Therapists in M5R

I have over 2 decades of counselling expertise. Special training in cognitive-behavior therapy at the Montreal General Hospital. I treat: anxiety/panic , fear of flying, depression, OCD, phobias, self-esteem, excessive worrying, procrastination, assertiveness, generalized anxiety, relationship isssues, sexual abuse and incest, insomnia, infertility, and general life stress. I also teach relaxation. I work with you, the client, together as a team on your goals. We will achieve your goals in a successful, organized manner. I offer warmth and empathy in a supportive environment. Contact me so that you can begin your awesome journey.

How to find hope? How do you heal the ache you feel inside? If you are lost, engaging in therapy can help you find a way forward! You want to be at PEACE with yourself and the people around you. You want to follow your dreams, be part of something that matters, and live to your LIFE to fullest potential. However, you may be at a low point and feel afraid and alone. You may have more bad days than good days. Regardless of the type of struggle, it is possible to move to a better place.

Do you feel lonely, empty, overwhelmed or stuck? Does it seem like bad things are always happening to you while everyone else is living a happy life? Do you and your partner have the same fights over and over again? I can help you resolve these issues. I am a warm, down-to-earth, authentic, honest, and empathic person who genuinely cares about your well-being. I help individuals work through a wide variety of issues including those related to anxiety, depression, obsessionality, trauma, dissociation, guilt, shame, insomnia, relationships, sexual orientation, eating, and identity and self-esteem. I embrace and celebrate diversity.

As an individual therapist practicing at the Centre for Psychology and Emotional Health, I adopt a warm, collaborative, and strengths-based approach that will encourage you to draw from the wisdom of your unique life experiences to make deep and lasting improvements in your overall well-being, relationship functioning, motivation, health, and resilience. I provide evidence-based treatments, including Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I am currently completing the final stages of my PhD in Clinical Psychology and Graduate Diploma in Health Psychology at York University.

Life can feel challenging at times, leaving you feeling overwhelmed or stuck. You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, worry, anger, shame, fear, grief or despair. Struggling with difficult emotions can take away from living in the present moment. Instead you may find yourself dealing with anxiety, self-criticism, over-thinking, reliving painful memories and stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Together we will slow things down so we can explore your experiences and the parts of you that may be hard to understand.

In my private practice I offer individual and couples therapy, as well as family work. My approach is holistic, and integrates body centered psychotherapy, neuroscience, mindfulness, early childhood development theories, and early relational and collective trauma. I work with a broad range of issues including relationships, intimacy, anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm, low self-esteem, depression, effects of early childhood trauma, body image, shame, complex changes in family, and dealing with life threatening illnesses.

I provide a warm and accepting place where you can be yourself - with all your thoughts and feelings, whatever they might be. Together we will explore what's going on in your life today, and how past experiences affect you in the present. I support you in identifying and moving towards areas of growth and healing that feel right for you, so that you can feel better and thrive in all aspects of your life, including your relationship with yourself and others.

***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR PHONE/VIDEO*** When our thoughts get the better of us and we feel overwhelmed, I believe there is always hope to reach the peace for which we all yearn. Through psychotherapy, I support clients struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, identity, and relationships. We all have times when we aren’t sure where we stand in our lives and with others, so I offer a safe and welcoming space where clients can express and find themselves. We are complex individuals with our own unique stories made up of our experiences. Therapy is an empowering space where we can explore these without judgment.

I am intrigued by the way that humans are wired to connect with others. In my practice, I strive to build a meaningful connection between us in a gentle and caring way. Similarly, I aim to assist you in building authentic connections with important people in your life. I will help you to explore your strengths and resilience while assisting with the goals that brought you to therapy. I value diversity and the strength that it brings to the development of authentic relationships. I operate from a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive framework that is LGBTQ2IA+ affirming.

The Centre for Psychology and Emotional Health has been providing the highest standard of evidence-based individual and couple therapy since 2003. We are a highly skilled team of psychologists, social workers and registered therapists who are committed to helping people make meaningful changes. Our therapists are compassionate, empathic, and provide a safe therapeutic environment. We treat a wide range of psychological issues including: depression, anxiety, trauma, fears and phobias, relationship injuries and issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, grief, chronic pain, health issues, stress, and life transitions.

***NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR IN-PERSON (SAUGA/VAUGHAN) AND PHONE/VIDEO*** Let’s be honest, life is hard, and in many ways, we juggle more today than we ever have! Life’s challenges can leave us feeling stressed, confused, demotivated, even helpless and hopeless. It can be a tough road to travel, but you don't have to walk it alone. As a therapist, I don’t think anyone should feel that way. I am committed to supporting my clients with guidance, care, and connected to the proper resources. With experience working with youth, students, adults, and parents, I enjoy collaborating with clients on a variety of challenges.

Chances are that you may be experiencing some stress, dissatisfaction or disenchantment in your life. These are completely normal facets of the human condition and looking into some outside supports is one step to address these often difficult feelings. I acknowledge that this can be a frightening process and want to assure you that I will meet you where you are at; in a safe, kind, genuine and non-judgmental space. I have over 14 years of counselling and therapy experience in hospitals, community & government settings. I have helped individuals of different ages, backgrounds and cultural groups with a wide range of difficulties.

Living with life-altering illness, abuse, trauma, burnout or a devastating loss can be such an isolating experience. Sometimes the people around you, even health professionals, don’t know how to give the right support. The last thing you need after being put through the wringer is to have your experiences minimized or invalidated or to be given advice that doesn’t fit. You deserve respect, validation, and above all, genuine kindness as you make your way through the worst things a human being can experience. You deserve solid, compassionate support AND the practical tools to build a life in which you can THRIVE.

I always approach my clients in with an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, harm reduction framework. What does that mean? It means that I will always ask "what happened to you?" instead of asking "what's wrong with you?". It also means that I will always respect you as the expert in your own life. Finally, it means that I believe that everyone does their very best to survive and thrive each day–even on the days that we can't see any hope. I am here to be with you, even through the darkest of days, and help you find inspiration and hope within yourself.

I provide compassionate therapy for clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, attachment disorders, childhood trauma, complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD) and relational issues. I believe that behind each person's struggle lies the potential for growth and renewal and that despair and inertia can be replaced by hope. I work hard to maintain the highest level of professional expertise possible in a field in which treatment methods are rapidly evolving. I tailor my treatment approach to the needs of each client.

Something is wrong, but we can't quite grasp what. We search for a better understanding of ourselves in order to solve our emotional and psychological discontent. We think about the events of the day, relationships, childhood and the past. Still, something doesn't seem right. We act and feel in ways that create discord. I provide psychotherapy for people who are interested in looking for the deeper meaning behind the discomfort in their lives. The goal is to be able to have more meaningful relationships, fulfilling work and societal contributions, as well as the capacity to bear the difficulties that are part of living fully.

Are you new to therapy, and need a supportive, you-focused introduction to life-changing self-awareness? Maybe you've been doing therapy for years, but feel like something from the process is "missing"? Do you still feeling stuck, despite how many breathing exercises and positive self-talk you do? Struggling with childhood trauma, eating challenges, anxiety, grief (or all of the above?). Then let's talk! Using a combination of talk therapy, body-based somatics, critical reframing and psychoeducation, I work with individuals and clients to go DEEPER and get the support and results they're looking for.

Dear Reader: The reason I get out of bed every morning is not because I believe life is easy - but that it is difficult. What makes life difficult is the fact, that it presents an endless series of problems which require solutions. The very process of confronting and solving life's problems can be a painful one; at times full of sadness, confusion, anxiety, hurt, anger, fear and loneliness. These are uncomfortable feelings, sometimes highly distressing and can equal the worst kind of physical pain. Fearing the suffering involved, almost all of us have attempted to avoid confronting these problems.

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Is it intolerable to be around people yet painful to be alone? Are you in awe of your own circumstances? If these are some of your thoughts and fears I am here to listen and help. We become powerless and hopeless with our perceived loss of choice. Reaching out can be the first step to untangle the myths that you have created about yourself, others and the world around you. Through sharing and finding a new voice, curiosity can be renewed and with that journey - hope. You no longer have to be held hostage by your feelings, actions, thoughts or relationships. Compassion is key.