Compassion Focused Therapists in M4R
Wendy van Es
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA Hons, MACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North York, ON M4R (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Wendy, and I'm happy you stopped by. If you suffer from, depression, anxiety, phobia, historical trauma, self-criticism, shame, or have troubles with handling stress. I am here to help you! My therapeutic approach combines the best of cognitive behavioural therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and brainspotting. I interweave powerful mindfulness techniques throughout treatment tailored to your unique needs. This powerful blend is designed to enhance the processing of troublesome emotions and physical symptoms to restore balance in your life.
Hi, I'm Wendy, and I'm happy you stopped by. If you suffer from, depression, anxiety, phobia, historical trauma, self-criticism, shame, or have troubles with handling stress. I am here to help you! My therapeutic approach combines the best of cognitive behavioural therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and brainspotting. I interweave powerful mindfulness techniques throughout treatment tailored to your unique needs. This powerful blend is designed to enhance the processing of troublesome emotions and physical symptoms to restore balance in your life.
Therapy should be tailored to an individual’s unique needs, lived experience, and personal goals. Compassion, trust, and empathy are paramount in the development of a strong therapeutic relationship that will guide our work together. I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach to therapy, blending various therapeutic modalities to guide clients in exploring and reframing their thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. Through this process, they gain insight and practical tools to adopt healthier, more adaptive approaches moving forward.
Therapy should be tailored to an individual’s unique needs, lived experience, and personal goals. Compassion, trust, and empathy are paramount in the development of a strong therapeutic relationship that will guide our work together. I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach to therapy, blending various therapeutic modalities to guide clients in exploring and reframing their thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. Through this process, they gain insight and practical tools to adopt healthier, more adaptive approaches moving forward.
I see couples in therapy who tell me they are quarrelling too much or who have drifted apart. Often, they need help with slowing down, expressing their softer feelings and understanding their partner's emotions. I also see couples whose lives have been turned upside down by an extra-marital affair and worry that there will never be trust again. I help them learn how an affair doesn't have to mean the end of a relationship. I also see individuals with anxiety, depression and trauma from childhood interfering with their present lives. Young adults and their parents see me for family therapy to improve their relationships.
I see couples in therapy who tell me they are quarrelling too much or who have drifted apart. Often, they need help with slowing down, expressing their softer feelings and understanding their partner's emotions. I also see couples whose lives have been turned upside down by an extra-marital affair and worry that there will never be trust again. I help them learn how an affair doesn't have to mean the end of a relationship. I also see individuals with anxiety, depression and trauma from childhood interfering with their present lives. Young adults and their parents see me for family therapy to improve their relationships.
I offer Individual psychotherapy that is an inner journey of self-exploration focused on you, so you can find clarity of purpose in your life. With couples, I provide a safe space where both partners can share their thoughts, feelings and concerns strengthening their connection to one another. Additionally, I help my clients, their partners, and family learn how to cope with the challenges of addiction (and other traumas), while providing them with the support they need as they progress through recovery toward mental health, general self-efficacy and wholeness.
I offer Individual psychotherapy that is an inner journey of self-exploration focused on you, so you can find clarity of purpose in your life. With couples, I provide a safe space where both partners can share their thoughts, feelings and concerns strengthening their connection to one another. Additionally, I help my clients, their partners, and family learn how to cope with the challenges of addiction (and other traumas), while providing them with the support they need as they progress through recovery toward mental health, general self-efficacy and wholeness.
Bain Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Many of us know that life can be complex, challenging and sometimes throws us a curve ball. It can contribute to different emotions, relational issues, health problems, difficulty making decisions or a feeling of being overwhelmed and alone. Quite often, we are able to work through these challenges with our normal coping strategies. However, at other times, no matter what we try, the difficulty doesn’t resolve and it gets in the way of our happiness, relationships, work and hopefulness about the future. If this is happening to you, or you are afraid it might, now may be a good time to reach out for support.
Many of us know that life can be complex, challenging and sometimes throws us a curve ball. It can contribute to different emotions, relational issues, health problems, difficulty making decisions or a feeling of being overwhelmed and alone. Quite often, we are able to work through these challenges with our normal coping strategies. However, at other times, no matter what we try, the difficulty doesn’t resolve and it gets in the way of our happiness, relationships, work and hopefulness about the future. If this is happening to you, or you are afraid it might, now may be a good time to reach out for support.
Christine LeLacheur
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, MBA, BComm
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Feeling stuck? Life can feel like a never-ending juggling act when you're just trying to get by. You don’t have to keep surviving on autopilot. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and unsure of who you are anymore, it’s time to hit pause and make a change. Even if you’re not sure where to start, therapy can be that first step toward less stress, more clarity, and the support you deserve. Let’s get you back to feeling like yourself again and finding the momentym to move forward.
Feeling stuck? Life can feel like a never-ending juggling act when you're just trying to get by. You don’t have to keep surviving on autopilot. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and unsure of who you are anymore, it’s time to hit pause and make a change. Even if you’re not sure where to start, therapy can be that first step toward less stress, more clarity, and the support you deserve. Let’s get you back to feeling like yourself again and finding the momentym to move forward.
Are you overwhelmed by changes or loss in your life? Are you having difficulties in your closest relationships? Are you experiencing deep sadness and loneliness? Are you feeling isolated, confused, or hopeless? You are not alone. I am here to listen and help. Through our work together, you can: enhance your ability to handle stress and uncertainty; identify underlying causes of distress and understand what’s keeping you from being happy; improve your relationships, your life, your career; transform your self-doubt into confidence, courage, and self-worth; and heal the past, acknowledge the present, and look forward to the future.
Are you overwhelmed by changes or loss in your life? Are you having difficulties in your closest relationships? Are you experiencing deep sadness and loneliness? Are you feeling isolated, confused, or hopeless? You are not alone. I am here to listen and help. Through our work together, you can: enhance your ability to handle stress and uncertainty; identify underlying causes of distress and understand what’s keeping you from being happy; improve your relationships, your life, your career; transform your self-doubt into confidence, courage, and self-worth; and heal the past, acknowledge the present, and look forward to the future.
Karen Rezk
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RPQ, MDiv, MScA, RN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Emotional pain and discomfort allow access to the narrative that is being told by your body, mind, and soul. While unique to your own experience, it is what connects us as fellow humans. I am here to explore alongside you the roots of the pain and discomfort as you navigate a journey that may feel isolating at times, confusing at times, or even unbearable at times. In our journey together, I offer new ways of looking at your situation while acknowledging your lived experience and where you are in your walk. Together, we will create strategies that will draw upon your strengths in order to work towards your your fullest potential.
Emotional pain and discomfort allow access to the narrative that is being told by your body, mind, and soul. While unique to your own experience, it is what connects us as fellow humans. I am here to explore alongside you the roots of the pain and discomfort as you navigate a journey that may feel isolating at times, confusing at times, or even unbearable at times. In our journey together, I offer new ways of looking at your situation while acknowledging your lived experience and where you are in your walk. Together, we will create strategies that will draw upon your strengths in order to work towards your your fullest potential.
Siobhan Sexton
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
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 along with the practical tools to build a life in which you can thrive.
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 along with the practical tools to build a life in which you can thrive.
Centre of Care Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q), MACP, CCC, CA-IP, BA-Psyc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Learn how to change your anxious thoughts and better understand parts of the brain that affect how you feel, think, and interpret situations for anxiety management. Get tools to feel empowered to make positive changes and feel better about yourself. For couples, you can expect to gain skills in improving communication, learning how to manage conflict constructively, and finding ways to express your appreciation for one another while increasing emotional connection. In teen therapy, we will develop strategies to cope with a crisis and learn how to focus on the here-and-now in an encouraging and motivating therapy setting.
Learn how to change your anxious thoughts and better understand parts of the brain that affect how you feel, think, and interpret situations for anxiety management. Get tools to feel empowered to make positive changes and feel better about yourself. For couples, you can expect to gain skills in improving communication, learning how to manage conflict constructively, and finding ways to express your appreciation for one another while increasing emotional connection. In teen therapy, we will develop strategies to cope with a crisis and learn how to focus on the here-and-now in an encouraging and motivating therapy setting.
Welcome to my site. I hope you find this information helpful and informative. My passion is to assist and empower others on their journey of self-discovery. I am a Masters of Social Work (MSW) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. My approach is one of transformation through non-judgment, listening, support, empathy, and insight. I operate from a Trauma-Informed Approach (TIA) in acknowledging the sensitive concerns that exist within the clients that I work with.
Welcome to my site. I hope you find this information helpful and informative. My passion is to assist and empower others on their journey of self-discovery. I am a Masters of Social Work (MSW) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. My approach is one of transformation through non-judgment, listening, support, empathy, and insight. I operate from a Trauma-Informed Approach (TIA) in acknowledging the sensitive concerns that exist within the clients that I work with.
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Christine LeLacheur
Centre of Care Psychotherapy
Jennifer Bartok
Elizabeth Beiderman
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, CCC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed as you navigate relationships, career, and high self-expectations, you may find clarity and relief in therapy. In my practice, I employ an approach that focuses on helping you nurture your own ability to work through difficult situations and achieve a greater state of emotional wellbeing. Working toward meaningful change takes time, honesty with oneself, and a little bit of courage - it isn’t always easy to open up to somebody! My goal is to ensure that you always feel comfortable to express yourself and explore your concerns as we work toward empowering you to live a more fulfilling life.
If you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed as you navigate relationships, career, and high self-expectations, you may find clarity and relief in therapy. In my practice, I employ an approach that focuses on helping you nurture your own ability to work through difficult situations and achieve a greater state of emotional wellbeing. Working toward meaningful change takes time, honesty with oneself, and a little bit of courage - it isn’t always easy to open up to somebody! My goal is to ensure that you always feel comfortable to express yourself and explore your concerns as we work toward empowering you to live a more fulfilling life.
Jennifer Bartok
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
You're feeling overwhelmed because it feels like the rug has just been ripped out from underneath you. You were barely holding on a week ago, and now everything seems like an uphill battle. You’re stressed beyond belief and reaching out for help seems scary because you feel like you have nothing left to give. Everything has become uncertain. From the outside it might seem like you have everything together, but inside something's missing. You feel even more disconnected from yourself and others now because of the enforced self-isolation. Your wheels are spinning but you're standing still, using up all your energy to remain upright.
You're feeling overwhelmed because it feels like the rug has just been ripped out from underneath you. You were barely holding on a week ago, and now everything seems like an uphill battle. You’re stressed beyond belief and reaching out for help seems scary because you feel like you have nothing left to give. Everything has become uncertain. From the outside it might seem like you have everything together, but inside something's missing. You feel even more disconnected from yourself and others now because of the enforced self-isolation. Your wheels are spinning but you're standing still, using up all your energy to remain upright.
Donna Akman
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4R (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience, working with individuals, couples and families. I have worked extensively in the area of women’s mental health and trauma-informed therapy. My practice is geared towards people who are experiencing such issues as depression, anxiety, grief, low self esteem, and low self-confidence. Many of my clients seek help to deal with overwhelming emotions or negative beliefs, work or family stress, relationship problems, caretaking demands, major life changes, or are just feeling stuck. For some people, unresolved issues from the past are creating problems in the present.
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience, working with individuals, couples and families. I have worked extensively in the area of women’s mental health and trauma-informed therapy. My practice is geared towards people who are experiencing such issues as depression, anxiety, grief, low self esteem, and low self-confidence. Many of my clients seek help to deal with overwhelming emotions or negative beliefs, work or family stress, relationship problems, caretaking demands, major life changes, or are just feeling stuck. For some people, unresolved issues from the past are creating problems in the present.
See more therapy options for M4R
Compassion Focused Counsellors
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.