Psychodynamic Therapists in Kitchener, ON
I draw from CPT, DBT, EFT, IFS-informed, attachment-informed, psychodynamic, and CBT approaches, tailoring therapy to your unique story, goals, and values.
Were you taught that your sexuality, identity, or questions about faith made you wrong? Perhaps you've left a church, are questioning long-held beliefs, or feel caught between your faith and who you are. I specialize in helping LGBTQ+ individuals and others heal from religious trauma, spiritual abuse, faith deconstruction, and the lasting effects of shame. Together, we'll make sense of your experiences, reconnect with your values, and build a life that feels authentic and meaningful.
I draw from CPT, DBT, EFT, IFS-informed, attachment-informed, psychodynamic, and CBT approaches, tailoring therapy to your unique story, goals, and values.
Were you taught that your sexuality, identity, or questions about faith made you wrong? Perhaps you've left a church, are questioning long-held beliefs, or feel caught between your faith and who you are. I specialize in helping LGBTQ+ individuals and others heal from religious trauma, spiritual abuse, faith deconstruction, and the lasting effects of shame. Together, we'll make sense of your experiences, reconnect with your values, and build a life that feels authentic and meaningful.
Are you struggling with relationships? Are you anxious, stressed, or feeling stuck when it comes to your romantic partner or sex life? Do you struggle to feel fulfilled in life? Does anxiety or stress often get the best of you? My name is Kaitlyn, and I'm a Registered Psychotherapist and Sex Therapist currently working with clients to explore relationships, anxiety, burnout, and sex/intimacy. I have experience working with individuals and couples to facilitate healthy relationships, as well as navigating themes of ADHD, communication, conflict, desire, sexual trauma, and sexual functioning/dysfunction.
Are you struggling with relationships? Are you anxious, stressed, or feeling stuck when it comes to your romantic partner or sex life? Do you struggle to feel fulfilled in life? Does anxiety or stress often get the best of you? My name is Kaitlyn, and I'm a Registered Psychotherapist and Sex Therapist currently working with clients to explore relationships, anxiety, burnout, and sex/intimacy. I have experience working with individuals and couples to facilitate healthy relationships, as well as navigating themes of ADHD, communication, conflict, desire, sexual trauma, and sexual functioning/dysfunction.
Rebecca Johnston
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2N
Waitlist for new clients
Your little one is inconsolable. You've checked the diaper, fed them, they're warm but NOTHING is helping. You go for a hug, they push back and the crying turns into screaming. Then you feel it. Your patience is wearing thin. The anger is rising up. And that nagging voice gets louder, "You should know how to fix this. You're failing. A good mom would know what to do." This isn't the first time either. It's becoming a pattern and before you know it, you've turned into the parent you never wanted to be. This time with your little one is short and you feel like it's slipping away because your emotions are out of control.
Your little one is inconsolable. You've checked the diaper, fed them, they're warm but NOTHING is helping. You go for a hug, they push back and the crying turns into screaming. Then you feel it. Your patience is wearing thin. The anger is rising up. And that nagging voice gets louder, "You should know how to fix this. You're failing. A good mom would know what to do." This isn't the first time either. It's becoming a pattern and before you know it, you've turned into the parent you never wanted to be. This time with your little one is short and you feel like it's slipping away because your emotions are out of control.
I am a psychotherapy intern combining clinical evidence with 15 years of experience as a spiritual practitioner and tarot reader. I have supported thousands of individuals through spiritual, personal, relationship, career, and health concerns. This work inspired me to pursue an evidence-based counselling career in a licensed, regulated setting. I am currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
I am a psychotherapy intern combining clinical evidence with 15 years of experience as a spiritual practitioner and tarot reader. I have supported thousands of individuals through spiritual, personal, relationship, career, and health concerns. This work inspired me to pursue an evidence-based counselling career in a licensed, regulated setting. I am currently completing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
Life is messy and not always easy to navigate. It is easy to beat ourselves up, focus on all of the "shoulda-woulda-coulda's", but it is difficult to see the frame when you are part of the picture. Kindsight Counselling is about finding a soft place to land within the storm and learning how to be gentle with yourself and thrive in the face of adversity. My passion for understanding your personal experiences allows me to provide compassionate and empathic support, while helping you overcome barriers and live your life with courage and joy.
Life is messy and not always easy to navigate. It is easy to beat ourselves up, focus on all of the "shoulda-woulda-coulda's", but it is difficult to see the frame when you are part of the picture. Kindsight Counselling is about finding a soft place to land within the storm and learning how to be gentle with yourself and thrive in the face of adversity. My passion for understanding your personal experiences allows me to provide compassionate and empathic support, while helping you overcome barriers and live your life with courage and joy.
Do you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or constant negative self-talk? Maybe you feel like you're never doing enough, or your life feels out of control. You might be navigating body image concerns, disordered eating, or the pressure to mask as a neurodivergent person. I work with folks who want to break these cycles and feel more at home in themselves. As someone with ADHD, I understand how exhausting it can be. You deserve support that works for your brain and helps you build real self-trust.
Do you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or constant negative self-talk? Maybe you feel like you're never doing enough, or your life feels out of control. You might be navigating body image concerns, disordered eating, or the pressure to mask as a neurodivergent person. I work with folks who want to break these cycles and feel more at home in themselves. As someone with ADHD, I understand how exhausting it can be. You deserve support that works for your brain and helps you build real self-trust.
I use a holistic approach where I take concepts from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to create a tailored approach that will best suit you.
Therapy to me is about creating relationships and being there to support anyone who needs it. It is about providing a space where you can feel heard and validated about your experiences so you do not have to go through things alone. I am here to help individuals who are looking to begin their healing journey and wish to improve their relationship with themselves and the world. Some areas that I focus on are supporting teens struggling with anxiety, self-image and transitional stages, couples, as well as immigrants and children of immigrants.
I use a holistic approach where I take concepts from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to create a tailored approach that will best suit you.
Therapy to me is about creating relationships and being there to support anyone who needs it. It is about providing a space where you can feel heard and validated about your experiences so you do not have to go through things alone. I am here to help individuals who are looking to begin their healing journey and wish to improve their relationship with themselves and the world. Some areas that I focus on are supporting teens struggling with anxiety, self-image and transitional stages, couples, as well as immigrants and children of immigrants.
You stories deserve to be told. Your feelings deserve to be heard. Your journeys deserve to be honoured.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a background in psychology, business, and spiritual care. My experiences focused on working with university students and LGBTQ+ communities. Some of the recurring themes included anxiety, depression, social isolation, trauma, interpersonal challenges, and life transition. Therapy with me tends to be conversational and flexible. Meanwhile, I deeply value identifying and developing therapeutic themes, directions, and goals collaboratively with clients.
You stories deserve to be told. Your feelings deserve to be heard. Your journeys deserve to be honoured.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a background in psychology, business, and spiritual care. My experiences focused on working with university students and LGBTQ+ communities. Some of the recurring themes included anxiety, depression, social isolation, trauma, interpersonal challenges, and life transition. Therapy with me tends to be conversational and flexible. Meanwhile, I deeply value identifying and developing therapeutic themes, directions, and goals collaboratively with clients.
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.
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.
She integrates ACT, REBT, ERP, Narrative & Gestalt within a Psychodynamic framework.
Her educational background includes a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a focus on Race, Class, and Gender Studies. Her belief that systems and structures of power profoundly impact mental health is something that informs her macro-approach to anti-oppressive healing.
She integrates ACT, REBT, ERP, Narrative & Gestalt within a Psychodynamic framework.
Her educational background includes a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Sociology with a focus on Race, Class, and Gender Studies. Her belief that systems and structures of power profoundly impact mental health is something that informs her macro-approach to anti-oppressive healing.
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.
Adrienne Hafemann
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CH
2 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2M
Waitlist for new clients
I understand and admire the courage it takes to reach out for support and am committed to respecting your time, effort, and trust. Our work together will be based on transformational approaches that quickly get to the root of the symptoms and concerns you are experiencing so that lasting change becomes possible, both within yourself and in your relationships. I believe our symptoms make perfect sense when they are better understood and, at one time, they served a helpful and protective purpose. Together, we will explore the unconscious learnings and narratives that are holding you back so you can get out from under your history.
I understand and admire the courage it takes to reach out for support and am committed to respecting your time, effort, and trust. Our work together will be based on transformational approaches that quickly get to the root of the symptoms and concerns you are experiencing so that lasting change becomes possible, both within yourself and in your relationships. I believe our symptoms make perfect sense when they are better understood and, at one time, they served a helpful and protective purpose. Together, we will explore the unconscious learnings and narratives that are holding you back so you can get out from under your history.
Life can be overwhelming at times and it often takes courage and bravery to open the door to something new and to something different. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed or disconnected or maybe you need to better understand and work through what is happening in your life right now. I specialize in supporting individuals with eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety and self-esteem, addictions, relationship issues, and trauma. Together we will explore what is happening for you interpersonally and relationally, while making sense of the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that are holding you back or causing you emotional pain.
Life can be overwhelming at times and it often takes courage and bravery to open the door to something new and to something different. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed or disconnected or maybe you need to better understand and work through what is happening in your life right now. I specialize in supporting individuals with eating disorders, body image issues, anxiety and self-esteem, addictions, relationship issues, and trauma. Together we will explore what is happening for you interpersonally and relationally, while making sense of the feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that are holding you back or causing you emotional pain.
Stuck? Frustrated? Confused? Feeling hopeless? Or just wanting some encouragement to find an answer that feels just out of reach? Whether it is a relationship problem, a parenting challenge, a bad habit, a negative cycle, or traumatic memories that keeps defeating you, I hope to provide you with a safe place to explore the roots of what is keeping you stuck, and help you find new options and hope through changing how you relate to yourself and others. I believe that emotional freedom, trust, and true intimacy in relationships comes from having good boundaries within ourselves and with others.
Stuck? Frustrated? Confused? Feeling hopeless? Or just wanting some encouragement to find an answer that feels just out of reach? Whether it is a relationship problem, a parenting challenge, a bad habit, a negative cycle, or traumatic memories that keeps defeating you, I hope to provide you with a safe place to explore the roots of what is keeping you stuck, and help you find new options and hope through changing how you relate to yourself and others. I believe that emotional freedom, trust, and true intimacy in relationships comes from having good boundaries within ourselves and with others.
Our psychologists have a foundation in psychodynamic theory with an integration of more structured techniques like CBT.
As the words “Spring” and “Wellness” suggest we at Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre aim to install hope, motivation and optimism when working with you. We work collaboratively with you when providing assessment, treatment and consultation services. At Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre we embrace inclusion and diversity and offer services in confidence with a warm, nonjudgmental, empathic approach that is also holistic. We welcome learning more about you, your experiences and perspectives and invite you to reach out to continue your journey of wellness and resilience.
Our psychologists have a foundation in psychodynamic theory with an integration of more structured techniques like CBT.
As the words “Spring” and “Wellness” suggest we at Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre aim to install hope, motivation and optimism when working with you. We work collaboratively with you when providing assessment, treatment and consultation services. At Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre we embrace inclusion and diversity and offer services in confidence with a warm, nonjudgmental, empathic approach that is also holistic. We welcome learning more about you, your experiences and perspectives and invite you to reach out to continue your journey of wellness and resilience.
My approach to care integrates CBT & DBT with a psychodynamic and relational approach.
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.
My approach to care integrates CBT & DBT with a psychodynamic and relational approach.
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.
Feeling scattered, stuck, or unsure what you need? Or do you find yourself feeling out of touch with your body? I work with adults with ADHD and those navigating anxiety, grief, identity questions, perfectionism, people-pleasing, relationship struggles, or life transitions. As someone with ADHD, I understand these challenges firsthand. Therapy is a space to slow down, feel seen, clarify your goals, uncover what matters, and take steps toward living authentically. You don’t need perfect words or a plan, all you need is a willingness to start.
Feeling scattered, stuck, or unsure what you need? Or do you find yourself feeling out of touch with your body? I work with adults with ADHD and those navigating anxiety, grief, identity questions, perfectionism, people-pleasing, relationship struggles, or life transitions. As someone with ADHD, I understand these challenges firsthand. Therapy is a space to slow down, feel seen, clarify your goals, uncover what matters, and take steps toward living authentically. You don’t need perfect words or a plan, all you need is a willingness to start.
Clinically, I follow an eclectic framework informed and influenced strongly by Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I am a dedicated Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master of Social Work who practices clinical psychotherapy and supportive counselling. I have a passion for delivering therapeutic interventions that address the social, emotional, relational, behavioural, and psychological needs of individuals and couples in order to address presenting problems in a holistic way. I have experience working with adults, adolescents (13+) and couples. My areas of specialty include attachment & relational trauma, self worth/esteem, self sabotage, unhelpful thinking patterns, addiction & substance abuse, relationship issues, depression & anxiety
Clinically, I follow an eclectic framework informed and influenced strongly by Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I am a dedicated Registered Social Worker (RSW) with a Master of Social Work who practices clinical psychotherapy and supportive counselling. I have a passion for delivering therapeutic interventions that address the social, emotional, relational, behavioural, and psychological needs of individuals and couples in order to address presenting problems in a holistic way. I have experience working with adults, adolescents (13+) and couples. My areas of specialty include attachment & relational trauma, self worth/esteem, self sabotage, unhelpful thinking patterns, addiction & substance abuse, relationship issues, depression & anxiety
Hello, and welcome! My name is Candice, and I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of talk therapy. I firmly believe that within each individual lies the innate ability to become their best selves, and through therapy, we can nourish and awaken that potential. In my practice, I am dedicated to understanding the unique challenges that individuals face throughout their life stages. I provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Hello, and welcome! My name is Candice, and I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of talk therapy. I firmly believe that within each individual lies the innate ability to become their best selves, and through therapy, we can nourish and awaken that potential. In my practice, I am dedicated to understanding the unique challenges that individuals face throughout their life stages. I provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
See more therapy options for Kitchener
Psychodynamic Counsellors
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.