Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in East York, ON
It's important that you acknowledge yourself for taking the step to find a therapist who can provide guidance. In my forty years of experience I've learned that a big part of the healing occurs as a result of the relationship between client and psychotherapist. When this relationship is grounded in safety and compassion, the relationship healing occurs. My working style is client centered and collaborative. It invites self-inquiry and body awareness leading to a deeper understanding of issues and their root causes.
It's important that you acknowledge yourself for taking the step to find a therapist who can provide guidance. In my forty years of experience I've learned that a big part of the healing occurs as a result of the relationship between client and psychotherapist. When this relationship is grounded in safety and compassion, the relationship healing occurs. My working style is client centered and collaborative. It invites self-inquiry and body awareness leading to a deeper understanding of issues and their root causes.
Think about what brought you here. Do you have relationship issues? Do you feel dissatisfied, lonely or lost? Maybe you feel angry or taken advantage of. Do you want someone to listen and understand you? Perhaps I can be that person for you.
Think about what brought you here. Do you have relationship issues? Do you feel dissatisfied, lonely or lost? Maybe you feel angry or taken advantage of. Do you want someone to listen and understand you? Perhaps I can be that person for you.
Life is beautiful but it is also hard, exhausting, sad, messy and temperamental. Coping with the intense pressures and stress we face can be very challenging and isolating. I believe therapy is about having a relationship where we can safely and authentically explore and discover where we tend to hide parts of ourselves, run away, and hold back our truth from the world. Together we will explore this in a manner that welcomes and supports your whole being to foster an ongoing process of self-awareness, healing and self development - and towards you moving in the world with greater resiliency, authenticity and a deeper sense of self.
Life is beautiful but it is also hard, exhausting, sad, messy and temperamental. Coping with the intense pressures and stress we face can be very challenging and isolating. I believe therapy is about having a relationship where we can safely and authentically explore and discover where we tend to hide parts of ourselves, run away, and hold back our truth from the world. Together we will explore this in a manner that welcomes and supports your whole being to foster an ongoing process of self-awareness, healing and self development - and towards you moving in the world with greater resiliency, authenticity and a deeper sense of self.
How to find hope? How do you heal the ache you feel inside? If you are lost, engaging in therapy can help you find a way forward! You want to be at PEACE with yourself and the people around you. You want to follow your dreams, be part of something that matters, and live to your LIFE to fullest potential. However, you may be at a low point and feel afraid and alone. You may have more bad days than good days. Regardless of the type of struggle, it is possible to move to a better place.
How to find hope? How do you heal the ache you feel inside? If you are lost, engaging in therapy can help you find a way forward! You want to be at PEACE with yourself and the people around you. You want to follow your dreams, be part of something that matters, and live to your LIFE to fullest potential. However, you may be at a low point and feel afraid and alone. You may have more bad days than good days. Regardless of the type of struggle, it is possible to move to a better place.
I am a fully Certified Play Therapist and Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and work with all ages using this modality. I have over 20 years of experience in working with children, youth and families from various ethno-racial backgrounds and in various mental health settings including child welfare, hospital, school, and the community. I am a service provider for the Internet Child Exploitation - Counselling Program, Metis Nation of Ontario, Indigenous Services Canada, and previously for the 2-Spirited People of the First Nations and Victim Services.
I am a fully Certified Play Therapist and Supervisor through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and work with all ages using this modality. I have over 20 years of experience in working with children, youth and families from various ethno-racial backgrounds and in various mental health settings including child welfare, hospital, school, and the community. I am a service provider for the Internet Child Exploitation - Counselling Program, Metis Nation of Ontario, Indigenous Services Canada, and previously for the 2-Spirited People of the First Nations and Victim Services.
Do you feel like you're always managing everyone else's expectations — your family's, your culture's, your career's — while your own needs quietly go last? As a RP offering online therapy across Ontario, I work with individuals from racialized, immigrant, and marginalized communities navigating anxiety, trauma, and burnout shaped by cultural expectations, family dynamics, and generational patterns. Therapy here is a space to slow down, learn tools for emotional regulation, feel truly understood, and rebuild the confidence, boundaries, and self-trust that let you move through life with more ease.
Do you feel like you're always managing everyone else's expectations — your family's, your culture's, your career's — while your own needs quietly go last? As a RP offering online therapy across Ontario, I work with individuals from racialized, immigrant, and marginalized communities navigating anxiety, trauma, and burnout shaped by cultural expectations, family dynamics, and generational patterns. Therapy here is a space to slow down, learn tools for emotional regulation, feel truly understood, and rebuild the confidence, boundaries, and self-trust that let you move through life with more ease.
Do you or a loved one need more stability in your safety, relationships, or day to day life? Maybe that out-of-control urge exploded again, and you wish you could find that kind of relief without all the mess afterward. Maybe it exploded in one or more of your relationships, and you don’t know what to do, but you feel unspeakably lost or lonely about it. Maybe at times you’ve given up on life being worth living. Maybe other times you put on a game face, and folks have no idea what you're (not really), holding together. Or maybe it's your partner or kiddo going through this, and you need support yourself. I'm here to help.
Do you or a loved one need more stability in your safety, relationships, or day to day life? Maybe that out-of-control urge exploded again, and you wish you could find that kind of relief without all the mess afterward. Maybe it exploded in one or more of your relationships, and you don’t know what to do, but you feel unspeakably lost or lonely about it. Maybe at times you’ve given up on life being worth living. Maybe other times you put on a game face, and folks have no idea what you're (not really), holding together. Or maybe it's your partner or kiddo going through this, and you need support yourself. I'm here to help.
My approach and style of therapy is non judgemental and involves the provision of a safe, nurturing, warm and professional environment.
I work to help people explore and gain insight into their life challenges, behaviours and problems.I bring my personal and professional knowledge and experiences to all I do in an open and caring manner.
I have been practing for 8 years and worked in a variety of mental health settings. Call me, together we are going to gently approach the most difficult or painful subjects that you are going through and work out strategies and techniques to overcome them.
My approach and style of therapy is non judgemental and involves the provision of a safe, nurturing, warm and professional environment.
I work to help people explore and gain insight into their life challenges, behaviours and problems.I bring my personal and professional knowledge and experiences to all I do in an open and caring manner.
I have been practing for 8 years and worked in a variety of mental health settings. Call me, together we are going to gently approach the most difficult or painful subjects that you are going through and work out strategies and techniques to overcome them.
Katie Pula - Psychodynamic and Somatic Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Symptoms of anxiety, depression, loss, grief, big life changes, burn-out and mood disorders can be relieved greatly through emotional exploration, mindfulness techniques, and self-compassion. My approach is based on the belief that a deeper understanding of ‘self’ ultimately instills a stronger sense of peace and health in our day to day lives. Honing our natural ability to self-regulate and heal often begins with naming our struggles and traumas in the presence of a supportive other. From here we gain greater clarity on how to take care of ourselves, create boundaries and self-care patterns that instigate lasting change.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression, loss, grief, big life changes, burn-out and mood disorders can be relieved greatly through emotional exploration, mindfulness techniques, and self-compassion. My approach is based on the belief that a deeper understanding of ‘self’ ultimately instills a stronger sense of peace and health in our day to day lives. Honing our natural ability to self-regulate and heal often begins with naming our struggles and traumas in the presence of a supportive other. From here we gain greater clarity on how to take care of ourselves, create boundaries and self-care patterns that instigate lasting change.
Life events impact us. Some more than others. Psychotherapy treatment can focus on stories of what has happened, the ways in which we have been affected, and how our perspectives can change.
Life events impact us. Some more than others. Psychotherapy treatment can focus on stories of what has happened, the ways in which we have been affected, and how our perspectives can change.
Life can feel challenging at times, leaving you feeling overwhelmed or stuck. You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, worry, anger, shame, fear, grief or despair. Struggling with difficult emotions can take away from living in the present moment. Instead you may find yourself dealing with anxiety, self-criticism, over-thinking, reliving painful memories and stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Together we will slow things down so we can explore your experiences and the parts of you that may be hard to understand.
Life can feel challenging at times, leaving you feeling overwhelmed or stuck. You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, worry, anger, shame, fear, grief or despair. Struggling with difficult emotions can take away from living in the present moment. Instead you may find yourself dealing with anxiety, self-criticism, over-thinking, reliving painful memories and stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Together we will slow things down so we can explore your experiences and the parts of you that may be hard to understand.
More Therapists Nearby
Therapy is a space for radical inner discovery. My therapy approach focuses on increasing your self-compassion, recognizing your strengths, and sitting with your struggles. I connect with people through experience, and our sessions can often be experiential in nature. This can mean a focus on parts work, somatic work, breath work, internal visualization or narrative therapy. My approach to therapy invites you to sit with me in the unknown or the uncomfortable, to build your sense of self-empowerment and discovery.
Therapy is a space for radical inner discovery. My therapy approach focuses on increasing your self-compassion, recognizing your strengths, and sitting with your struggles. I connect with people through experience, and our sessions can often be experiential in nature. This can mean a focus on parts work, somatic work, breath work, internal visualization or narrative therapy. My approach to therapy invites you to sit with me in the unknown or the uncomfortable, to build your sense of self-empowerment and discovery.
Lucie Ritchie & Heal Psychotherapy Inc.
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y
Neurofeedback & Trauma Therapy: The impacts of trauma rewire the brain and nervous system to experience the world as a threatening place. This adaptation alters how we relate to ourselves and others, and it leads us away from authentic identity. Trauma includes events like past childhood abuse, emotional neglect, grief, rejection, chronic pain and illness, to name a few. You may become stressed, anxious, experience intrusive thoughts, fear, and rage. You may feel alone, easily triggered, trapped, and like there’s a void within—like you just can’t be yourself again. Yet, you have no clue that it all stems from unprocessed trauma.
Neurofeedback & Trauma Therapy: The impacts of trauma rewire the brain and nervous system to experience the world as a threatening place. This adaptation alters how we relate to ourselves and others, and it leads us away from authentic identity. Trauma includes events like past childhood abuse, emotional neglect, grief, rejection, chronic pain and illness, to name a few. You may become stressed, anxious, experience intrusive thoughts, fear, and rage. You may feel alone, easily triggered, trapped, and like there’s a void within—like you just can’t be yourself again. Yet, you have no clue that it all stems from unprocessed trauma.
You may be feeling burned out, emotionally overwhelmed, or disillusioned by systems that were meant to support you. You might carry anger, grief, or numbness that has been misunderstood or pathologized, and feel tired of being told the problem is you. You’re seeking care that recognizes how structural oppression, moral injury, and chronic stress shape mental health, and you want a therapist who sees your responses as meaningful, not defective.
You may be feeling burned out, emotionally overwhelmed, or disillusioned by systems that were meant to support you. You might carry anger, grief, or numbness that has been misunderstood or pathologized, and feel tired of being told the problem is you. You’re seeking care that recognizes how structural oppression, moral injury, and chronic stress shape mental health, and you want a therapist who sees your responses as meaningful, not defective.
You have likely tried to make sense of what is happening and intellectually, part of you does. You can trace the patterns, name what contributed to them, explain yourself clearly. And yet something has not shifted. The exhaustion persists. The emotional flooding, the numbness, the quiet disconnection from yourself and from others. You may not call it trauma. You may describe it as anxiety, as difficult relationships, as a life that was simply hard in ways that were never fully acknowledged. You are not looking for more strategies to manage this. You are looking for something that reaches the part of you insight alone has not touched
You have likely tried to make sense of what is happening and intellectually, part of you does. You can trace the patterns, name what contributed to them, explain yourself clearly. And yet something has not shifted. The exhaustion persists. The emotional flooding, the numbness, the quiet disconnection from yourself and from others. You may not call it trauma. You may describe it as anxiety, as difficult relationships, as a life that was simply hard in ways that were never fully acknowledged. You are not looking for more strategies to manage this. You are looking for something that reaches the part of you insight alone has not touched
Children and teens sometimes carry anxiety, trauma, or dissociation in ways that are difficult to put into words. Parents may notice mood changes, withdrawal, irritability, school challenges, or emotional overwhelm and feel unsure what is happening beneath the surface. You may have tried traditional talk therapy and felt that something deeper still needs attention. You are looking for specialized trauma therapy for your child or teen that honours the nervous system, supports emotional regulation, and creates a safe, developmentally attuned path toward steadiness and healing.
Children and teens sometimes carry anxiety, trauma, or dissociation in ways that are difficult to put into words. Parents may notice mood changes, withdrawal, irritability, school challenges, or emotional overwhelm and feel unsure what is happening beneath the surface. You may have tried traditional talk therapy and felt that something deeper still needs attention. You are looking for specialized trauma therapy for your child or teen that honours the nervous system, supports emotional regulation, and creates a safe, developmentally attuned path toward steadiness and healing.
Are you struggling with persistent sadness, anxiety or unwanted thoughts? If you think it's time to talk to someone, psychotherapy can help. Hi, my name is Kate. People experience me as calm and steady, warm and insightful. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties (mother-daughter), life transitions, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (e.g. growing up in a chaotic household). I offer a unique somatic treatment for Birth Trauma during labour & delivery. Everyone is welcome in my practice.
Are you struggling with persistent sadness, anxiety or unwanted thoughts? If you think it's time to talk to someone, psychotherapy can help. Hi, my name is Kate. People experience me as calm and steady, warm and insightful. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties (mother-daughter), life transitions, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (e.g. growing up in a chaotic household). I offer a unique somatic treatment for Birth Trauma during labour & delivery. Everyone is welcome in my practice.
CONGRATULATIONS. You've taken the first step towards getting help. Finding the right therapist can be difficult. For that reason, I offer an initial 40 min. consult for free. My LGBTQ positive practice is in Mind/Body & Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Problems I work with are: Sexual Abuse, Problematic Sexual Issues/Behaviours, Gender issues, Low Self Esteem, Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Loss/Grief, Dissociation, Relationship issues and DID. I pay close attention to overwhelming thoughts, emotions, and sensations. My previous massage practice (1989-2014) reflects my knowledge of how emotions are expressed and often held in our bodies.
CONGRATULATIONS. You've taken the first step towards getting help. Finding the right therapist can be difficult. For that reason, I offer an initial 40 min. consult for free. My LGBTQ positive practice is in Mind/Body & Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Problems I work with are: Sexual Abuse, Problematic Sexual Issues/Behaviours, Gender issues, Low Self Esteem, Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Loss/Grief, Dissociation, Relationship issues and DID. I pay close attention to overwhelming thoughts, emotions, and sensations. My previous massage practice (1989-2014) reflects my knowledge of how emotions are expressed and often held in our bodies.
Therapy doesn't have to be scary! I know first-hand what it can be like to suffer in silence, longing for change, and struggling to find someone who "gets" you. If you grew up in a home where you didn't get the support that you needed, if you struggled through experiences that you feel like you have never recovered from, or if you feel like a black sheep, I would be happy to co-create a non-judgmental healing space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. We can work on things like learning to understand yourself, re-gaining control of your life, and appreciating the parts of you that have clawed you out of your darkest times.
Therapy doesn't have to be scary! I know first-hand what it can be like to suffer in silence, longing for change, and struggling to find someone who "gets" you. If you grew up in a home where you didn't get the support that you needed, if you struggled through experiences that you feel like you have never recovered from, or if you feel like a black sheep, I would be happy to co-create a non-judgmental healing space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. We can work on things like learning to understand yourself, re-gaining control of your life, and appreciating the parts of you that have clawed you out of your darkest times.
Do you feel like you’re carrying a lot on the inside, even if you look “fine” on the outside? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the same emotional patterns, or on edge more often than you want to be. You might be navigating a major life transition, struggling with anxiety or anger, or feeling disconnected from yourself or the people you care about. If it has been hard to put your experience into words, you are not alone, and you do not have to figure it out by yourself.
Do you feel like you’re carrying a lot on the inside, even if you look “fine” on the outside? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the same emotional patterns, or on edge more often than you want to be. You might be navigating a major life transition, struggling with anxiety or anger, or feeling disconnected from yourself or the people you care about. If it has been hard to put your experience into words, you are not alone, and you do not have to figure it out by yourself.
Nearby Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counsellors Searches for East York
- Aurora
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- Mississauga
- North York
- Pickering
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Toronto
- Vaughan
Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counsellors
How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?
Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behavior therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.
Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.
Are there specific medications for dissociation?
There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom—which may include antipsychotics like aripiprazole, antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines.
How often and how long are therapy sessions?
Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.