Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Toronto, ON

I have nearly 25 years of extensive experience working with individuals (children/adults), couples and families, on a whole range of stressful issues including: anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting (including child development), marriage or partner troubles, grief, life transitions, aging, identity and school- or work-related problems. I utilize, in collaboration with the client, therapeutic approaches that best suit the issue and work for the person, like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Brief Solution-Focussed Therapy.

I know it takes a lot of courage to face parts of ourselves that have felt alone, inadequate, ashamed, fearful or overwhelmed unable to imagine a way forward. As a holistic and relational therapist I am passionate about supporting individuals and couples gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the past experiences, traumas, and/or relationships that brought them here. Together, we will foster a space where compassion and vulnerability are possible and you can safely lower your walls, embrace your strengths and fullest self, and ultimately heal with a renewed sense of clarity, confidence, and hope in navigating a path forward.

My goal is to work with all of my clients in person. Taking the time to sit with one another, to share experiences, interpretations and insights lies at the heart of psychotherapy. When we have to opportunity to do this together in person, I find it can improve our ability to notice our thoughts and emotions and this often translates into deeper conversations and therapeutic growth.

Choosing to engage in therapy is choosing to pave a path to a more balanced, calm, and fulfilling life. I work with adults struggling with a range of concerns including insomnia and sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, fertility concerns, psychosis, substance abuse, relationship problems, and generally navigating the stresses of life. I believe that building a safe, trusting, collaborative relationship with clients is the cornerstone to successful therapy. I concentrate strongly on creating an open, non-judgmental environment that promotes client growth and self-exploration.

I am a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work. I strive to create a warm and compassionate environment for the clients I serve; helping them through a strengths-based, person-centred approach. My clinical experience is extensive in working with individuals in one-on-one therapeutic sessions and I have built my career in schools settings. I belong to the OCSWSSW and the OASW, while holding multiple certifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), crisis response, and mindfulness.

As a queer person of colour, I bring a unique perspective to supporting people living with challenges associated with identity, gender, sexuality, sexual health, relationship dynamics and forced migration seeking to understand how to develop security and belonging in their surrounding environment. I do my best to support clients with developing both understandings and practical solutions to achieve their goals of managing every day triggers that may impede completing activities of daily living.

I work with clients to ensure that they are receiving the care that works with their unique goals, and that they feel witnessed through their journey. I work with clients, from youths to adults, who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, sex and intimacy challenges, and interpersonal relationship issues. My aim is to support and guide clients using a mind-body approach that cultivates more depth from their self-reflection and emotional processing. I approach this work with openness, and aim to create a safe and brave space where these stories are both held and heard.

Are you grappling with the challenges of managing stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger, relationship complexities, or navigating life transitions? Do you find yourself frequently caught in a fight-or-flight response, leading to a sense of overwhelm, uncertainty, and lack of motivation that permeates your daily life, work, school, and relationships? You're not alone, and I'm here to assist you in finding lasting relief and instigating positive changes in your life.

Do you feel disconnected in your relationship or stuck in conflict? Or are you struggling with anxiety and depression? Many couples I meet often feel discouraged and lonely in their relationships. I work with couples who are experiencing conflict, loss of connection or overcoming an affair. I have 20 years of experience working with couples to help them break the cycle of conflict, repair the trust and rebuild their connection. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy to help you look at the negative cycles that have taken over your relationship, and create new positive patterns of connecting with your partner.

I specialize in supporting clients with mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, substance use, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Ideal clients seek holistic care, combining mindfulness, CBT, music therapy, and empathy. They desire equitable, barrier-free support for stability and a healthier mindset. They value tailored strategies and a collaborative ally skilled in advocacy and communication. Ultimately, they seek understanding and holistic healing in a safe, empathetic space.

I have learned there is wisdom and resilience hidden in even the most painful of patterns, even when these patterns leave us trapped in destructive habits, despair or bad relationships. Once we find the wise intentions behind the old strategies, healing can happen. If you’re used to numbing out or criticizing yourself to get through the hard times – we’ll do it differently. Therapy with me is a judgment-free space to bring your sorrow, anxiety, anger and confusion without having to hide it or push through on your own.

I am a relational psychotherapist who works to help clients find a sense of empowerment around the issues that are troubling them, to help them explore and understand the meaning and impact of these experiences, and to find change. I draw on many theories, and work particularly in a psychodynamic way (seeing how one is impacted in the present by one's past experiences). With clients who would like to work on childhood issues, I help them resolve and integrate those experiences - family issues, relationship issues, trauma. Together we decide whether short or long term work is preferred.

The focus of my work is supporting people to discover, befriend, and transform old ways of being. Through exploring personal narratives, habitual responses, and the subconscious terrain, we work together to create fresh space and open to new ways of being. Sessions with me involve talk therapy with somatic exercises, Brainspotting, parts work and hypnotherapy woven in as is supportive and appropriate. I am warm and grounded, and keep the session energy flowing through active inquiry and deep listening. Working at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you is key, and so I regularly check in to ensure that this is your experience.

Welcome! Seeking out support can be a hard first step to make, but it is a sign of listening to your wise inner self. Getting to this step is honourable. Here’s a bit of who I am. I've been practicing for over 22 years, working in the social services field, specifically in community and hospital-based settings. My practice includes Mindfulness, Narrative, Psychodynamic, Trauma Focused, as well as Body Oriented Therapies. I specialize in treating survivors of trauma, as well as individuals experiencing mental health, relationship, parenting, academic stressors, life transitions, and substance use issues.

I work with adults, youth and children. I provide a comprehensive counselling approach for individuals (including kids) struggling with anxiety and stress. I use Mindfulness based strategies, CBT and help you develop effective "tools" to help you cope more confidently with stress, worries and fears. I also work with symptoms of depression, couple relationship problems, work-life balance struggles and parenting difficulties.

I work with children, youth, adults, couples and families. Along with my Master of Social Work, I have additional training in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy (TF-CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness-based approaches.

My name is Lou Gallo and I am a trans-identified clinical social worker who has been in the mental health field for over 20 years. I have worked in school settings, in the community with LGBTQ2IS youth, and within clinical mental health setttings. I have a specialization working with adults who have experienced trauma, including those who have experiences of suicidality and suicidal behaviours. I also have specific experience supporting people who identify as having a Learning Disability and/or ADHD.

The therapeutic relationship is a partnership, and I’m committed to working collaboratively with individuals from all walks of life to support positive change and emotional growth. My experience includes working individuals with depression, anxiety, stress management, improving self-esteem, confidence building, life transitions, grief and trauma. I offer a safe and supportive environment where we can explore the issues that brought you to therapy and develop an individualized plan to address them online!

Our journey together is guided in my belief that we share an innate ability to grow, heal and change. As your therapist, my role is to listen and guide you towards new deeper insights, discover meaning, quiet your inner critic and help you problem solve. I work with individuals struggling with stress/anxiety, depression/sadness, grief/loss, relationship difficulties, separation/divorce, life-stage adjustments, and family problems. As well, I work with individuals who experience inter-cultural, inter-racial and inter-religious relationship challenges as well as those who identify as gifted or artistic.