Emotionally Focused Therapists in Markham, ON

You are here because you are looking for something. Something that either reveals deeper aspects of who you are or shows that you are attempting to learn more about yourself. Being human is a messy journey filled with highs and lows, fears, stresses, and anxieties. Let's journey together as we navigate life's challenges and see what life can offer you. My experience is expansive as it ranges from therapy in the health care setting, to private therapy and supporting trauma clients. I have worked with a variety of clients but not limited to, mental health, palliative care, bereavement support, and long-term care clients.

As a therapist, I offer therapeutic interventions and support for issues that may include Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Life transitions, Trauma, Relationships/Marital issues and ADHD Coaching to individuals, couples & families dealing with a variety of life issues. I also help managers to manage stress and maintain a healthy work/life balance. My approach integrates techniques from modalities like EFT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, (IFS), CBT and Narrative Therapy etc. I provide a non-judgmental and confidential safe space where we explore to find answers to lingering questions.

I often find that clients seek therapy as a last resort, because they've tried everything else and still find themselves stuck dealing with the same issues. It's not always easy to identify what is standing in the way, but it can be reassuring to know that once you have, change is possible. I have had success improving the lives of those experiencing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, interpersonal issues, transitional stages of life, and clients with a history of trauma and abuse. My goal is to help you build stronger emotional balance and cognitive flexibility by learning about what motivates you.

Having been through my own healing journey, I understand that seeking help and talking to a stranger can be difficult and overwhelming. In our time together, our therapeutic relationship is my priority and I offer a calm, non-judgmental, and trauma-sensitive space for you to share your story while gently supporting you to reach your desired outcomes.

As a member of Hopewoods Psychotherapy, we aim to provide professional mental health services for the Chinese community in Toronto. My main client groups are university students, adults, and couples with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, adjustment issues, and other mental health difficulties. Clients would be supported to break the problem-maintaining cycle, discover their unique strengths and resources, and get empowered to make positive changes.

Patrick provides individual, couples and family counselling to those experiencing stressors from work, family or relationships, and to those struggling with mental health issues. He is skilled at helping clients to identify their strengths, and to better understand themselves and their relationships with others. With Patrick as your guide, positive change can happen! Patrick’s ultimate goal is to help his clients to develop more understanding of their strengths and resources, so that his clients can eventually become their own therapists to handle challenges in their lives.

I approach the therapeutic process with the understanding that most of us have experienced some form of struggle or loss. Some of us carry past trauma and anxieties that can get in the way of achieving our goals, and living a rich, meaningful life. Sometimes even if we have the answers and “tools”, we can find it hard to implement long-term change and make difficult decisions. Family and friends may not fully understand what we're going through. We may fear judgment, or worry that our "stuff" would be a burden to others.

New parenthood is such a tender time for couples. Whether you are trying to start a family, are a first time parent or a parent now managing more than one young child, you can find yourself depleted, overwhelmed, and experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions along with guilt at how that might be impacting your children. If you are managing a new baby with other young children, you may find that your older children are acting out at a time when you are sleep deprived and struggling to stay patient. Perhaps you and your partner hardly have time to connect and you feel distance or disconnected.

MA, MSW, RSW with specialization in health and mental health from U of T. For over 28 years I have supported individuals, families in organizational settings and in private practice. I have helped individuals, couples, and families facing issues including situational stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relational difficulties, grief, parenting, and marital conflict. My areas of expertise include Autism Spectrum Disorders and related learning differences. I treat individuals with or without a formal diagnosis who share features associated with ASD and struggle with isolation, interpersonal difficulties, anxiety and depressed mood and employment challenges. Services are tailored to address individuals' specific needs.

I believe that asking for help and being vulnerable takes great courage. Therefore, by establishing a healthy therapeutic relationship through a non-judgemental, empathetic, collaborative, and psychodynamic approach, I help you unpack what may be at the core of your concerns and improve your ability to cope with the challenges that brought you to therapy.

I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief/loss, self esteem, relationships and more. I offer a spiritual component to my practice that incorporates the mind, body and spirit of every individual in my care. I offer a calming, safe, non-judgemental, secure environment with both the therapy I practice and the environment I practice within. I love what I do and it shows through in my approach, my interest, my passion and the results that follow in each client. My background as a Life Coach is helpful in moving clients forward.

I work from a strength based, insight oriented framework which offers my clients the opportunity to rediscover their self, the strengths they have but have lost the sight of or didn’t get the chance to appreciate. I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, LD/ADHD, ASD, low self-esteem; marginalized groups, racial minorities; individuals with identity struggles; people who want to build healthy self-assertion, resilience and an improved and positive relationship with self. I believe a positive and empathic relationship with self allows us the capacity to build meaningful and healthy relationships with people around us.

Mental health is a process you adopt and use in the pursuit of your chosen goals.” With my knowledge, experience and zeal to endlessly advance in the field of Psychology, I aspire to bring a positive change in the life of one and many. With my extensive experience in therapy with adults, adolescents and children, I strive to provide a safe place for clients to express themselves honestly, get to understand their true feelings, and create a therapeutic journey towards healing with all my clients.

Is anxiety and depression taking over your life? Do you have low self-esteem, relationship struggles, past traumas or difficulties related to ADHD, then you are not alone. I have experience working with clients in these areas and personal experience. I am passionate about supporting those who face the unique challenges of being raised and expectations from Asian cultures that have a unique influence on how we perceive ourselves and how we see the world around us.

In all walks of life one thing is true: We all get stuck at one point or another. Sometimes we can get unstuck but there are times when it seems impossible. Whether it's relationship issues, family conflict or individual difficulties, sometimes we need to slow things down and breathe with hope of finding some sense of freedom and growth. It's easier said then done but you reading this right now have already taken the step of seeking help which isn't an easy step.

You may be here because you are feeling stressed, isolated, not good enough, or even helpless. Perhaps you are struggling to navigate or recover from overwhelming or unexpected life events. Regardless of the reason, you are opening yourself up to vulnerability and growth, and I commend you for your bravery. While pain, stress, and suffering are all universal human experiences, your relationship with adversity, and how you grow from it, is unique and special to you. I am deeply committed to supporting you in this process and strive to do so with warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity.

We understand choosing to heal and recover can be one of the most important decisions that we make in our life. Therefore, choosing the right person to walk with you and assist the process can be crucial. I have extensive experience in working with individuals, couples and families on various issues, like relationship issues, traumas, life transitions, managing emotions and more. I provide supervision to undergraduate and postgraduate students in different Universities and institutes. Thanks to my experience as a first-generation immigrant to Canada, I am devoted to working with clients with similar backgrounds.

My approach contains a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space for clients to share their thoughts and feelings. My style of therapy offers guidance and assistance for clients to explore and unpack their insights.

Establishing an environment where clients feel safe to share their story is of paramount importance. My approach to therapy is from a trauma-informed lens, a person-centered approach, and by utilizing evidence based modalities. I have experience journeying with clients from diverse backgrounds and with those who have experienced trauma, complex trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and with patients and their families in an in-patient setting. I am an integrationist, because I believe that therapy is not a one size fits all approach.