Emotionally Focused Therapists in Smithville, ON
Do you ever feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from the life you want to live? You’re not alone, and you do not have to navigate this by yourself. Life’s challenges, whether they stem from daily stressors or deeper experiences from the past, can feel heavy. With a background in the education sector, I understand how pressure, expectations, and the busyness of life can impact your well-being. Whether you're a student trying to find your way, a parent balancing it all, or someone simply trying to reconnect with themselves— my goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward clarity, healing, and a more meaningful life.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from the life you want to live? You’re not alone, and you do not have to navigate this by yourself. Life’s challenges, whether they stem from daily stressors or deeper experiences from the past, can feel heavy. With a background in the education sector, I understand how pressure, expectations, and the busyness of life can impact your well-being. Whether you're a student trying to find your way, a parent balancing it all, or someone simply trying to reconnect with themselves— my goal is to walk alongside you as you work toward clarity, healing, and a more meaningful life.
I am a feelings and emotions based therapist ( EFT) who will help you identify how your emotional responses affect the way you believe, think and act.
Angela's approach to couples therapy combines elements of the Gottman Method and emotion-based techniques to help couples improve their relationships. The Gottman Method is a well-known approach to couples therapy which focuses on enhancing communication, understanding relationship dynamics, and resolving conflicts.
Emotion-based techniques often involve exploring and understanding the emotions underlying these conflicts and helping couples develop more productive ways of expressing and managing their feelings.
I am a feelings and emotions based therapist ( EFT) who will help you identify how your emotional responses affect the way you believe, think and act.
Angela's approach to couples therapy combines elements of the Gottman Method and emotion-based techniques to help couples improve their relationships. The Gottman Method is a well-known approach to couples therapy which focuses on enhancing communication, understanding relationship dynamics, and resolving conflicts.
Emotion-based techniques often involve exploring and understanding the emotions underlying these conflicts and helping couples develop more productive ways of expressing and managing their feelings.
My approach is collaborative and person-centered, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to tailor interventions to your unique needs.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward? Are stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, or relationship challenges making it hard to feel like yourself?
From teens to adults, I support people in navigating these experiences, noticing what’s holding them back, and taking steps toward meaningful change.
I aim to cultivate a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, develop new coping skills, and build a life that feels meaningful to you. No matter where you are in life or what you’re facing, you deserve support, understanding, and the tools to move forward, and I’m here to walk alongside you.
My approach is collaborative and person-centered, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to tailor interventions to your unique needs.
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward? Are stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, or relationship challenges making it hard to feel like yourself?
From teens to adults, I support people in navigating these experiences, noticing what’s holding them back, and taking steps toward meaningful change.
I aim to cultivate a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, develop new coping skills, and build a life that feels meaningful to you. No matter where you are in life or what you’re facing, you deserve support, understanding, and the tools to move forward, and I’m here to walk alongside you.
Now accepting clients in person and on-line. Evening and weekend appointments available. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help, and more importantly to find someone who you can connect with. Feelings of stress, anger, resentment, sadness and fear can feel overwhelming. You don't have to struggle alone. I will meet you where you are and together we will figure out where you want to be and how to get there. As a experienced therapist with over twenty years working in the mental health field, I'm confident working collaboratively we can overcome various challenges you are experiencing.
Now accepting clients in person and on-line. Evening and weekend appointments available. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help, and more importantly to find someone who you can connect with. Feelings of stress, anger, resentment, sadness and fear can feel overwhelming. You don't have to struggle alone. I will meet you where you are and together we will figure out where you want to be and how to get there. As a experienced therapist with over twenty years working in the mental health field, I'm confident working collaboratively we can overcome various challenges you are experiencing.
I draw flexibly from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), brief psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and solution-focused therapy, as well as Christian spiritual formation practices, depending on client need and preference.
You may be feeling anxious, burdened, or worn down – struggling with relationships, grief, trauma, depression, or persistent self-criticism. Perhaps you long not only for relief, but for deeper healing, clarity, and rest. Many people I work with want therapy that goes beyond symptom reduction to engage the whole person – emotionally, relationally, bodily, and meaningfully. This includes those seeking a thoughtful space to make sense of suffering and grow toward a more grounded, purposeful life, as well as Christians who want therapy that takes faith seriously without minimizing psychological complexity.
I draw flexibly from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), brief psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and solution-focused therapy, as well as Christian spiritual formation practices, depending on client need and preference.
You may be feeling anxious, burdened, or worn down – struggling with relationships, grief, trauma, depression, or persistent self-criticism. Perhaps you long not only for relief, but for deeper healing, clarity, and rest. Many people I work with want therapy that goes beyond symptom reduction to engage the whole person – emotionally, relationally, bodily, and meaningfully. This includes those seeking a thoughtful space to make sense of suffering and grow toward a more grounded, purposeful life, as well as Christians who want therapy that takes faith seriously without minimizing psychological complexity.
Our world is so complex. People are trying to navigate a world that is ever changing and constantly challenging. Maybe you are trying to fit in and feel appreciated. Or maybe you wonder how to find a moment to be alone and feel at peace. Maybe the last thing you want to do is be alone. Or maybe you feel disconnected and that no matter how hard you try, you just aren't able to connect with the people who are most important to you. These are all different outcomes that result when you don't feel emotionally safe and secure, attached, and valued in this chaotic world. When you are ready to change these outcomes, I am here to help.
Our world is so complex. People are trying to navigate a world that is ever changing and constantly challenging. Maybe you are trying to fit in and feel appreciated. Or maybe you wonder how to find a moment to be alone and feel at peace. Maybe the last thing you want to do is be alone. Or maybe you feel disconnected and that no matter how hard you try, you just aren't able to connect with the people who are most important to you. These are all different outcomes that result when you don't feel emotionally safe and secure, attached, and valued in this chaotic world. When you are ready to change these outcomes, I am here to help.
More Therapists Nearby
You don’t have to go through this alone. Healing begins when you feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
I’m Ruth Greenspan (she/her), a Registered Social Worker with over 37 years of experience supporting teens, adults, couples, families, and first responders. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, offering therapy that is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in respect.
I also provide clinical supervision for therapists, offering supportive, reflective, and ethically grounded guidance informed by decades of practice.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Healing begins when you feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
I’m Ruth Greenspan (she/her), a Registered Social Worker with over 37 years of experience supporting teens, adults, couples, families, and first responders. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, offering therapy that is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in respect.
I also provide clinical supervision for therapists, offering supportive, reflective, and ethically grounded guidance informed by decades of practice.
In order to work effectively on something, we must know its root and nature. I believe that half the battle is truly understanding why our struggles are occurring in the first place. Once we know the root of the concern and the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and ideas that reinforce its existence, we can then begin to dismantle its power—brick by brick. I believe in holding space for people to tell their stories and explore parts of themselves they may have never before felt safe to share with others. It is through this brave process of standing face-to-face with every part of who we are that we can decide who we would like to be.
In order to work effectively on something, we must know its root and nature. I believe that half the battle is truly understanding why our struggles are occurring in the first place. Once we know the root of the concern and the thoughts, feelings, experiences, and ideas that reinforce its existence, we can then begin to dismantle its power—brick by brick. I believe in holding space for people to tell their stories and explore parts of themselves they may have never before felt safe to share with others. It is through this brave process of standing face-to-face with every part of who we are that we can decide who we would like to be.
Debra Pawluk | Trauma | Depression | Relationships
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), Intern
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you spend too much time rethinking about the past while feeling anger, shame, sadness, confusion, and guilt? Maybe you grew up in a challenging family environment, struggle to set boundaries, find yourself in painful codependent relationships, and feel responsible for others’ emotions. You’re always in fight-flight-freeze, and can't break the patterns that keep you stuck. It's infuriating to intellectually know what to do, and not be able to DO it (for long). Your brain is in overdrive and you're stuck in "freeze", numbing out with wine, weed, social media, alcohol, or anything that work.
Do you spend too much time rethinking about the past while feeling anger, shame, sadness, confusion, and guilt? Maybe you grew up in a challenging family environment, struggle to set boundaries, find yourself in painful codependent relationships, and feel responsible for others’ emotions. You’re always in fight-flight-freeze, and can't break the patterns that keep you stuck. It's infuriating to intellectually know what to do, and not be able to DO it (for long). Your brain is in overdrive and you're stuck in "freeze", numbing out with wine, weed, social media, alcohol, or anything that work.
I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist providing integrated and holistic individual therapy for trauma and stress-related disorders; relationships; grief and loss; depression; anxiety; anger; complex mental health; as well as couples therapy. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment for sharing and growth based on your individual needs. Together we will work towards building an understanding of areas that have become problematic to you and examine how they have shaped your experiences.
I am a registered social worker and psychotherapist providing integrated and holistic individual therapy for trauma and stress-related disorders; relationships; grief and loss; depression; anxiety; anger; complex mental health; as well as couples therapy. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment for sharing and growth based on your individual needs. Together we will work towards building an understanding of areas that have become problematic to you and examine how they have shaped your experiences.
Fruits From The Roots Psychotherapy & Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, EdD, MA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you an accomplished individual trying to balance the demands of both your work and home life, yet feeling overwhelmed in the process? The pressures to succeed and meet career expectations can create a sense of anxiety, panic, and dread. It can even increase feelings of depression and decrease your self-confidence to manage it all. Unfortunately, this can also impact your ability to be fully present for your loved ones and you may find that your meaningful relationships are beginning to suffer. FFTR supports clients in addressing these issues so they can experience more fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives.
Are you an accomplished individual trying to balance the demands of both your work and home life, yet feeling overwhelmed in the process? The pressures to succeed and meet career expectations can create a sense of anxiety, panic, and dread. It can even increase feelings of depression and decrease your self-confidence to manage it all. Unfortunately, this can also impact your ability to be fully present for your loved ones and you may find that your meaningful relationships are beginning to suffer. FFTR supports clients in addressing these issues so they can experience more fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives.
When it comes to being vulnerable, I know it can be one of the scariest things to do, so my goal is to help foster an environment and trust to help with the process. I work with all individuals; children (ages 7+), teens and adults. Some disorders I help treat include; Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harm, Complex Trauma, ADHD, OCD, and more. My approach to therapy is to find the balance between processing information together and providing my clients with working strategies to help them to continue to meet their goals.
When it comes to being vulnerable, I know it can be one of the scariest things to do, so my goal is to help foster an environment and trust to help with the process. I work with all individuals; children (ages 7+), teens and adults. Some disorders I help treat include; Anxiety, Depression, Self-Harm, Complex Trauma, ADHD, OCD, and more. My approach to therapy is to find the balance between processing information together and providing my clients with working strategies to help them to continue to meet their goals.
Struggling with intense emotions, painful relationships, or addiction? You’re not alone.
I believe therapy should feel human; honest, supportive, and practical. I work with people navigating Borderline Personality Disorder, addiction, intense emotions, and difficult or painful relationships. Healing isn’t about worksheets or pressure; it comes from connection, safety, curiosity, and pacing that meets you where you are. I draw from DBT, ACT, narrative therapy, and IFS-informed parts work, always in a person-first and culturally sensitive way. My goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and empowered.
Struggling with intense emotions, painful relationships, or addiction? You’re not alone.
I believe therapy should feel human; honest, supportive, and practical. I work with people navigating Borderline Personality Disorder, addiction, intense emotions, and difficult or painful relationships. Healing isn’t about worksheets or pressure; it comes from connection, safety, curiosity, and pacing that meets you where you are. I draw from DBT, ACT, narrative therapy, and IFS-informed parts work, always in a person-first and culturally sensitive way. My goal is to help you feel understood, supported, and empowered.
I draw from Somatic, Narrative, and Emotionally Focused approaches to support healing and personal growth.
I specialize in working with those who are
navigating life transitions, relational challenges, processing grief, desiring to make meaning out of challenging circumstances, faced with medical challenges or a new diagnosis, and helping professionals who are experiencing compassion fatigue/vicarious trauma.
Therapy is a place to explore emotions, patterns, trauma, relationships, and overall well-being.
I draw from Somatic, Narrative, and Emotionally Focused approaches to support healing and personal growth.
I specialize in working with those who are
navigating life transitions, relational challenges, processing grief, desiring to make meaning out of challenging circumstances, faced with medical challenges or a new diagnosis, and helping professionals who are experiencing compassion fatigue/vicarious trauma.
Therapy is a place to explore emotions, patterns, trauma, relationships, and overall well-being.
I take a trauma- and culturally-informed approach that pulling Narrative, Attachment and Emotionally Focused, EMDR, Narrative, and IFS therapy, but I ensure flexibility in how this applies to your goals.
Accepting NEW Clients! - Hoping to feel less anxious or explore building strategies to cope? Maybe you feel low, unmotivated, or stressed more than you used to and you'd like that to change. Are you curious about learning more about yourself or working on building confidence? Is there an experience in the present or the past that you feel held back by and that you'd like to better understand or process? Do you find yourself often trying to figure out who you are, or whats important to you? Together we'll look at what your goals are, and increase self-awareness, stability, and understanding in the process.
I take a trauma- and culturally-informed approach that pulling Narrative, Attachment and Emotionally Focused, EMDR, Narrative, and IFS therapy, but I ensure flexibility in how this applies to your goals.
Accepting NEW Clients! - Hoping to feel less anxious or explore building strategies to cope? Maybe you feel low, unmotivated, or stressed more than you used to and you'd like that to change. Are you curious about learning more about yourself or working on building confidence? Is there an experience in the present or the past that you feel held back by and that you'd like to better understand or process? Do you find yourself often trying to figure out who you are, or whats important to you? Together we'll look at what your goals are, and increase self-awareness, stability, and understanding in the process.
Attachment | Abandonment | Relationships - Shahed
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I draw from CBT, EFT, MBCT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, IFS, and trauma-focused approaches.
I’m Shahed, and I help adults who feel stuck in painful relationship cycles they can’t seem to break. Maybe closeness feels overwhelming, or distance leaves you anxious. You might replay old patterns with partners, friends, or family -wondering why the same hurt shows up. If attachment wounds, insecure attachment, trust issues, or fear of rejection are shaping your relationships, we can uncover the “why” and build new, more secure ways of connecting.
I draw from CBT, EFT, MBCT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, IFS, and trauma-focused approaches.
I’m Shahed, and I help adults who feel stuck in painful relationship cycles they can’t seem to break. Maybe closeness feels overwhelming, or distance leaves you anxious. You might replay old patterns with partners, friends, or family -wondering why the same hurt shows up. If attachment wounds, insecure attachment, trust issues, or fear of rejection are shaping your relationships, we can uncover the “why” and build new, more secure ways of connecting.
I am a psychologist with almost 20 years experience. Whether you are hoping to move forward from past wounds, learn new ways of being, or to deepen relationships, I would be honoured to be part of your journey. I take the time to understand what's going on today within the larger context of your community, your life, and your goals. I believe this is an important first step in building a therapeutic relationship in which you feel safe, understood, and supported. Therapy is hard work, involving unlearning, growing, and adapting to changing environments that are not always responsive to our needs. I'm here to help.
I am a psychologist with almost 20 years experience. Whether you are hoping to move forward from past wounds, learn new ways of being, or to deepen relationships, I would be honoured to be part of your journey. I take the time to understand what's going on today within the larger context of your community, your life, and your goals. I believe this is an important first step in building a therapeutic relationship in which you feel safe, understood, and supported. Therapy is hard work, involving unlearning, growing, and adapting to changing environments that are not always responsive to our needs. I'm here to help.
I favour an integrative approach to therapy, and utilize several modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Client Centered Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
I specialize in working with clients who are looking to address concerns related to relationships and intimacy, fertility, pre and postpartum, parenting, women’s issues, and life transitions. I also have extensive experience in the field of grief and bereavement. As your therapist, I can help you navigate the grieving process by providing a safe space for you to express your feelings, build new relationships and re-develop your sense of self after loss. Together, we can ensure that you will continue to live life in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
I favour an integrative approach to therapy, and utilize several modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Client Centered Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
I specialize in working with clients who are looking to address concerns related to relationships and intimacy, fertility, pre and postpartum, parenting, women’s issues, and life transitions. I also have extensive experience in the field of grief and bereavement. As your therapist, I can help you navigate the grieving process by providing a safe space for you to express your feelings, build new relationships and re-develop your sense of self after loss. Together, we can ensure that you will continue to live life in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
Being human is hard work and you don't have to do it alone. Whether you are facing life-changing events or deepening your relationship with yourself, you deserve a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental space for healing and growth. I have deep respect for your wisdom and I aspire for curiosity, compassion, and collaboration to shape our work together. My privilege as your therapist will be to support the part(s) of you that yearns for change and growth while also honouring the part(s) of you that hold hope cautiously.
Being human is hard work and you don't have to do it alone. Whether you are facing life-changing events or deepening your relationship with yourself, you deserve a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental space for healing and growth. I have deep respect for your wisdom and I aspire for curiosity, compassion, and collaboration to shape our work together. My privilege as your therapist will be to support the part(s) of you that yearns for change and growth while also honouring the part(s) of you that hold hope cautiously.
My approach is collaborative, grounded in Psychodynamic and Emotionally Focused Therapy, with a strong focus on relationships, meaning, and emotional resilience.
Therapy is most effective when the relationship feels safe and aligned. I offer a free 25–50 minute consultation so we can get a sense of that fit. I also encourage you to speak with other therapists if you’re unsure.
My approach is collaborative, grounded in Psychodynamic and Emotionally Focused Therapy, with a strong focus on relationships, meaning, and emotional resilience.
Therapy is most effective when the relationship feels safe and aligned. I offer a free 25–50 minute consultation so we can get a sense of that fit. I also encourage you to speak with other therapists if you’re unsure.
See more therapy options for Smithville
Nearby Emotionally Focused Counsellors Searches for Smithville
- Beamsville
- Binbrook
- Fonthill
- Grimsby
- Hamilton
- Niagara on the Lake
- Port Colborne
- Saint Catharines
- Stoney Creek
- Thorold
- Waterdown
- Welland
Emotionally Focused Counsellors
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.