and understanding, can help. Tailored to your specific needs, it offers a safe way to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of this transformative time. Through personalized sessions, you'll find solace in addressing anxiety, depression, and fears, while also fostering a deeper connection with your growing family. With each session, you'll gain invaluable coping skills, enhancing your resilience and nurturing your emotional well-being. Perinatal therapy empowers you to embrace your new identity with confidence, ensuring a smoother transition.
Steph Paolucci
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
Everything we experience impacts both our mind & body. Unfortunately, more often than not we end up living in our head as a result of things like stress & anxiety. While our mind can be an insightful place, it can also be isolating if we spend too much time there. The irony in this default pattern is that our bodies are incredibly reliable sources that provide us with valuable information. They have the ability to warn & inform us of our triggers, boundaries, perceptions & fears. “What the mind suppresses, the body expresses." By listening to both, you can begin to understand yourself in a deeper capacity.
Everything we experience impacts both our mind & body. Unfortunately, more often than not we end up living in our head as a result of things like stress & anxiety. While our mind can be an insightful place, it can also be isolating if we spend too much time there. The irony in this default pattern is that our bodies are incredibly reliable sources that provide us with valuable information. They have the ability to warn & inform us of our triggers, boundaries, perceptions & fears. “What the mind suppresses, the body expresses." By listening to both, you can begin to understand yourself in a deeper capacity.
Maryam Tavakoli
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
I work with individuals with various concerns. The main focus in my practice has been Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. I also focus on family relationships and other personal relationships in addressing a client’s concerns. In my practice, I have a holistic approach to a person’s challenges and understand that one approach does not work for everyone. I am an EMDR trained clinician. I am also a Clinical Supervisor with formal training in supervision. I currently accept Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) members who require supervision. Please email me your resume.
I work with individuals with various concerns. The main focus in my practice has been Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. I also focus on family relationships and other personal relationships in addressing a client’s concerns. In my practice, I have a holistic approach to a person’s challenges and understand that one approach does not work for everyone. I am an EMDR trained clinician. I am also a Clinical Supervisor with formal training in supervision. I currently accept Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) members who require supervision. Please email me your resume.
Kareem Elawar
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, TLI DIp
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4M (Online Only)
I support clients by providing a place to sort through and process all that feels overwhelming and difficult to manage alone. Together we will explore the places where you may feel stuck, held back, confused, frustrated or disconnected. I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma and PTSD, addiction, life transitions, grief and loss, family conflict and relationship issues. Together we will identify the barriers that limit you, shift negative thoughts, feelings and patterns, process old wounds and deepen your understanding of how you connect with yourself, others and the world around you.
I support clients by providing a place to sort through and process all that feels overwhelming and difficult to manage alone. Together we will explore the places where you may feel stuck, held back, confused, frustrated or disconnected. I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma and PTSD, addiction, life transitions, grief and loss, family conflict and relationship issues. Together we will identify the barriers that limit you, shift negative thoughts, feelings and patterns, process old wounds and deepen your understanding of how you connect with yourself, others and the world around you.
See more therapy options for M4M
Chronic Pain Counsellors
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophising, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.