Therapists in Central Toronto, Toronto, ON

I foster a safe refuge where you can begin to unpack your lived experiences free from judgment. While honouring your story, I offer support in exploring what is working and what is deterring you from where you would like to be. In doing so, pathways can be created to explore healthier ways to cope, live a more meaningful and authentic life, gain greater insight, and communicate your needs and boundaries with others. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed/focused, anti-oppressive, strengths-based and draws from intersectional feminist theory. I integrate mindfulness, CBT, narrative therapy, neuroscience, and mind/body approaches.

Hi, my name is Martha and I am so pleased you have found my page. I have had the privilege of providing therapeutic support to youth, adults, parents, and families for over 25 years. And, throughout this time, I have come to recognize the invaluable importance of a warm, transparent working relationship with my clients. In my experience, we can make our way through any issue as long as there is a foundation of trust and security between us.

Have you ever felt your mind tangled and chaotic? When emotions overwhelm, clear thinking becomes tough. I hope to create a warm and safe space with you collaboratively, where we can together be aware of and differentiate various emotions, untangle complexities in thoughts, and fulfill genuine needs. Emotions are like internal signals, attempting to engage in a healing dialogue with us. I specialized in intergenerational trauma, mother-daughter relationship, breakup, family-of-origin trauma, eating disorders, identity crisis, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, peer relationships, self-esteem, grief, and loss.

Change is difficult and it is hard to take the first step in seeking out therapy support. I know it takes courage to start the process. Most people I see want to feel better about themselves, less anxious, happier, more content. They often want some help for their kids or teens or for the family as a whole. When you start therapy with me, we focus on what you would like to be different in your life, what a small step towards your hopes would look like. We connect to that hope, because hope is what keeps us going. We also work to connect to your inner resiliency, your ability to bounce back.

In whatever way you find yourself here, rest assured we can build the tools you need to unpack and resolve the issues you face. Whether you are exploring your identity, opening up or managing the health of your relationship(s), processing experiences from your past, or needing space to explore a sense of unrest - I will meet you in co-creating a compassionate space of deep empathy, gentle exploration, strengthening and resolution. If you feel ready to explore the next phase of your healing or recovery work, I offer a unique and experiential lens guided by integrity, consent, reflexivity and accountability.

Are you feeling overwhelmed because of transitions or difficult life circumstances? Do you struggle with boundary setting in your personal and work life? Do you feel stuck and alone because you are not fully heard or accepted as who you are? Are you tired of being a people pleaser? As a Chinese Canadian therapist, it is my passion to help Asian and minority populations who are struggling with low mood, anxiety, confidence and boundary issues, as well as emotional wounds from childhood/family or origin. I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment to help you unravel emotional chaos through a cultural lens.

I provide a compassionate, safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. I work from a client-centred perspective, where we collaboratively work towards understanding your relational dynamics, processing your ingrained patterns and triggers, and ultimately expanding your level of awareness and consciousness by exploring meaning, purpose and joy in life. Modalities that I have found particularly effective are IFS (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), which go beyond traditional notions of talk therapy, to access and promote your inherent capacity for self-compassion and healing.

Are you navigating the complexities of anxiety, depression, or stress and looking for a professional who can truly understand and assist in your unique journey? Lavanya Verma at Canadian Therapy specializes in these areas, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and person-centered approaches. Her tailored methodologies aim to provide effective coping mechanisms and deeper understanding. Lavanya's expertise in South Asian family dynamics and culturally sensitive therapy makes her an ideal guide for diverse backgrounds. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space for growth, helping clients with empathy.

**In person & virtual appointments available** Welcome! I use evidence-based methods to work with patients experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, self-criticism and relationship issues including family difficulties. My approach is insight-oriented and focuses on understanding thoughts, behaviours and emotions; this method of psychotherapy allows for lasting and meaningful change. We'll work together to improve your well-being so that you can live your best life. I work from an empathic and non-judgmental perspective to meet every client’s individual needs. Deciding to enter therapy takes courage. You can feel better!

People of all ages have expertise on their own lives. When problems linger and impact mental health and well-being, collaborating with a therapist who is a good fit for you can provide a safe space to establish perspective and highlight the unique values, skills and knowledge you bring to your lived experience. I strive to create warm, respectful and strength-based working relationships that allow us to identify problem solving skills and abilities to reduce the influence of the problem or dissolve it altogether. Sometimes a single consultation is useful while other problems might have us consulting for a period of time.

I completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Toronto Scarborough in 2017 and a Master of Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) in 2023. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I volunteered in several organization that supported various populations including Toronto Distress Centres and YMCA’s Newcomer Information Centre. I also worked at the HIV Prevention Lab supporting sexual health of gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men.

I have been working for 20 years in children, adolescent, and family mental health as a registered social worker and Child, Youth and Family Therapist, facilitator, and consultant. I specialize in children’s and family therapy, with particular expertise in helping families and youth with complex mental health needs that impact their ability to manage at home, in school, or both. My goal is to improve the overall functioning of families and each family member, instil hope for a brighter future, and foster resiliency. I create a safe and supportive space, and help you/your family navigate these challenges and to develop/use skills.

Many of us form core identity features around significant injuries in our lives and learn to protect ourselves from similar kinds of pain. Over time, these protective features can become so complex that it can become difficult to know who we really are underneath those defences. Trauma, abuse, neglect, loss of loved ones - these are all major psychological injuries that can alter our self-image, beliefs, and life path. Therapy offers a space where these events can be acknowledged with the significance they deserve and allows us a chance to grow into greater integration with our experiences.

In uncertain times you may feel overwhelmed by difficulties & feeling stuck. Many problems we experience are not our fault. I can help you effectively & quickly resolve relationship problems, sexual abuse trauma, feelings of betrayal, abandonment, social anxiety, self blame, self esteem, motivation & unsettling shame issues. Many times we lose our purpose in life & do not understand why we are plagued by unhelpful thoughts & feelings. By seeing me you will be understood even when your values may differ from your loved ones and others in your life. Contact me for a .5 hr initial consult & you will be relieved you did so.

I am an individual and couple therapist who is dedicated to examining emotional wounds and creating meaningful connection. I support a variety of clients, but primarily focus on those wanting to explore anxiety, family dynamics, relational issues, attachment, boundaries, communication, emotional expression, personal growth, and stress. I strive to understand the interlocking factors that may be influencing and impacting your ability to be the best version of yourself.

Are you seeking relief, clarity and well-being? Realigning your inner strengths and creating the balance you desire and deserve in your life is achievable! Stressful relationships (personal, family, work), loss, depression, anxiety, anger and conflict are some things I can assist you with. I can help you with being focused and grounded and, ultimately, more present. Being present, with yourself and others, is the only place from which you can make effective, conscious, lasting choices and changes. During 24 years in private practice I've had the privilege of working with many people of different ages, personalities and backgrounds.

With over 7 years of experience in psychotherapy, I offer a safe and comfortable space for you to explore your emotions and gain insight into life patterns that may no longer be serving you. Whether you need therapy to unpack past experiences or work towards future goals, I'm here to accompany you on this journey. Together, we can explore your potential, improve your relationships, and help you live a more authentic life.

Life is challenging and there is great benefit to a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore concerns and gain self-awareness. Over the ten-plus years I've been practicing, I've helped people improve their relationships -with themselves, significant others, family, friends and careers. I work from a humanistic, client-centered, emotion-focused frame. Together, we will enlist your emotions to direct your course and help you live the life you choose. Many struggles reflect an inability to recognize strengths. I have a deep belief in people's potential and a passion for helping people use their strengths to live authentic lives.

I am an empathetic listener and communicator with an exceptional talent for building rapport and helping people to achieve deeper self-realization and self empowerment. I work with executives, academics, groups and businesses – anyone who has found themselves or their organizations in a place that requires support and guidance to plan the best steps to achieve a stated objective, all the way to working through transformative change.