THIS IS YOUR SAFE SPACE

We all go through events in our life that may leave some scars. We’re here to support you as you go through life changes and are faced with challenges in your life.  Psychotherapy, counselling, or talk therapy, is a way to help you with a wide variety of mental and emotional difficulties. Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms and help you realize you have the power within to overcome and heal so you can thrive.
 

Our therapy practice is trauma-informed, and we use various evidence and strength-based frameworks grounded in an understanding of the impact trauma can have on your daily life. We are committed to being client-centred, and to provide you with a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for counselling services.

types of therapy sessions

initial assessment

OUR FIRST MEETING

During your first appointment, we’ll review the intake and consent forms. We will provide you with information about therapy, we’ll talk about your goals for therapy, the symptoms and difficulties you are experiencing, and we will set out a client centered therapy treatment plan moving forward. This is a virtual session.

60 min individual session $225
60 min couples/family session $240

office space with large floor to ceiling windows, side table, tall copper floor lamp, and wicker chair

therapy sessions

IN PERSON/VIRTUAL

Individual/couples counselling is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. Together, we’ll explore and help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. We offer in person services in Markham and virtual counselling services across Ontario.

50 min individual session $200
60 min couples/family session $240

mother and daughter walking away from view into tree filled park

nature walk therapy

WALK AND TALK

Walk and talk therapy differs from regular therapy in that our session will take place while walking together outdoors. This alternative approach can be very beneficial, especially for those who don’t feel all that comfortable with more traditional office-based or virtual methods.

50 minute session $200 individual only

is therapy right for you?

  • Are you moving into new roles and responsibilities and finding it difficult to cope?

  • Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unhappy at times?

  • Do you have a child or teen with symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, or OCD and want to arm them with skills to crush these issues?

  • Have you recently been impacted by something painful and you feel you need a place to process this?

  • Does it feel like your mind and body are constantly operating on high alert?

  • Are life’s stressors or unresolved traumas stopping your ability to feel connected to your partner?

  • Are the demands of being a first responder or front line worker starting to wear you down?

  • Could you use an expert opinion on what you’re going through, or a non-judgemental ear just to listen?

if you answered yes to any of the above, therapy may be a wonderful fit for you!

Getting in touch with a therapist can feel intimidating, anxious and overwhelming.

We understand, and you should know that these feelings are completely normal.

The fact that you’re here already, looking for information on how to seek help takes a great deal of strength. Be proud of the effort you’ve already made in getting to this step and we hope that you’ll take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to reach out and see how we can help you. 

if you are ready…

who we help

  • Individual adult therapy provides personalized support for adults dealing with a range of mental health and emotional challenges. It involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and relationship difficulties. Through various evidenced based therapeutic approaches,such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, individuals work to understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapy process includes an initial assessment to identify goals, followed by ongoing sessions to develop coping strategies, enhance self-awareness, and promote personal growth. Individual therapy offers a confidential and supportive environment where adults can explore their concerns and work towards achieving a healthier, more balanced life.

  • Child therapy services offer a nurturing space where children can explore and address their emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Utilizing methods such as play therapy to help children express themselves, cognitive-behavioral techniques to modify problematic behaviors, and family therapy to improve communication and dynamics, our therapists create individualized approaches tailored to each child’s needs. The goal is to support emotional resilience, foster healthy development, and enhance overall well-being, ensuring children can thrive at home and in their daily lives.

  • Teen, adolescent, and youth therapy services provide specialized support to address the unique emotional, psychological, and developmental needs of younger individuals. These services include various evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy, tailored to help teens manage issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Therapy typically involves an initial assessment to identify specific goals, followed by targeted interventions to improve emotional regulation, self-esteem, and coping skills. By fostering a supportive therapeutic relationship and involving families when appropriate, these services aim to enhance overall well-being and navigate the complexities of adolescence.

  • Couples therapy helps partners enhance their relationship by addressing issues like communication breakdowns, persistent conflicts, and emotional disconnection. Through various approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, couples work with a licensed therapist to improve understanding, rebuild trust, and strengthen their bond. The process typically involves an initial assessment, setting collaborative goals, and applying tailored strategies to resolve conflicts and achieve a healthier relationship dynamic. Seeking couples therapy can be particularly beneficial during major life transitions or when navigating challenges like infidelity or loss of intimacy.

  • Family therapy services provide a supportive environment for addressing and improving family dynamics, communication, and relationships. These services aim to help family members understand and resolve conflicts, enhance their communication skills, and strengthen their connections. By using various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, family therapy addresses issues like interpersonal conflicts, behavioral problems, and emotional distress. The goal is to foster healthier interactions, improve problem-solving skills, and create a more cohesive and supportive family unit. Family therapy often involves all family members and focuses on improving overall family functioning and well-being.

  • Therapy services for first responders are tailored to address the unique challenges and stressors faced by individuals in high-pressure roles such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical professionals. These services focus on managing job-related stress, trauma, and mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Approaches often include trauma-informed therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and stress management techniques, specifically designed to help first responders process critical incidents, improve emotional resilience, and cope with the demands of their work. Therapy sessions provide a confidential space for discussing the impact of their experiences, building coping skills, and fostering overall well-being. The goal is to support first responders in maintaining mental health, enhancing job performance, and achieving a balanced personal life.

what we treat

  • Parenting support provides guidance and strategies to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children, fostering healthy development, and managing family dynamics. This support includes addressing issues such as effective discipline, communication, and balancing parenting responsibilities with personal well-being. Through parenting support, clients receive practical tools for improving behavior management, enhancing parent-child relationships, and responding to developmental and emotional needs. Therapy may also offer strategies for handling specific concerns like sibling rivalry, behavioral problems, and transitions. The goal is to empower parents with skills and confidence, ultimately creating a nurturing and supportive family environment.

  • Postpartum and prenatal therapy provides essential support for individuals experiencing emotional and psychological challenges related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. Prenatal therapy focuses on preparing for the mental and emotional aspects of childbirth, helping expectant parents manage stress, anxiety, and relationship adjustments. Postpartum therapy addresses issues such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties that can arise after childbirth. Through a combination of supportive counseling, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and mindfulness practices, therapy aims to help individuals navigate these significant life transitions, improve coping strategies, and foster well-being for both the parent and their new family.

  • Therapy for infertility provides emotional support and coping strategies for individuals and couples navigating the challenges of trying to conceive. This type of therapy addresses the stress, anxiety, and emotional distress that often accompany infertility, offering a safe space to explore feelings of frustration, grief, and isolation. Through approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, therapists help clients manage the psychological impact of infertility, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and enhance communication and support within relationships. Additionally, therapy can assist in navigating the emotional aspects of fertility treatments, making informed decisions, and addressing any underlying psychological factors that may affect the fertility journey.

  • Sex therapy provides a supportive and confidential space for individuals and couples to address and overcome sexual concerns and challenges. This type of therapy explores issues such as low libido, sexual dysfunction, intimacy problems, and communication difficulties related to sex. Through a combination of education, counseling, and therapeutic techniques, sex therapists help clients improve their understanding of sexual health, enhance intimacy, and address underlying emotional or psychological factors affecting their sexual well-being. By fostering open dialogue and offering practical strategies, sex therapy aims to promote a healthier and more satisfying sexual relationship and overall quality of life.

  • Addiction and substance use therapy provides comprehensive support for individuals struggling with dependency on alcohol, drugs, or other substances. This therapy aims to help clients understand the underlying factors contributing to their addiction, develop coping strategies, and achieve long-term recovery. Approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) address the cognitive patterns and behaviors associated with substance use, while Motivational Interviewing helps enhance motivation for change. Therapy often includes relapse prevention strategies, support groups, and, when necessary, medication-assisted treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. The goal is to empower clients to overcome their addiction, improve their overall well-being, and build a healthier, substance-free lifestyle.

  • Therapy for eating disorders provides vital support for individuals dealing with conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, dysregulated eating, and body dysmorphia. This therapy addresses unhealthy eating patterns, distorted body image, and emotional issues driving disordered eating behaviors. Techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are used to challenge and alter negative thoughts about food and body image, while nutritional counseling promotes healthy eating habits and balanced nutrition. Therapy also explores underlying emotional triggers, including stress or trauma, and addresses body dysmorphia by helping clients reshape their perception of their body. The goal is to foster a healthier relationship with food and body, improve self-esteem, and support overall well-being through a balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition and self-care.

  • Post-acute crisis intervention therapy offers critical support for individuals who have recently experienced a crisis or traumatic event. This therapy focuses on helping clients stabilize and process their emotions following a crisis, such as a major life change, traumatic incident, or acute mental health episode. It involves assessing immediate needs, providing emotional support, and developing coping strategies to manage residual stress and anxiety. Techniques used may include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address distressing thoughts, relaxation and mindfulness exercises to reduce anxiety, and safety planning to prevent future crises. The goal is to help clients regain a sense of stability, process their experiences, and establish a path towards recovery and long-term resilience.

  • Therapy for chronic illness and health-related concerns provides essential support for individuals managing long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or chronic pain. This therapy focuses on addressing the emotional and psychological impact of living with a chronic illness, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help clients develop coping strategies and manage negative thought patterns related to their condition. Additionally, therapy often includes stress management techniques, mindfulness practices, and strategies for improving adherence to medical treatment. The goal is to enhance emotional well-being, improve quality of life, and support clients in effectively managing their health challenges while fostering resilience and a positive outlook.

  • Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive and persistent worry or fear that can interfere with daily functioning. Common types include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), marked by chronic, uncontrollable anxiety about various aspects of life; Social Anxiety Disorder, which involves intense fear of social situations; Panic Disorder, characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks; and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involving persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by these thoughts. These disorders can manifest through physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling, as well as cognitive symptoms such as constant worry and avoidance behaviors. Treatment typically involves Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address and reframe negative thought patterns, Exposure Therapy to gradually confront and reduce fears, and medication management when necessary to alleviate severe symptom

  • Depressive disorders are mental health conditions that involve persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed. Common types include Major Depressive Disorder, which features severe symptoms affecting your daily life, and Persistent Depressive Disorder, characterized by a long-term, low-level depression. Symptoms often include changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm. Therapy treatment typically involves a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help shift negative thought patterns, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to improve relationships, and possibly medication such as antidepressants, to help balance brain chemicals as prescribed by a medical professional. Your therapist will work with you to tailor a plan that addresses your specific needs and supports your journey toward 

    feeling better.

  • Trauma therapy is designed to help individuals process and heal from the emotional and psychological impacts of traumatic experiences. This type of therapy addresses symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, and heightened anxiety resulting from events like abuse, accidents, or other distressing experiences. Through approaches such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which helps reframe negative thoughts related to the trauma, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which facilitates the processing of traumatic memories, therapy aims to reduce distress and help you regain a sense of control and safety. Your therapist will provide a supportive space to explore your experiences, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing and resilience.

  • Grief therapy services offer specialized support to individuals coping with loss, such as the death of a loved one or other significant life changes. These services provide a compassionate space to express and process complex emotions like sadness, anger, and guilt, and help individuals understand and navigate the grieving process. Through evidence-based approaches like individual or family therapy, coping strategies, and memory integration, grief therapy assists clients in managing their grief, adjusting to life changes, and finding new meaning and purpose. The aim is to support individuals in healing from their loss and eventually finding a sense of renewal and acceptance.

  • Stress management therapy helps clients develop effective strategies to cope with and reduce stress in their lives. This therapy focuses on identifying sources of stress, understanding its impact on mental and physical health, and implementing practical techniques to manage it. Approaches may include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe negative thought patterns, mindfulness and relaxation techniques to promote calm, and time management strategies to balance responsibilities. Additionally, clients learn coping mechanisms to handle stressful situations more effectively, improve resilience, and enhance overall well-being. The goal is to help individuals build a toolkit for managing stress, fostering a healthier and more balanced life.

  • Therapy for self-esteem and identity issues, including those related to LGBTQ+ identities, focuses on helping clients build a positive self-image and a clear sense of personal identity while addressing specific challenges they may face. This therapy supports individuals in navigating concerns such as feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth, and struggles with self-acceptance, particularly within the context of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Through techniques like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), clients explore and challenge negative self-beliefs, develop self-compassion, and build confidence. Additionally, therapy provides a safe space to discuss and affirm LGBTQ+ identities, fostering pride and authenticity. The goal is to empower clients to embrace their unique identity, improve self-esteem, and live a fulfilling and authentic life.

  • Therapy for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) focuses on managing symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity through a variety of approaches. Behavioral Therapy helps individuals develop positive behavior patterns by using reward systems and structured routines. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses negative thought patterns and improves organizational and coping skills. Parent training equips families with effective management strategies and enhances family dynamics. Social Skills Training improves interpersonal interactions, while educational support collaborates with schools to provide necessary academic accommodations. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to assist with symptom management. Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques can also aid in improving focus and emotional regulation. Together, these strategies aim to support individuals in managing ADHD and enhancing their overall functioning.

  • We provide compassionate and evidence-based therapy support for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our approach focuses on Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help children build emotional regulation, social skills, and coping strategies in a supportive environment. We do not use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Instead, we prioritize child-led, strengths-based interventions that foster confidence, independence, and emotional well-being.