Therapists in Toronto, ON

I have been a Psychotherapist for over 25 years and am passionate about helping people overcome challenges that prevent them from leading a satisfying and fulfilled life. I have a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and am an Assistant Professor (Status Only) at the University of Toronto (Department of Family and Community Medicine). I have experience working with people with alcohol or substance use issues, tobacco cessation, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, self-confidence/self-esteem, stress management and problem-solving.

Do you suffer from unwanted OCD thoughts and anxiety? Do you worry about bad things happening to you or those you love? Maybe you are having thoughts that you have harmed someone or may harm someone in the future. Perhaps you fear that you will become contaminated or that you will be responsible for a tragedy. Do you wash your hands excessively or check things like door locks or the stove? Or do you avoid things like knives, public restrooms, or anything that might trigger your fearful thoughts? Do you find that your OCD is interfering with your relationships?

Are you living in a state of fear or anxiety? Reliving past conversations and events? Feeling overwhelmed when making decisions? Second guessing yourself and your judgement? Relying on others to validate choices and decisions and feeling guilty when saying "no"? Denying our own needs and engaging in patterns of people pleasing and rescuing is emotionally and physically exhausting. But, nothing to be ashamed of as it is a often a coping strategy from childhood. We can figure this out!

You deserve to feel supported. You deserve to be heard. Whether you are coming to therapy in a moment of crisis, years of stress and pain, or just needing another person to share your more guarded thoughts with- therapy is for you. Come as you are.

It is my belief that for healing and growth to occur for someone seeking help, acceptance without judgement is crucial, recognizing and acknowledging the woundedness and unmet needs within the client. This perspective encompasses and acknowledges the entire person with whom I am working, including the physical, intellectual, emotional, interpersonal and spiritual well being of the client. No one seeking help is turned away due to the condition from which they are suffering. My goal for each client is to provide a safe, trusting space so that healing and growth can be experienced.

I welcome individuals, couples and families who identify as heterosexual or LGBTQ+. In session, we focus on emotions and how to create safety, trust and confidence in your interactions with family members, significant others, colleagues and friends. I welcome clients from diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. I can offer therapy in Farsi, Italian, German and English. I also have a working knowledge of French.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist based in Toronto. I operate from a trauma-informed approach and primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which is a non-pathologizing and evidence-based modality that helps people connect deeply with parts of themselves to promote more internal harmony. I have a particular passion for working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, attachment injury, post-traumatic stress, addiction, and anxiety. I also integrate aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) into my work with individuals.

Does any of this sound familiar? You survived emotional neglect. You work hard and are independent. Sometimes, your drive has harmed relationships and partnerships. Perhaps your family members struggle with alcohol or addictions. You often feel isolated and "not enough", and could use help from a person who understands these challenges. If you are Neurodivergent, in Recovery; or considering gender transition, I have specific education + experience to support you (Rainbow Health Ontario provider). I am Autistic (AuDHD), adopted, ACE, trans and in a loving marriage. I work, volunteer and learn in Harm Reduction communities.

My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space to work with individuals who experience interpersonal relationship, parenting, stress, grief, trauma, workplace struggles, anxiety, and depression issues. I teach communication skills to better foster healthy relationships and assist in personal development. I specialize in early relational wounding, shame and trauma. My background includes a special interest in mid life women struggling with self-actualization and self-attunement.

Clients typically seek therapy because they are struggling with emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship problems, OCD, career issues among other things. The ideal client not only has the desire to work on their issues but also the willingness to explore difficult areas in depth. Therapy requires some commitment and willingness to explore issues and with some dedication and consistency, huge strides can be achieved in one's personal journey to wholeness.

Our team of therapists at Integra Health are here to support and provide you space for growth, care and change. Our collaborative practice provides you with opportunities to explore and identify your emotions and patterns of thinking and bring a new perspective to the challenges that you are experiencing. Integra Health is proud to be a leader in the community of counselling, therapy and education for all those who are seeking support in making positive changes to their life.

In children and youth under 18 years of age, the common issues we support include anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, behaviour problems, divorce/family separation, drug and alcohol abuse, body image / food issues, screen addiction, learning difficulties, developmental delays, temper tantrums, separation anxiety and more. For parents, we help with unresolved childhood trauma, perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety, positive discipline skills, stress reduction/mindfulness training, and parent-child bonding and attachment. For adults we deal with a wide spectrum of issues including depression, relationship issues & more.

The reasons for pursuing counselling are as unique as the individual seeking it out. There could be questions around an emerging identity, a difficult relationship or social issue, a separation/divorce or a child’s school difficulties or emotional distress. Whatever the presenting issue is for clients, there is most often over- whelming feelings of worry, sadness and confusion.

Challenges and difficult times can happen to any one. Are you experiencing anxiety, unstable moods, life stress or transitions? Do you suffer from chronic illness, pain, perinatal challenges, or issues with substances? I will collaborate with at your pace to help you achieve more control, clarity, and solutions for difficult times. We will look at how thoughts, emotions, and behaviour work together to create different experiences in your life. A trusting relationship with a therapist allows you to enter into deeper discussions and exploration. This can help you transform and elevate your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Lisa Romano-Dwyer is a registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist (OCSWSSW) located in the Beaches Toronto. Owner of Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates, Lisa and her affiliates use strength-based therapies, psychotherapy-informed health and wellness coaching, relationship repair, and compassion mind training. Lisa is a results-oriented, reliable, trustworthy and compassionate counsellor who works with you to develop solutions. Her areas of specialization include increasing focus, achievement, gratitude, personal health, and joy. Lisa works with you to alleviate emotional pain and restore wellness & health.

Absence ALERT: I will be away April 11-15, 2024. Are you feeling stressed, anxious or depressed as we all collectively learn how to navigate this new reality of fear and social isolation, brought on by the COVID 19 pandemic outbreak? Would you like to find ways to be more focused and more connected with yourself and in synergy with others? Explore your strengths, even in your broken places, and craft and start living a truly energizing and meaningful life? You may be surprised to uncover resources in places you forgot or never knew existed.

My ideal client is someone who is motivated to explore their personal challenges and be open minded enough to work through them in various ways that aim to help them find peace and personal growth emotionally, socially, mentally or in any way they are in need of. My most common issues with clients are related to managing anxiety, stress, interpersonal conflicts, family challenges and personal growth goals.

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.

**ACCEPTING CLIENTS** Maybe you've done this before or this is your first time looking for support. You've shown tremendous courage for taking the first step to create change and we want to help you build skills to achieve your life's goals. It can get exhausting and overwhelming dealing with life's stressors without having effective and healthy coping skills. Whether it's managing your levels of stress/anxiety/depression or navigating life transitions and relationships, we're here to offer you a safe, accepting and compassionate space to explore your concerns and start working towards a newer you.