Photo of Michelle Fagen, BSc, DC, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Michelle Fagen
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, DC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5N
Gestalt therapy has opened my eyes to what I always sensed - the mind and body are not separate entities.
I've been both the client and the therapist, and I believe strongly in the power of the therapeutic connection. It is an hour just for you; a space to find your voice, understand yourself, get out of your own way. This is what I offer my clients - a relationship where we work together in exploring what is going on for you, take the time to develop trust and tolerance for challenge, and where *everything* is open for discussion. My style is both direct and playful, curious and open-minded. I love working with clients who are ready for change, even if they don't know exactly what that might look like.
Gestalt therapy has opened my eyes to what I always sensed - the mind and body are not separate entities.
I've been both the client and the therapist, and I believe strongly in the power of the therapeutic connection. It is an hour just for you; a space to find your voice, understand yourself, get out of your own way. This is what I offer my clients - a relationship where we work together in exploring what is going on for you, take the time to develop trust and tolerance for challenge, and where *everything* is open for discussion. My style is both direct and playful, curious and open-minded. I love working with clients who are ready for change, even if they don't know exactly what that might look like.
(647) 955-5224 View (647) 955-5224
Photo of Mario Jose Lourenco, MEd, CGT, OSRP, Registered Psychotherapist
Mario Jose Lourenco
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, CGT, OSRP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y
I practice Gestalt therapy and I am a member of the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapists (C.
Welcome! It seems that you may be struggling with life challenges at the moment (i.e., relationship issues, work issues, loss, etc.), or, perhaps, anxiety, unwelcome thoughts, or apathy are getting in the way of you having the life you want. These are some of the common issues that people bring to my office. I have experience working with individuals, couples and groups, and I draw from extensive professional training to ensure you reach your desired outcome. This could include moving through old and/or new issues, making changes, improving relationships, increasing your vitality.
I practice Gestalt therapy and I am a member of the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapists (C.
Welcome! It seems that you may be struggling with life challenges at the moment (i.e., relationship issues, work issues, loss, etc.), or, perhaps, anxiety, unwelcome thoughts, or apathy are getting in the way of you having the life you want. These are some of the common issues that people bring to my office. I have experience working with individuals, couples and groups, and I draw from extensive professional training to ensure you reach your desired outcome. This could include moving through old and/or new issues, making changes, improving relationships, increasing your vitality.
(437) 372-5694 View (437) 372-5694
Photo of Simone Moir, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Simone Moir
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6H  (Online Only)
Simone Moir is a Gestalt therapist offering Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy.
Therapy is a journey towards appreciating, knowing and growing into who you are. I want to help you find breathing room in the spaces that feel small, tight and limiting in your life. With the support of my presence, curiosity and body-mind awareness we can clarify what is confusing and bring energy and focus to the next step. With person-to-person humility, I endeavour to meet you in the blank, heavy and unsteady times ready for tears to unravel or the spark of humour that puts it all into perspective. This process can help you create a life that is rich in meaning, dignity and purpose unique to you.
Simone Moir is a Gestalt therapist offering Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy.
Therapy is a journey towards appreciating, knowing and growing into who you are. I want to help you find breathing room in the spaces that feel small, tight and limiting in your life. With the support of my presence, curiosity and body-mind awareness we can clarify what is confusing and bring energy and focus to the next step. With person-to-person humility, I endeavour to meet you in the blank, heavy and unsteady times ready for tears to unravel or the spark of humour that puts it all into perspective. This process can help you create a life that is rich in meaning, dignity and purpose unique to you.
(647) 692-1401 View (647) 692-1401
Photo of Colleen Marie Helgason - Sun & Moon Therapy Toronto, RP, DipGIT, Registered Psychotherapist
Sun & Moon Therapy Toronto
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, DipGIT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4E
Are you struggling with a feeling of stuckness, overwhelm, anxiety and frustration? Have you been to therapy in the past and have left feeling disconnected, hopeless and with the sense that you weren't understood, or that it wasn't the right fit? Our team of Gestalt therapists offers a different type of support and hope with a path forward. Gestalt is a humanistic egalitarian approach that puts your experience at the forefront where we take the time to feel into your experience and meet you where you're at. We use embodiment, experiments and a deeply present focus that leaves you with more awareness of your current situation.
Are you struggling with a feeling of stuckness, overwhelm, anxiety and frustration? Have you been to therapy in the past and have left feeling disconnected, hopeless and with the sense that you weren't understood, or that it wasn't the right fit? Our team of Gestalt therapists offers a different type of support and hope with a path forward. Gestalt is a humanistic egalitarian approach that puts your experience at the forefront where we take the time to feel into your experience and meet you where you're at. We use embodiment, experiments and a deeply present focus that leaves you with more awareness of your current situation.
(647) 370-9987 View (647) 370-9987
Photo of Farah Bektashi, RP, BSc, GIT Dip, OSRP, Registered Psychotherapist
Farah Bektashi
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BSc, GIT Dip, OSRP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5B  (Online Only)
My approach is relational and mainly focused on Gestalt therapy and embodiment.
I offer a safe space, where you can grow your awareness and dive into your deeper Self. I am here to be the right support for you to face your challenges and step into your healing journey. Yes, it will be tough at some times and I will be there with you. Together, we will step out of your pain and into your awareness. Back to Body! We often forget about our bodies and tend to become prisoners of our minds. I’m here to remind, here to support you in letting go. You deserve to feel alive and happy!
My approach is relational and mainly focused on Gestalt therapy and embodiment.
I offer a safe space, where you can grow your awareness and dive into your deeper Self. I am here to be the right support for you to face your challenges and step into your healing journey. Yes, it will be tough at some times and I will be there with you. Together, we will step out of your pain and into your awareness. Back to Body! We often forget about our bodies and tend to become prisoners of our minds. I’m here to remind, here to support you in letting go. You deserve to feel alive and happy!
(437) 747-8627 View (437) 747-8627
Photo of Hope N Valletta, RP, MSc, BA, DipGIT, Registered Psychotherapist
Hope N Valletta
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MSc, BA, DipGIT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6K
My background is in embodied, and relational Gestalt, including parts work from IFS and family constellations.
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 background is in embodied, and relational Gestalt, including parts work from IFS and family constellations.
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.
(437) 500-6548 View (437) 500-6548
Photo of Naomi Wise Neurofeedback-Psychotherapy, MFA, BA, Registered Psychotherapist
Naomi Wise Neurofeedback-Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MFA, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6J
I am a Gestalt psychotherapist and a Neurofeedback therapist.
Have you been suffering emotionally for a long time, made many attempts to overcome your problems, but nothing is working? Are you struggling with regulating strong emotions such as rage, panic, anxiety, overwhelm or depression? Do you want to feel grounded and have greater clarity with your intentions and decision-making? Are you hoping to learn communication tools so you can experience meaningful, intimate and long lasting relationships?
I am a Gestalt psychotherapist and a Neurofeedback therapist.
Have you been suffering emotionally for a long time, made many attempts to overcome your problems, but nothing is working? Are you struggling with regulating strong emotions such as rage, panic, anxiety, overwhelm or depression? Do you want to feel grounded and have greater clarity with your intentions and decision-making? Are you hoping to learn communication tools so you can experience meaningful, intimate and long lasting relationships?
(647) 360-3467 View (647) 360-3467
Photo of Ria Padania, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Ria Padania
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3C  (Online Only)
As an eclectic therapist, I am trained to provide psychotherapy using techniques such as CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, IFS, mindfulness-trauma informed therapy, and gestalt therapy, to mention a few.
As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I understand the difficulties of dealing with emotional or mental health issues (anxiety, stress, personal and professional life balance, disordered eating, addictions, trauma, gender identity concerns, relationship/family related issues, emotional instability, and obsessive compulsive disorder) and would like to support and provide therapy to help you live a fulfilling life. I offer therapy in English, Hindi and Gujarati languages.
As an eclectic therapist, I am trained to provide psychotherapy using techniques such as CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, IFS, mindfulness-trauma informed therapy, and gestalt therapy, to mention a few.
As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I understand the difficulties of dealing with emotional or mental health issues (anxiety, stress, personal and professional life balance, disordered eating, addictions, trauma, gender identity concerns, relationship/family related issues, emotional instability, and obsessive compulsive disorder) and would like to support and provide therapy to help you live a fulfilling life. I offer therapy in English, Hindi and Gujarati languages.
(647) 492-7190 View (647) 492-7190
Photo of Tyler C Fleming, Pre-Licensed Professional
Tyler C Fleming
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5A
I work within a Gestalt framework: a body focused modality that uses the here and now, experiential work and involves the therapist in the process with the client.
In dealing with stress, anxiety and relational issues in this fast-paced world we live in I will aim to slow things down so we may find a safe space to look at things through a new lens and work together to decide what truly serves you. I am experienced in working with and supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, family dynamics, spouse/partner relations, experiencing sexuality & love outside of a cishet, monogamist-normative ideology.
I work within a Gestalt framework: a body focused modality that uses the here and now, experiential work and involves the therapist in the process with the client.
In dealing with stress, anxiety and relational issues in this fast-paced world we live in I will aim to slow things down so we may find a safe space to look at things through a new lens and work together to decide what truly serves you. I am experienced in working with and supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, family dynamics, spouse/partner relations, experiencing sexuality & love outside of a cishet, monogamist-normative ideology.
(647) 956-9058 View (647) 956-9058
Photo of Micheline Savard, PsyD, CPsych, Psychologist
Micheline Savard
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5J
My approach is unique and integrative, using Gestalt, Emotion-Focused, Adlerian, EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral therapies so I can draw from these therapeutic modalities as needed to work with emotional, behavioral, cognitive and relational issues in order to better help people with their specific concerns and needs.
I am a registered psychologist with 23 years experience (15 as psychologist, 9 prior as psychotherapist). I work with adults, couples, adolescents and families. I am privileged to have worked with people on issues that include anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, PTSD, infidelity, stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, dissatisfaction in relationship at work or at home, family relationship conflicts, couple relationship difficulties, addiction, work-related problems, coping with chronic illness and injuries, lifestyle changes, LGBT, sexual problems, and difficult life transitions such as loss of a loved one, divorce, or career changes.
My approach is unique and integrative, using Gestalt, Emotion-Focused, Adlerian, EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral therapies so I can draw from these therapeutic modalities as needed to work with emotional, behavioral, cognitive and relational issues in order to better help people with their specific concerns and needs.
I am a registered psychologist with 23 years experience (15 as psychologist, 9 prior as psychotherapist). I work with adults, couples, adolescents and families. I am privileged to have worked with people on issues that include anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, PTSD, infidelity, stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, dissatisfaction in relationship at work or at home, family relationship conflicts, couple relationship difficulties, addiction, work-related problems, coping with chronic illness and injuries, lifestyle changes, LGBT, sexual problems, and difficult life transitions such as loss of a loved one, divorce, or career changes.
(647) 694-3703 View (647) 694-3703
Photo of Hadassah Rais, RP, OT, Registered Psychotherapist
Hadassah Rais
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, OT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M3H  (Online Only)
During my psychotherapy training at the Gestalt Institute, some colleagues described my essence as a rock.
Welcome. My name is Hadassah. For the past fifteen years, my clinical practice has focused on supporting women with severe and enduring eating disorders and complex/developmental trauma. I have seen my clients persevere and overcome. You are the expert of your own experience. I know that an eating disorder can steal parts of your life. My goal is to collaboratively work with you to reclaim meaning and purpose in your life. I believe there is always hope and possibility for growth and change. My therapeutic approach is person-centred, compassion focused, and trauma informed.
During my psychotherapy training at the Gestalt Institute, some colleagues described my essence as a rock.
Welcome. My name is Hadassah. For the past fifteen years, my clinical practice has focused on supporting women with severe and enduring eating disorders and complex/developmental trauma. I have seen my clients persevere and overcome. You are the expert of your own experience. I know that an eating disorder can steal parts of your life. My goal is to collaboratively work with you to reclaim meaning and purpose in your life. I believe there is always hope and possibility for growth and change. My therapeutic approach is person-centred, compassion focused, and trauma informed.
(647) 691-4576 View (647) 691-4576
Photo of Dan Pasqua, MA (Q), Registered Psychotherapist
Dan Pasqua
Registered Psychotherapist, MA (Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y
Dan employs a holistic and integrative approach featuring CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, narrative, and Gestalt therapies.
Dan works with adolescents, adults, queer folks and seniors from a strengths-based, client-centered domain. Through his warmth, humour, and genuine care, Dan helps people from traditionally marginalized populations and those who feel they have been forgotten about or left behind in some way. Dan’s interested in helping people stuck in grief – over the death of a loved one, a relationship ending, a change in the family dynamic, the loss of a pet or job. Trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues, LGBTIQ+ issues, conflict, shame, and self-esteem can interrupt our daily lives and prevent us from healing. Dan’s insight,
Dan employs a holistic and integrative approach featuring CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, narrative, and Gestalt therapies.
Dan works with adolescents, adults, queer folks and seniors from a strengths-based, client-centered domain. Through his warmth, humour, and genuine care, Dan helps people from traditionally marginalized populations and those who feel they have been forgotten about or left behind in some way. Dan’s interested in helping people stuck in grief – over the death of a loved one, a relationship ending, a change in the family dynamic, the loss of a pet or job. Trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues, LGBTIQ+ issues, conflict, shame, and self-esteem can interrupt our daily lives and prevent us from healing. Dan’s insight,
(437) 747-5589 View (437) 747-5589
Photo of Elena Polyanovsky - Real-Talk Psychotherapy, BA(hon), RSW, MSW, Registered Social Worker
Real-Talk Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, BA(hon), RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5S
My specialties include CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Harm Reduction, Solution-Focused, Psycho dynamic, Family Systems, Structural, Trauma-Informed, Gestalt and Mindfulness.
Stressed?? Anxious?? Depressed?? Are you struggling to find the right therapist? Feeling lost? All first sessions are FREE with no obligations. WHY? I am passionate about creating opportunities for healing centered around your unique needs! My personal philosophy is radical acceptance. I believe that most coping strategies (from perfectionism to addictions) actually enable survival to one's best ability. Reflect on how your personal coping methods enabled you to survive until this moment! I believe in honouring old patterns with awareness. We must recognize and accept what is holding us back in order to change it.
My specialties include CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Harm Reduction, Solution-Focused, Psycho dynamic, Family Systems, Structural, Trauma-Informed, Gestalt and Mindfulness.
Stressed?? Anxious?? Depressed?? Are you struggling to find the right therapist? Feeling lost? All first sessions are FREE with no obligations. WHY? I am passionate about creating opportunities for healing centered around your unique needs! My personal philosophy is radical acceptance. I believe that most coping strategies (from perfectionism to addictions) actually enable survival to one's best ability. Reflect on how your personal coping methods enabled you to survive until this moment! I believe in honouring old patterns with awareness. We must recognize and accept what is holding us back in order to change it.
(647) 699-6708 View (647) 699-6708
Photo of Lee Eames, BA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Lee Eames
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5S
I practice Gestalt therapy, an optimistic method that believes you were never broken or wrong.
Grow your own way. Do your own thing. Facing persistent anxiety and shame, it’s tempting to think there’s something wrong with you. In my experience, these repetitive, unsatisfying loops can be welcomed and worked with to find authentic, meaningful change. You don’t have to give up on you. No matter how dark it gets, pain is an expression of tenderness and human needs. These are the same muscles that light up the world. What’s missing is support to feel the full range of experience: pain, confusion, joy, excitement, etc.
I practice Gestalt therapy, an optimistic method that believes you were never broken or wrong.
Grow your own way. Do your own thing. Facing persistent anxiety and shame, it’s tempting to think there’s something wrong with you. In my experience, these repetitive, unsatisfying loops can be welcomed and worked with to find authentic, meaningful change. You don’t have to give up on you. No matter how dark it gets, pain is an expression of tenderness and human needs. These are the same muscles that light up the world. What’s missing is support to feel the full range of experience: pain, confusion, joy, excitement, etc.
(437) 747-6462 View (437) 747-6462
Photo of Cynthia T Willemsen, MA, Dip, Psy, CH, RP, Counsellor
Cynthia T Willemsen
Counsellor, MA, Dip, Psy, CH, RP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4Y
I employ Western and Eastern modalities - CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), Psychodynamic Therapy, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, Energy Psychology - Yoga, Reiki, Mindfulness and Meditation.
Providing a balance of support and challenge, my approach to healing is holistic and comprehensive. I believe that each individual has all of the inner resources they need to achieve a sense of balance and equanimity. My role is merely to provide a safe, non-judgmental container in which they can reach their own integration - cognitively, emotionally and somatically. I aim to assist the individual's journey-making process through offering new ways at looking through the lens which often gets obscured by many mitigating factors. Clarity is the goal.
I employ Western and Eastern modalities - CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), Psychodynamic Therapy, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, Energy Psychology - Yoga, Reiki, Mindfulness and Meditation.
Providing a balance of support and challenge, my approach to healing is holistic and comprehensive. I believe that each individual has all of the inner resources they need to achieve a sense of balance and equanimity. My role is merely to provide a safe, non-judgmental container in which they can reach their own integration - cognitively, emotionally and somatically. I aim to assist the individual's journey-making process through offering new ways at looking through the lens which often gets obscured by many mitigating factors. Clarity is the goal.
(437) 292-3704 View (437) 292-3704
Photo of Lana Lontos, Registered Psychotherapist
Lana Lontos
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6C
I came to Gestalt Psychotherapy after a decade of teaching yoga and meditation workshops in Canada, Greece, Mexico and Nicaragua. I noticed that wisdom practices (such as meditation, yoga, breath-work, and reflection) lead people to face vulnerability and perhaps even pain inside their minds, hearts and bodies. Many people have insights about themselves, but they believe they can mentally figure it out on their own. We are not meant to do all the processing on our own. The therapeutic relationship allows us the support of a compassionate and trained witness so we can explore what is present.
I came to Gestalt Psychotherapy after a decade of teaching yoga and meditation workshops in Canada, Greece, Mexico and Nicaragua. I noticed that wisdom practices (such as meditation, yoga, breath-work, and reflection) lead people to face vulnerability and perhaps even pain inside their minds, hearts and bodies. Many people have insights about themselves, but they believe they can mentally figure it out on their own. We are not meant to do all the processing on our own. The therapeutic relationship allows us the support of a compassionate and trained witness so we can explore what is present.
(647) 955-2559 View (647) 955-2559
Photo of Anna Wesolinska, RP, MEd, OACCPP, Registered Psychotherapist
Anna Wesolinska
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MEd, OACCPP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4K
I work primarily with the Gestalt approach which focuses on self-awareness, contact and the here and now.
I work from a model of health, balance and empathy by bringing into awareness the places where we get stuck and our unique ways of getting there. You know best when your patterns of coping are no longer working. A therapist's job is to support you in creating positive shifts in your life. This support may sometimes feel frustrating, especially when our familiar patterns of functioning are being challenged. I incorporate art, humour and paradox in sessions allowing for a creative, spontaneous exploration of your needs, contradictions and feelings and by providing a safe space where new possibilities and hope are possible.
I work primarily with the Gestalt approach which focuses on self-awareness, contact and the here and now.
I work from a model of health, balance and empathy by bringing into awareness the places where we get stuck and our unique ways of getting there. You know best when your patterns of coping are no longer working. A therapist's job is to support you in creating positive shifts in your life. This support may sometimes feel frustrating, especially when our familiar patterns of functioning are being challenged. I incorporate art, humour and paradox in sessions allowing for a creative, spontaneous exploration of your needs, contradictions and feelings and by providing a safe space where new possibilities and hope are possible.
(855) 729-6060 View (855) 729-6060
Photo of Slava Sapershteyn, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Slava Sapershteyn
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5A
I approach therapy by brainstorming life and it's complexities. by co-creating spaces where experiment offers perspective, art offers a bird's eye view, where dialogue leads to reflections, communication creates connection and movement allows for shifts. Together we can explore coping mechanisms; how do we look at intimacy; how we perceive our boundaries with another person or persons, among other curiosities and challenges that life presents. ​ I am a graduate of Gestalt Institute of Psychotherapy in Toronto, Canada and a registered member of College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
I approach therapy by brainstorming life and it's complexities. by co-creating spaces where experiment offers perspective, art offers a bird's eye view, where dialogue leads to reflections, communication creates connection and movement allows for shifts. Together we can explore coping mechanisms; how do we look at intimacy; how we perceive our boundaries with another person or persons, among other curiosities and challenges that life presents. ​ I am a graduate of Gestalt Institute of Psychotherapy in Toronto, Canada and a registered member of College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
(647) 386-4338 View (647) 386-4338
Photo of Clark Bondy, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Clark Bondy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4K
I am training in Gestalt therapy, an approach that focuses on cultivating awareness and acceptance of where one already is in order to access more choice and agency.
I work with people experiencing many different hues in the spectrum of being alive. Maybe you are stuck, worried, or numb. Maybe you are feeling alone navigating injustice. Maybe you're trying to make sense of a relationship, or to sift through a murky part of your inner landscape. Whatever you might arrive with, I will stand with you as together we take a slow, deep look into the river of your life.
I am training in Gestalt therapy, an approach that focuses on cultivating awareness and acceptance of where one already is in order to access more choice and agency.
I work with people experiencing many different hues in the spectrum of being alive. Maybe you are stuck, worried, or numb. Maybe you are feeling alone navigating injustice. Maybe you're trying to make sense of a relationship, or to sift through a murky part of your inner landscape. Whatever you might arrive with, I will stand with you as together we take a slow, deep look into the river of your life.
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Photo of Jenny Kapichen, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Jenny Kapichen
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R
My work with clients is informed by my life experience as a musician, small business owner, immigrant and parent. My training in Gestalt therapy guides me as I work collaboratively with you to support and embrace the challenges of life transitions, relationships, work related stress, social anxiety, existential crisis or traumatic experiences.
My work with clients is informed by my life experience as a musician, small business owner, immigrant and parent. My training in Gestalt therapy guides me as I work collaboratively with you to support and embrace the challenges of life transitions, relationships, work related stress, social anxiety, existential crisis or traumatic experiences.
(437) 747-8272 View (437) 747-8272

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Gestalt Counsellors

What is gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behaviour, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.

How does gestalt therapy work?

Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.

How long does gestalt therapy last?

As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.

Does gestalt therapy work?

Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.