Psychodynamic Therapists in Peterborough, ON
My approach is integrative and client-centered, drawing from cognitive-behavioural, emotion-focused, and psychodynamic therapies.
With over 25 years experience, I support adults in making sense of, and working through, challenges such as anxiety, depression, eating concerns, substance use, relationship issues, difficulties with emotion regulation and self-esteem, grief and loss, perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and major life transitions.
I bring specialized expertise in eating disorders, body image, emotional eating, and mental health issues affecting women in mid-life and perimenopause and menopause. I understand how complex and deeply personal these struggles can be, and I work with you at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
My approach is integrative and client-centered, drawing from cognitive-behavioural, emotion-focused, and psychodynamic therapies.
With over 25 years experience, I support adults in making sense of, and working through, challenges such as anxiety, depression, eating concerns, substance use, relationship issues, difficulties with emotion regulation and self-esteem, grief and loss, perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and major life transitions.
I bring specialized expertise in eating disorders, body image, emotional eating, and mental health issues affecting women in mid-life and perimenopause and menopause. I understand how complex and deeply personal these struggles can be, and I work with you at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, trauma, and emotional distress. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and are looking for a safe, supportive space to heal and grow. Together, we explore challenges, build practical coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and work toward meaningful, lasting change in a compassionate, collaborative environment.
I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, trauma, and emotional distress. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected and are looking for a safe, supportive space to heal and grow. Together, we explore challenges, build practical coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and work toward meaningful, lasting change in a compassionate, collaborative environment.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or neurodivergence, or you're a parent watching your child struggle, there's a place for you here. Care is affirming and inclusive for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Every session is shaped around you. Some clients prefer to talk, and that's exactly what we do. Others connect more naturally through play, music, or creative expression, and with specialized training in music psychotherapy and expressive arts, there are more ways to reach and engage young people here than in a traditional therapy setting.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or neurodivergence, or you're a parent watching your child struggle, there's a place for you here. Care is affirming and inclusive for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Every session is shaped around you. Some clients prefer to talk, and that's exactly what we do. Others connect more naturally through play, music, or creative expression, and with specialized training in music psychotherapy and expressive arts, there are more ways to reach and engage young people here than in a traditional therapy setting.
I am a pre-licensed Gestalt psychotherapist and I have completed my fifth year at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto. I am also an academic in psychoanalytical/critical theory and humanist/existentialist knowledge. As an artist and an inclusive queer/bi therapist I offer relational supports for clients.
I am a pre-licensed Gestalt psychotherapist and I have completed my fifth year at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto. I am also an academic in psychoanalytical/critical theory and humanist/existentialist knowledge. As an artist and an inclusive queer/bi therapist I offer relational supports for clients.
In my work with individuals, couples and families, I use a variety of therapeutic perspectives and models including psychodynamic, interpersonal and cognitive behavioral approaches.
Thank you for taking time to check out the kind of therapist that might be a good fit for you. We know that the connection between therapist and client is critically important in the overall success of the counselling process. I have been providing counselling services in the Peterborough area for approximately 35 years. Over that time I have come to describe my style with clients as being an active interaction that encourages engagement and involvement in the therapeutic process. I value the importance of building a strong connection in order to ensure the success of the therapeutic process.
In my work with individuals, couples and families, I use a variety of therapeutic perspectives and models including psychodynamic, interpersonal and cognitive behavioral approaches.
Thank you for taking time to check out the kind of therapist that might be a good fit for you. We know that the connection between therapist and client is critically important in the overall success of the counselling process. I have been providing counselling services in the Peterborough area for approximately 35 years. Over that time I have come to describe my style with clients as being an active interaction that encourages engagement and involvement in the therapeutic process. I value the importance of building a strong connection in order to ensure the success of the therapeutic process.
Many issues which bring people to psychotherapy stem from painful past learning, whether serious trauma or abuse or "normal" childhood events such as being bullied. Therefore, I have sought training in techniques designed to be efficient and to minimize the time and discomfort involved in the change process. I have completed training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, the Flash technique, Mindfulness and clinical hypnosis, among other techniques. I have also recently taken online courses from Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Eric Gentry to deepen my understanding of trauma treatment.
Many issues which bring people to psychotherapy stem from painful past learning, whether serious trauma or abuse or "normal" childhood events such as being bullied. Therefore, I have sought training in techniques designed to be efficient and to minimize the time and discomfort involved in the change process. I have completed training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, the Flash technique, Mindfulness and clinical hypnosis, among other techniques. I have also recently taken online courses from Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and Dr. Eric Gentry to deepen my understanding of trauma treatment.
Maybe you’ve been carrying so much on your own - sudden waves of sadness, the steady pull of anxiety, or relationships that make you question your sense of self. Perhaps you’ve even tried therapy before and wondered if change was really possible. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many of the individuals I work with are insightful and reflective, but still feel stuck in habits or cycles that no longer serve them. Therapy with me offers a space where your fears, contradictions, and strengths are all welcome, and where you can feel seen and supported.
Maybe you’ve been carrying so much on your own - sudden waves of sadness, the steady pull of anxiety, or relationships that make you question your sense of self. Perhaps you’ve even tried therapy before and wondered if change was really possible. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many of the individuals I work with are insightful and reflective, but still feel stuck in habits or cycles that no longer serve them. Therapy with me offers a space where your fears, contradictions, and strengths are all welcome, and where you can feel seen and supported.
Many of my clients are capable, responsible people who are used to holding things together, yet feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unable to fully relax. They may struggle with sleep, overthinking, irritability, or a sense that something isn’t resolving despite their efforts. Some carry the impact of trauma, chronic stress, or early experiences that still live in the body. I help by working directly with how stress and emotion are held somatically, so clients can feel calmer, clearer, and more in control—without needing to revisit or retell difficult experiences.
Many of my clients are capable, responsible people who are used to holding things together, yet feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unable to fully relax. They may struggle with sleep, overthinking, irritability, or a sense that something isn’t resolving despite their efforts. Some carry the impact of trauma, chronic stress, or early experiences that still live in the body. I help by working directly with how stress and emotion are held somatically, so clients can feel calmer, clearer, and more in control—without needing to revisit or retell difficult experiences.
I work primarily from a psychodynamic approach, which means that I focus on how patterns in your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships, and past experiences contribute to distress in your current life.
You may be at a place in life you want to get away from. Or there may be a place you want to get to. I bring tools for us to build a roadmap. I provide trauma-informed, queer-affirming, and fat-positive assessment and psychotherapy services. I help clients with depression, anxiety, major life transitions, traumatic experiences, health-related issues (e.g., insomnia, cancer, pregnancy), interpersonal difficulties, and questions about identity, sexuality, and meaning.
I work primarily from a psychodynamic approach, which means that I focus on how patterns in your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships, and past experiences contribute to distress in your current life.
You may be at a place in life you want to get away from. Or there may be a place you want to get to. I bring tools for us to build a roadmap. I provide trauma-informed, queer-affirming, and fat-positive assessment and psychotherapy services. I help clients with depression, anxiety, major life transitions, traumatic experiences, health-related issues (e.g., insomnia, cancer, pregnancy), interpersonal difficulties, and questions about identity, sexuality, and meaning.
Caitlyn Ann Hawkins
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Peterborough, ON K9J
Our bodies hold deep wisdom, through which we were healing is not only possible, we are innately wired for it. When we've lived through trauma, chronic stress, or challenging relationships, the way we experience ourselves and others can leave us feeling that hope is out of reach. Growth is possible when we are able to feel deeply seen and heard.
Our bodies hold deep wisdom, through which we were healing is not only possible, we are innately wired for it. When we've lived through trauma, chronic stress, or challenging relationships, the way we experience ourselves and others can leave us feeling that hope is out of reach. Growth is possible when we are able to feel deeply seen and heard.
You’re self-aware, but something still isn’t changing. You’ve thought about your patterns, maybe even talked about them, but you keep finding yourself in the same place. Overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from the life you want. You can see what’s happening. You understand your reactions, your habits, and the ways you might be getting in your own way. But insight alone hasn’t led to meaningful change, and that can feel frustrating. Or maybe things are okay on the surface, but you know they could be better. More intentional, more aligned, more reflective of who you actually want to be.
You’re self-aware, but something still isn’t changing. You’ve thought about your patterns, maybe even talked about them, but you keep finding yourself in the same place. Overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from the life you want. You can see what’s happening. You understand your reactions, your habits, and the ways you might be getting in your own way. But insight alone hasn’t led to meaningful change, and that can feel frustrating. Or maybe things are okay on the surface, but you know they could be better. More intentional, more aligned, more reflective of who you actually want to be.
I am deeply grateful to support people as they navigate life and learn to care for themselves and others in sustainable ways. I work with individuals aged 14+, focusing on life transitions, grief, processing experiences of trauma, self-esteem, strengthening emotional regulation, interpersonal and family dynamics, and body liberation. I welcome people from a wide range of backgrounds and identities, and I honour intersectionality and the complexity of each person’s lived experience.
I am deeply grateful to support people as they navigate life and learn to care for themselves and others in sustainable ways. I work with individuals aged 14+, focusing on life transitions, grief, processing experiences of trauma, self-esteem, strengthening emotional regulation, interpersonal and family dynamics, and body liberation. I welcome people from a wide range of backgrounds and identities, and I honour intersectionality and the complexity of each person’s lived experience.
I provide psychotherapy to individuals who want to make changes that will improve their mental health and well-being. I work from a trauma-informed perspective and incorporate the therapeutic modalities that resonate with you. I believe that your journey is unique.
I provide psychotherapy to individuals who want to make changes that will improve their mental health and well-being. I work from a trauma-informed perspective and incorporate the therapeutic modalities that resonate with you. I believe that your journey is unique.
Feeling stressed, unfocused, stuck or searching for a place to find your ground? I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to comprehend and express our thoughts and feelings. A therapeutic foundation can help to unlock personal insights, explore the self, and discover inner strengths. In a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental atmosphere, I provide a place for you to untangle, reflect, transform and realign with yourself.
Feeling stressed, unfocused, stuck or searching for a place to find your ground? I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to comprehend and express our thoughts and feelings. A therapeutic foundation can help to unlock personal insights, explore the self, and discover inner strengths. In a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental atmosphere, I provide a place for you to untangle, reflect, transform and realign with yourself.
Affordable Therapy, Immediate Availability - You may feel overwhelmed by school, work, or major life changes. Anxiety, overthinking, procrastination, or burnout may be making it hard to stay focused and balanced. I work with young adults, students, and athletes who want to feel more confident, focused, and in control of their lives. I also support individuals struggling with ADHD or attention-related challenges, including difficulties with motivation, organization, and follow-through. Together we focus on practical strategies to manage anxiety, improve focus, build resilience, and develop the clarity needed to move forward.
Affordable Therapy, Immediate Availability - You may feel overwhelmed by school, work, or major life changes. Anxiety, overthinking, procrastination, or burnout may be making it hard to stay focused and balanced. I work with young adults, students, and athletes who want to feel more confident, focused, and in control of their lives. I also support individuals struggling with ADHD or attention-related challenges, including difficulties with motivation, organization, and follow-through. Together we focus on practical strategies to manage anxiety, improve focus, build resilience, and develop the clarity needed to move forward.
Are you carrying the weight of trauma, childhood experiences, or difficult relationships? Maybe feeling overwhelmed, showing up for others while quietly setting aside your own needs. You don't have to carry this alone. I offer a compassionate, calm space to heal attachment wounds, strengthen boundaries, ease anxiety, and reconnect with what matters most to you. I support first responders, those from dysfunctional family systems, and couples seeking to break painful patterns. By exploring how your past and present impact you, we can release trauma, complex PTSD, people-pleasing, and shame, so you can feel lighter and more connected.
Are you carrying the weight of trauma, childhood experiences, or difficult relationships? Maybe feeling overwhelmed, showing up for others while quietly setting aside your own needs. You don't have to carry this alone. I offer a compassionate, calm space to heal attachment wounds, strengthen boundaries, ease anxiety, and reconnect with what matters most to you. I support first responders, those from dysfunctional family systems, and couples seeking to break painful patterns. By exploring how your past and present impact you, we can release trauma, complex PTSD, people-pleasing, and shame, so you can feel lighter and more connected.
Hope Art Therapy Peterborough
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, (CCP), PAT, (CATA), CRPO
1 Endorsed
Peterborough, ON K9J
Many people come to therapy not because everything is falling apart, but because something inside feels tight, muted, or out of reach. You may be functioning well on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself on the inside. My work is Gestalt-informed, body-based, and art-centered, which means we pay attention to what emerges through sensation, emotion, image, and lived experience, not just words. You don’t need to be creative, broken, or in crisis to come. Therapy here is a place to slow down, listen inwardly, and reconnect with what feels real, alive, and true for you. You are not alone.
Many people come to therapy not because everything is falling apart, but because something inside feels tight, muted, or out of reach. You may be functioning well on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself on the inside. My work is Gestalt-informed, body-based, and art-centered, which means we pay attention to what emerges through sensation, emotion, image, and lived experience, not just words. You don’t need to be creative, broken, or in crisis to come. Therapy here is a place to slow down, listen inwardly, and reconnect with what feels real, alive, and true for you. You are not alone.
With space in Peterborough, Bowmanville and Cobourg! Providing psychodiagnostic assessments and psychotherapy services, under clinical supervision.
Showing up for yourself in life is the most profound, authentic, and courageous step towards healing. Hi, I’m Stephanie, and you deserve a space to be heard and seen, to slow down, feel, process, and grow. My goal is to meet you where you are and guide you forward through life’s adversities, uncovering meaning and connections within yourself and your relationships, while leveraging and expanding upon what is within you.
With space in Peterborough, Bowmanville and Cobourg! Providing psychodiagnostic assessments and psychotherapy services, under clinical supervision.
Showing up for yourself in life is the most profound, authentic, and courageous step towards healing. Hi, I’m Stephanie, and you deserve a space to be heard and seen, to slow down, feel, process, and grow. My goal is to meet you where you are and guide you forward through life’s adversities, uncovering meaning and connections within yourself and your relationships, while leveraging and expanding upon what is within you.
If you are looking for a therapist who you can have a genuine conversation with, receive compassion, and feel understood we might be a good fit . For me, what is most important in working together is the relationship we develop. I truly believe a trusting relationship with your therapist where you feel safe, secure, and gently challenged supports healing, change and growth. I work with ages 12+ who have experienced trauma and loss, are wanting support with mental health (anxiety, depression and/or PTSD), are struggling with relationships, or need an affirming place to explore and discuss their gender identity and sexuality.
If you are looking for a therapist who you can have a genuine conversation with, receive compassion, and feel understood we might be a good fit . For me, what is most important in working together is the relationship we develop. I truly believe a trusting relationship with your therapist where you feel safe, secure, and gently challenged supports healing, change and growth. I work with ages 12+ who have experienced trauma and loss, are wanting support with mental health (anxiety, depression and/or PTSD), are struggling with relationships, or need an affirming place to explore and discuss their gender identity and sexuality.
Welcome. I'm glad you're here.
My practice is dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma in a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment using trauma-informed and somatic approaches that recognize the deep connection between the mind, body and spirit. Together, we'll work to understand how past experiences may be affecting your present, gently process what feels stuck, and help you reconnect with a greater sense of safety, resilience, and well-being.
Every person's healing journey is unique, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in yours.
Welcome. I'm glad you're here.
My practice is dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma in a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment using trauma-informed and somatic approaches that recognize the deep connection between the mind, body and spirit. Together, we'll work to understand how past experiences may be affecting your present, gently process what feels stuck, and help you reconnect with a greater sense of safety, resilience, and well-being.
Every person's healing journey is unique, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in yours.
See more therapy options for Peterborough
Nearby Psychodynamic Counsellors Searches for Peterborough
- Bowmanville
- Cobourg
- Courtice
- Kawartha Lakes
- Lakefield
- Lindsay
- Millbrook
- Newcastle
- Oshawa
- Port Hope
- Port Perry
- Trenton
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.