Attachment-based Therapists in Kitchener, ON
Journeying towards wellness takes more work than most of us imagine! Without support it can feel slow and discouraging! If you are on this journey, then you may want someone to walk alongside to help you move forward. Once you have this support, then it's time to start preparing for the journey! This could include remembering what's important to you, and working through the challenges that make the path forward difficult. You might even need to equip yourself with new skills and discover new paths towards a goal.
Journeying towards wellness takes more work than most of us imagine! Without support it can feel slow and discouraging! If you are on this journey, then you may want someone to walk alongside to help you move forward. Once you have this support, then it's time to start preparing for the journey! This could include remembering what's important to you, and working through the challenges that make the path forward difficult. You might even need to equip yourself with new skills and discover new paths towards a goal.
Do you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or like you’re holding everything together on the outside while struggling internally? I work with high‑functioning adults across Ontario who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the effects of long‑term stress.
Many of the people I support are balancing work, caregiving, relationships, and major life transitions, and are starting to notice it no longer feels sustainable. In our work together, we create space to slow down, make sense of what you’ve been carrying, and build practical ways to feel more grounded, clear, and balanced in your daily life.
Do you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or like you’re holding everything together on the outside while struggling internally? I work with high‑functioning adults across Ontario who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the effects of long‑term stress.
Many of the people I support are balancing work, caregiving, relationships, and major life transitions, and are starting to notice it no longer feels sustainable. In our work together, we create space to slow down, make sense of what you’ve been carrying, and build practical ways to feel more grounded, clear, and balanced in your daily life.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. My goal is to work collaboratively with you based on your specific goals and needs with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a safe environment. I provide psychotherapy services to explore concerns relating, but not limited to, various forms of trauma and abuse, dissociative disorders, interpersonal relationships/attachment difficulties, substance use, self-esteem, identity, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. My goal is to work collaboratively with you based on your specific goals and needs with an emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a safe environment. I provide psychotherapy services to explore concerns relating, but not limited to, various forms of trauma and abuse, dissociative disorders, interpersonal relationships/attachment difficulties, substance use, self-esteem, identity, depression, anxiety, and chronic illness.
I am a somatic and holistic-spiritually integrated practitioner, with a focus on attachment-based or sexuality/relational trauma symptoms, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), or challenges related to CPTSD/PTSD.
I work with somatic approaches including Havening somatic technique (certified) and Focusing as well as spiritually integrated approaches such as arts-based therapies, oracle cards and bibliotherapy. I work with clients who want to deepen personal spiritual integration, find meaning, direction, and belongingness through life.
I am a somatic and holistic-spiritually integrated practitioner, with a focus on attachment-based or sexuality/relational trauma symptoms, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), or challenges related to CPTSD/PTSD.
I work with somatic approaches including Havening somatic technique (certified) and Focusing as well as spiritually integrated approaches such as arts-based therapies, oracle cards and bibliotherapy. I work with clients who want to deepen personal spiritual integration, find meaning, direction, and belongingness through life.
We are a team of social workers with a combined 50 years of experience, providing trauma-informed and trauma-specific counselling/therapy and consultation services in Waterloo Region. We work collaboratively with our clients to establish a trusting, safe, and purposeful relationship.
We work with individuals, couples and families throughout the lifespan. We provide in-person, virtual, and telephone therapy, as well as Mindfulness and Meditation individual and group support. We also offer a group for partners of first responders.
We are a team of social workers with a combined 50 years of experience, providing trauma-informed and trauma-specific counselling/therapy and consultation services in Waterloo Region. We work collaboratively with our clients to establish a trusting, safe, and purposeful relationship.
We work with individuals, couples and families throughout the lifespan. We provide in-person, virtual, and telephone therapy, as well as Mindfulness and Meditation individual and group support. We also offer a group for partners of first responders.
Hey, I’m Cher—it’s great to connect with you! I support individuals, couples, and families navigating the heavy stuff: trauma, abuse, addiction, depression, anxiety, identity exploration (i.e. LGBTQ+), and neurodivergence. I have a deep personal and professional focus on supporting folks healing from relationships with someone with a personality disorder. Whether you're untangling complex relationship dynamics, processing raw emotions, or just trying to find your footing, I’m here. We’ll use a flexible toolkit tailored entirely to your real-life needs and goals.
Hey, I’m Cher—it’s great to connect with you! I support individuals, couples, and families navigating the heavy stuff: trauma, abuse, addiction, depression, anxiety, identity exploration (i.e. LGBTQ+), and neurodivergence. I have a deep personal and professional focus on supporting folks healing from relationships with someone with a personality disorder. Whether you're untangling complex relationship dynamics, processing raw emotions, or just trying to find your footing, I’m here. We’ll use a flexible toolkit tailored entirely to your real-life needs and goals.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I take a client-centered and compassionate approach to my work and uphold the values of dignity and respect for all. I specialize in working with individuals coping with anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, trauma, life transitions (including immigration), challenges by faced by veterans, and identity related concerns. My practice is influenced by evidence-based modalities of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I take a client-centered and compassionate approach to my work and uphold the values of dignity and respect for all. I specialize in working with individuals coping with anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, trauma, life transitions (including immigration), challenges by faced by veterans, and identity related concerns. My practice is influenced by evidence-based modalities of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I know that life can get complicated, messy, and stressful, and we often feel alone in our struggle. It can be difficult to allow ourselves to be seen, heard, and accepted for who we are, and it takes self-awareness, courage, and vulnerability to reach out for help, so I honour you for being here and taking the next step. Sharing your story and your struggles in a safe and supportive space can be empowering and healing. I believe in your capacity for resilience, growth, and healing.
I know that life can get complicated, messy, and stressful, and we often feel alone in our struggle. It can be difficult to allow ourselves to be seen, heard, and accepted for who we are, and it takes self-awareness, courage, and vulnerability to reach out for help, so I honour you for being here and taking the next step. Sharing your story and your struggles in a safe and supportive space can be empowering and healing. I believe in your capacity for resilience, growth, and healing.
Lorena Krasnai - Executive Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, MAL, PCC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Drawing from attachment-based therapy, somatic practices, and parts work, we work toward greater self-awareness, emotional mastery, stronger relationships, and a more authentic way of living.
You may appear successful on the outside, capable, accomplished, and relied upon by others, yet something inside feels disconnected. Perhaps you've achieved many of your goals, but fulfillment still feels out of reach. You may find yourself repeating patterns that affect your relationships, sense of purpose, or connection to yourself. Beneath the surface, you may be carrying stress, self-doubt, loneliness, or responsibilities few people truly see. Deep down, you know something needs to change. You're seeking greater self-understanding, meaningful relationships, and a life that feels authentic and aligned.
Drawing from attachment-based therapy, somatic practices, and parts work, we work toward greater self-awareness, emotional mastery, stronger relationships, and a more authentic way of living.
You may appear successful on the outside, capable, accomplished, and relied upon by others, yet something inside feels disconnected. Perhaps you've achieved many of your goals, but fulfillment still feels out of reach. You may find yourself repeating patterns that affect your relationships, sense of purpose, or connection to yourself. Beneath the surface, you may be carrying stress, self-doubt, loneliness, or responsibilities few people truly see. Deep down, you know something needs to change. You're seeking greater self-understanding, meaningful relationships, and a life that feels authentic and aligned.
Regardless of the challenges that bring you to counselling, I want you to know that you aren't broken and you don't need to be fixed. You are a complex human and there are parts of you that may need more support and more compassion. Together we will create a space to hold whatever parts YOU feel need your time, gentle curiosity, attention and care. I work with teens, parents and adults through a relational, trauma-informed, neurodivergent affirming, and anti-oppressive lens. My approach is eclectic, working from a variety of modalities, techniques and frameworks, to ensure your sessions honour your autonomy and your unique needs.
Regardless of the challenges that bring you to counselling, I want you to know that you aren't broken and you don't need to be fixed. You are a complex human and there are parts of you that may need more support and more compassion. Together we will create a space to hold whatever parts YOU feel need your time, gentle curiosity, attention and care. I work with teens, parents and adults through a relational, trauma-informed, neurodivergent affirming, and anti-oppressive lens. My approach is eclectic, working from a variety of modalities, techniques and frameworks, to ensure your sessions honour your autonomy and your unique needs.
Life can be challenging, whether we are a child navigating social dynamics, a young person managing the pressures of social media, or a young adult going off to post-secondary and/or entering the workforce. During these times, having a supportive person to listen can make a significant difference. I specialize in supporting children, youth and families struggling with self-regulation, situations of bullying, transitions/adjustments; as well as, more specific symptoms associated with anxiety and OCD.
Life can be challenging, whether we are a child navigating social dynamics, a young person managing the pressures of social media, or a young adult going off to post-secondary and/or entering the workforce. During these times, having a supportive person to listen can make a significant difference. I specialize in supporting children, youth and families struggling with self-regulation, situations of bullying, transitions/adjustments; as well as, more specific symptoms associated with anxiety and OCD.
You might be navigating ADHD, anxiety, or depression and feeling out of step with everyone around you. You might be a parent trying to understand what your child is experiencing, or an adult facing the pressure of school, career decisions, or figuring out who you are. I work with clients of all ages, drawing on my background as both an educator and a therapist to understand not just what you are feeling, but the systems and pressures shaping it. We start with your nervous system, and build from there.
You might be navigating ADHD, anxiety, or depression and feeling out of step with everyone around you. You might be a parent trying to understand what your child is experiencing, or an adult facing the pressure of school, career decisions, or figuring out who you are. I work with clients of all ages, drawing on my background as both an educator and a therapist to understand not just what you are feeling, but the systems and pressures shaping it. We start with your nervous system, and build from there.
Hi, my name is Michael! I believe that therapy is a sacred space where we are given the opportunity to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. My work is uniquely informed by my years of experience in both social services and in my role as a first responder, where I supported individuals and families through moments of crisis, trauma, and profound loss. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the realities faced by those working on the front lines and have shaped my passion for walking alongside people as they navigate life’s most challenging circumstances.
Hi, my name is Michael! I believe that therapy is a sacred space where we are given the opportunity to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. My work is uniquely informed by my years of experience in both social services and in my role as a first responder, where I supported individuals and families through moments of crisis, trauma, and profound loss. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the realities faced by those working on the front lines and have shaped my passion for walking alongside people as they navigate life’s most challenging circumstances.
Many learn to scan for safety, reading mood, noise, and energy before their own needs are fully seen or supported. Over time, these survival responses can shape how we move through the world and relate to ourselves and others. Within our work together, we begin gently stepping outside the survival patterns, creating space to notice one’s own experiences, needs, micro-scans, and inner cues, noticing the different parts of us that get activated to protect ourselves, rather than always tracking what is happening around us. I work with individuals with navigating ADHD, trauma, chronic stress, life transitions, and grief.
Many learn to scan for safety, reading mood, noise, and energy before their own needs are fully seen or supported. Over time, these survival responses can shape how we move through the world and relate to ourselves and others. Within our work together, we begin gently stepping outside the survival patterns, creating space to notice one’s own experiences, needs, micro-scans, and inner cues, noticing the different parts of us that get activated to protect ourselves, rather than always tracking what is happening around us. I work with individuals with navigating ADHD, trauma, chronic stress, life transitions, and grief.
Hi, I'm Laila. As a therapist, I know that you bring strength, resilience and things that make you wonderfully unique as a person. I am frequently in awe of our human capacity to make it through even the most challenging experiences.
I work with teens and adults of all ages to attend to the areas of your life that bring you to therapy. My approach is gentle and curious. In working together, I prioritize attending to your felt sense of safety and connection.
Hi, I'm Laila. As a therapist, I know that you bring strength, resilience and things that make you wonderfully unique as a person. I am frequently in awe of our human capacity to make it through even the most challenging experiences.
I work with teens and adults of all ages to attend to the areas of your life that bring you to therapy. My approach is gentle and curious. In working together, I prioritize attending to your felt sense of safety and connection.
I integrate DBT, CBT, mindfulness, attachment-based, psychodynamic, and trauma-centered approaches to help people heal from complex trauma, strengthen relationships, regulate emotions, understand longstanding patterns, and reconnect with a more healed and integrated sense of self.
My clients are adults and older adolescents (17+) who are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, stuck, or impacted by trauma, chronic stress, or long-standing relational patterns. They may be seeking relief in the present, but also want deeper understanding and lasting change. Many are thoughtful and motivated, even if they feel unsure where to begin, and are looking for therapy that helps them develop steadiness, self-trust, and the skills to navigate life with greater confidence over time.
I integrate DBT, CBT, mindfulness, attachment-based, psychodynamic, and trauma-centered approaches to help people heal from complex trauma, strengthen relationships, regulate emotions, understand longstanding patterns, and reconnect with a more healed and integrated sense of self.
My clients are adults and older adolescents (17+) who are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, stuck, or impacted by trauma, chronic stress, or long-standing relational patterns. They may be seeking relief in the present, but also want deeper understanding and lasting change. Many are thoughtful and motivated, even if they feel unsure where to begin, and are looking for therapy that helps them develop steadiness, self-trust, and the skills to navigate life with greater confidence over time.
Open for new clients! A sanctuary is a space of safety & healing where truth can be spoken and held with care, together we will build that same sense of safety within you. I support adults carrying the echoes of childhood wounds, sexual harm, emotional neglect, & the patterns that make closeness hard. Our work is steady, real, and grounded in compassion. If you’ve spent years feeling too much, not enough, or unsure how to be close without losing yourself, therapy can a grounded place to slow down and understand your inner world. My 15 years in advocacy & inclusion shape how I hold space—rooted in dignity, care & lived experience
Open for new clients! A sanctuary is a space of safety & healing where truth can be spoken and held with care, together we will build that same sense of safety within you. I support adults carrying the echoes of childhood wounds, sexual harm, emotional neglect, & the patterns that make closeness hard. Our work is steady, real, and grounded in compassion. If you’ve spent years feeling too much, not enough, or unsure how to be close without losing yourself, therapy can a grounded place to slow down and understand your inner world. My 15 years in advocacy & inclusion shape how I hold space—rooted in dignity, care & lived experience
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
My therapeutic technique also incorporates Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based, ego state, neurobiological, and attachment-based therapies.
In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Bréné Brown says that “owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do”. It is my privilege as a Psychotherapist to provide space and support as individuals dive into the stories of their lives and do the hard work of healing. Certified in EMDR, and other types of evidence-based trauma therapies, I’m grateful to be able to provide an opportunity for individuals to release the emotional, mental, and physical blocks caused by trauma and other difficult life circumstances.
My therapeutic technique also incorporates Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based, ego state, neurobiological, and attachment-based therapies.
In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Bréné Brown says that “owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do”. It is my privilege as a Psychotherapist to provide space and support as individuals dive into the stories of their lives and do the hard work of healing. Certified in EMDR, and other types of evidence-based trauma therapies, I’m grateful to be able to provide an opportunity for individuals to release the emotional, mental, and physical blocks caused by trauma and other difficult life circumstances.
You might look like you’re holding it together while feeling overwhelmed, emotionally flooded, or disconnected. Maybe intense emotions, dissociation, past trauma, or relationship stress have been part of your life, and you’re tired of managing it alone. You may be neurodivergent, queer, or trans, or someone who learned early to stay alert in spaces that didn’t feel safe. You want therapy that’s human and collaborative, where you don’t have to perform or be “fixed,” just supported as you build steadiness and self-trust. I am committed to providing affirming care where your identity and lived experience is always respected.
You might look like you’re holding it together while feeling overwhelmed, emotionally flooded, or disconnected. Maybe intense emotions, dissociation, past trauma, or relationship stress have been part of your life, and you’re tired of managing it alone. You may be neurodivergent, queer, or trans, or someone who learned early to stay alert in spaces that didn’t feel safe. You want therapy that’s human and collaborative, where you don’t have to perform or be “fixed,” just supported as you build steadiness and self-trust. I am committed to providing affirming care where your identity and lived experience is always respected.
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Attachment-based Counsellors
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.
What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.
How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.
Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.