Therapists in M6C
Aïda Retta
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My lived experience as a Black woman from an immigrant family has made me keenly aware that our well-being may have important and complex relationships to the social, political, economic, and environmental conditions from which we originate, grow up in, and frequently persist within.
Before entering my current program of study, I worked as an advocate and counsellor for survivors of abuse for several years. During this time, I recognized the transformative potential of safe, supportive relationships. I came away from this experience wanting to provide this to others. My therapeutic approach is informed by relational principles. My practice is firmly rooted in the belief that human beings rely on nurturing connections not only to survive but to grow and thrive. Because of this, I emphasize establishing a genuine and safe therapeutic relationship that may serve as a foundation to our future work together.
My lived experience as a Black woman from an immigrant family has made me keenly aware that our well-being may have important and complex relationships to the social, political, economic, and environmental conditions from which we originate, grow up in, and frequently persist within.
Before entering my current program of study, I worked as an advocate and counsellor for survivors of abuse for several years. During this time, I recognized the transformative potential of safe, supportive relationships. I came away from this experience wanting to provide this to others. My therapeutic approach is informed by relational principles. My practice is firmly rooted in the belief that human beings rely on nurturing connections not only to survive but to grow and thrive. Because of this, I emphasize establishing a genuine and safe therapeutic relationship that may serve as a foundation to our future work together.
Charmaine Johnson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C (Online Only)
Holistic Well-being / Career Counselling / Hypnotherapy ... As a culturally competent Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I understand the cultural nuances that influence the Black/BIPOC community in the GTA. From personal struggles to intercultural dynamics, intergenerational matters, workplace/educational hurdles, systemic barriers, and micro-aggressions — these factors influence how you perceive yourself and your role within society. While the majority of my clients are from the African diaspora, I’m happy to meet with anyone who wants to share their story with me and welcome me as a supportive member of your village.
Holistic Well-being / Career Counselling / Hypnotherapy ... As a culturally competent Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I understand the cultural nuances that influence the Black/BIPOC community in the GTA. From personal struggles to intercultural dynamics, intergenerational matters, workplace/educational hurdles, systemic barriers, and micro-aggressions — these factors influence how you perceive yourself and your role within society. While the majority of my clients are from the African diaspora, I’m happy to meet with anyone who wants to share their story with me and welcome me as a supportive member of your village.
Keisha Greene
Registered Psychotherapist, HBSc, MA, EdD, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Let's face it, sometimes life get complicated. It comes with many stressors and challenges. In these moments it becomes easy to get trapped in negative self-talk cycles, bouts of low mood, high levels of anxiety or stress and an uncertainty of what do next. As a psychotherapist I aim to work with you to develop skills and resources to combat the stressors that you are experiencing in life. I acknowledge that every person is a unique and complex human being and as a result I welcome you, as you are in order to help you become the person that you want to be.
Let's face it, sometimes life get complicated. It comes with many stressors and challenges. In these moments it becomes easy to get trapped in negative self-talk cycles, bouts of low mood, high levels of anxiety or stress and an uncertainty of what do next. As a psychotherapist I aim to work with you to develop skills and resources to combat the stressors that you are experiencing in life. I acknowledge that every person is a unique and complex human being and as a result I welcome you, as you are in order to help you become the person that you want to be.
Melissa Veerasammy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
Navigating life's challenges can be difficult and reaching out for support is often the hardest step. I am here to provide a “safer”, caring and supportive space to you in your mental health journey. I step into the therapeutic space as a woman of colour and a psychotherapist. I recognize how the systems we exist in influence our lives and experiences. My approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and anti-oppressive. In our sessions, I encourage exploration, offer support, and nurture fresh perspectives through gentle and creative methods.
Navigating life's challenges can be difficult and reaching out for support is often the hardest step. I am here to provide a “safer”, caring and supportive space to you in your mental health journey. I step into the therapeutic space as a woman of colour and a psychotherapist. I recognize how the systems we exist in influence our lives and experiences. My approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and anti-oppressive. In our sessions, I encourage exploration, offer support, and nurture fresh perspectives through gentle and creative methods.
Michelle Alveranga
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MEd, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
Hey there, how are you? If you find it challenging to answer that question, that’s okay. Life is complicated! There are so many ups and downs. It can be hard keeping it all together. Balancing your emotional wellbeing with your mental, spiritual, and physical takes a lot of effort. I get that, and I am passionate about helping you navigate your journey, rediscover yourself, and see new possibilities for your life.
Hey there, how are you? If you find it challenging to answer that question, that’s okay. Life is complicated! There are so many ups and downs. It can be hard keeping it all together. Balancing your emotional wellbeing with your mental, spiritual, and physical takes a lot of effort. I get that, and I am passionate about helping you navigate your journey, rediscover yourself, and see new possibilities for your life.
Sharon R Barrett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
People come to counselling/psychotherapy for many reasons. Sometimes they are struggling with distressing emotions that get in the way of their productivity, daily functioning and peace of mind. Other times, they want to have better experiences in their relationships with family, friends, a loved-one or co-workers. In some cases they are going through periods of change and struggle to find balance and comfort in the midst of uncertainty. If you are at an impasse in your life... if you simply cannot go on with things being the way they are... you are in the perfect place for change to happen!
People come to counselling/psychotherapy for many reasons. Sometimes they are struggling with distressing emotions that get in the way of their productivity, daily functioning and peace of mind. Other times, they want to have better experiences in their relationships with family, friends, a loved-one or co-workers. In some cases they are going through periods of change and struggle to find balance and comfort in the midst of uncertainty. If you are at an impasse in your life... if you simply cannot go on with things being the way they are... you are in the perfect place for change to happen!
Eating Dynamiks & Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, RD, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6C
I am an MSW, RSW, psychotherapist, and Registered Dietitian. For over 20 yrs, I have specialized in helping individuals and families to successfully move beyond the effects of a range of interpersonal relationship challenges including eating disorders. Our journey together is paced as we attend to mental health, emotional, and /or Eating Management skills-building needs. Along the way, it is often necessary to identify and adjust "taken-for-granted" thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that no longer align with your evolving life goals. Together, we rebuild your skills, confidence, hope, life, and important relationships.
I am an MSW, RSW, psychotherapist, and Registered Dietitian. For over 20 yrs, I have specialized in helping individuals and families to successfully move beyond the effects of a range of interpersonal relationship challenges including eating disorders. Our journey together is paced as we attend to mental health, emotional, and /or Eating Management skills-building needs. Along the way, it is often necessary to identify and adjust "taken-for-granted" thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors that no longer align with your evolving life goals. Together, we rebuild your skills, confidence, hope, life, and important relationships.
Sandie Morency
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BSc, MEd, CCC
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6C (Online Only)
Really looking to speak to someone ? I get that. You might even have thought about it longer than you intended, reaching out to a therapist. I'm glad you're feeling ready to explore why you've been feeling the way you have lately. And hopefully, I can be a companion to you in your healing journey. As a Certified Canadian Counsellor, I have provided counseling services for over ten years to challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, self esteem, procrastination, lack of motivation, work stress, relationship issues and life transitions.
Really looking to speak to someone ? I get that. You might even have thought about it longer than you intended, reaching out to a therapist. I'm glad you're feeling ready to explore why you've been feeling the way you have lately. And hopefully, I can be a companion to you in your healing journey. As a Certified Canadian Counsellor, I have provided counseling services for over ten years to challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, self esteem, procrastination, lack of motivation, work stress, relationship issues and life transitions.
Kirstin Cohen
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6C (Online Only)
You're self-aware enough that you can see some challenges in your life, or some changes you'd like to make, but despite your best efforts, you find yourself stuck repeating the same patterns. Or, maybe you're overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings and unsure how to address them. Whether this is all new to you, or you're well versed in these issues and you're looking to get deeper and do more than just manage, I would love to support you on this journey.
You're self-aware enough that you can see some challenges in your life, or some changes you'd like to make, but despite your best efforts, you find yourself stuck repeating the same patterns. Or, maybe you're overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings and unsure how to address them. Whether this is all new to you, or you're well versed in these issues and you're looking to get deeper and do more than just manage, I would love to support you on this journey.
Dorcas Oduro - Bri Counselling
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
York, ON M6C
My specialty is helping people work through challenges in relationships and improve their mental health. As a Master’s Level Registered Social Worker (MSW) and therapist, my goal is to help you ignite hope, expand your sense of purpose, and achieve your goals. In my experience, relationships are one of the most important aspects of human existence, including the relationship that we have with ourselves, with those around us, and with the systems we navigate within. My passion is helping individuals examine, understand, and improve the relationships in their lives so that they can live happier, healthier and more meaningful lives.
My specialty is helping people work through challenges in relationships and improve their mental health. As a Master’s Level Registered Social Worker (MSW) and therapist, my goal is to help you ignite hope, expand your sense of purpose, and achieve your goals. In my experience, relationships are one of the most important aspects of human existence, including the relationship that we have with ourselves, with those around us, and with the systems we navigate within. My passion is helping individuals examine, understand, and improve the relationships in their lives so that they can live happier, healthier and more meaningful lives.
Wayne Gray
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
York, ON M6C (Online Only)
Wayne supports youth and adults seeking help rediscovering their self-worth, fortifying challenging relationships, removing hurdles that intensify substance dependence, or living with a mental health diagnosis. With over a decade of experience in community mental health and substance use, Wayne is able to address addiction, chronic stress, insecurity, depression and anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Couples therapy work has also been a particular passion for Wayne. He can support you in exploring and refining communication, context, compromise, and chemistry.
Wayne supports youth and adults seeking help rediscovering their self-worth, fortifying challenging relationships, removing hurdles that intensify substance dependence, or living with a mental health diagnosis. With over a decade of experience in community mental health and substance use, Wayne is able to address addiction, chronic stress, insecurity, depression and anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Couples therapy work has also been a particular passion for Wayne. He can support you in exploring and refining communication, context, compromise, and chemistry.
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Mazda Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CRPO, GITDIP, CAPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
Underneath your anxiety, depression and anger there are feelings that need to be explored, known and expressed. This awareness is valuable and will be the foundation of future possibilities and choices. I will provide the support you need to start this journey and then will challenge you and offer new choices in a way that empowers you. I will help you get more curious about things you haven't paid so much attention to and together we will explore struggles, issues and then new possibilities.
Underneath your anxiety, depression and anger there are feelings that need to be explored, known and expressed. This awareness is valuable and will be the foundation of future possibilities and choices. I will provide the support you need to start this journey and then will challenge you and offer new choices in a way that empowers you. I will help you get more curious about things you haven't paid so much attention to and together we will explore struggles, issues and then new possibilities.
Regine Senior-Dunkly
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, CCPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
I am passionate about encouraging clients to not only survive, but to thrive in their everyday lives by healing from past traumas and learning new ways to cope with various life challenges. I believe that everyone has the potential to be their best selves with the help of genuine and non-judgemental support. I have worked with both youth and adults presenting with a variety of issues such as low self-esteem, body image issues, depression, anxiety, and grief. I am also trained in suicide prevention (ASIST).
I am passionate about encouraging clients to not only survive, but to thrive in their everyday lives by healing from past traumas and learning new ways to cope with various life challenges. I believe that everyone has the potential to be their best selves with the help of genuine and non-judgemental support. I have worked with both youth and adults presenting with a variety of issues such as low self-esteem, body image issues, depression, anxiety, and grief. I am also trained in suicide prevention (ASIST).
See more therapy options for M6C
Black Counsellors
As a Black Canadian, why might I wish to see a therapist who is Black Canadian?
Black Canadian clients may seek out Black Canadian therapists for several reasons, foremost being a sense of cultural understanding and the possibility of shared experiences. Cultural sensitivity and context on the part of the therapist may make it easier to form a therapeutic alliance and to focus on the work of therapy without the need to explain or educate a therapist on cultural matters. It may also be empowering to work with a therapist who shares one’s racial or ethnic background. It is important to note that a therapist who demonstrates cultural sensitivity can be highly effective even if they do not share a client’s background or race.
Can clients benefit from working with a therapist who shares their race or ethnicity?
Yes, having a therapist who shares a client’s race or ethnicity is often valuable, especially if it fosters a strong therapeutic alliance between the two. While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic effectiveness. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who has an understanding of a client’s background and perhaps also shared life experiences. It should be noted that many clients form a strong bond with their therapist regardless of their race or ethnicity. This is a personal decision, and it depends on the therapist, the client, and the connection between the two.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with Black Canadian clients?
Clients can ask therapists directly about their experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds, including with Black Canadian individuals. You may wish to inquire whether a therapist has undertaken training in cultural competence broadly, and how specifically they would ensure that their approach is sensitive to the needs of Black Canadian clients. Therapy involves honesty and trust, so it’s best for clients to share concerns about their therapist’s cultural competence at the outset. And a good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals based on the concerns you articulate.
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
It’s important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive because everyone comes to therapy with a unique background and set of experiences. Being aware of culture and cultural differences between people is important for understanding clients, as is coming to therapy with an open mind, recognising that the therapist doesn’t necessarily understand everything and that the client can help guide the way.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Black therapists?
The directory of Black therapists includes therapists who have self-identified their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profile, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. In situations where the number of therapists who have identified as Black is limited, the directory will also show therapists who have undergone specific multicultural training or have extensive experience working with clients from relevant cultural backgrounds.