Attachment-based Therapists in Central Toronto, Toronto, ON
See all counsellors in Central Toronto, Toronto
Zahra Jamal - Psychotherapy Services
Occupational Therapist, MSc OT, OT(Reg)
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Now accepting new clients. Life can feel challenging at times, leaving you feeling overwhelmed or stuck. You may be experiencing feelings of sadness, worry, anger, shame, fear, grief or despair. Struggling with difficult emotions can take away from living in the present moment. Instead you may find yourself dealing with anxiety, self-criticism, over-thinking, reliving painful memories and stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Together we will slow things down so we can explore your experiences and the parts of you that may be hard to understand.

Katherine Martin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I have specialized training in relationship therapy including: trauma interventions, emotionally focused therapy, narrative therapy, and
attachment-based
therapy.
As a relationship therapist I help couples and individuals navigate relationship conflict so they feel more connected. Our conversations will provide you with opportunities to identify and shift negative and painful cycles, explore and understand the impact of the past on your current relationship, and find new ways to communicate with your partner. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and LGBTQ2S affirming. I welcome couples and individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities and I have a particular interest in working with cross-cultural relationships. I strive to provide open, empathic and non-judgemental support.

Stefanie Mathes
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a registered Psychotherapist with a MA in Psychology from McGill University. All of my services are directly supervised by a registered Psychologist who is an ongoing source of clinical guidance and feedback in my work. Research in the area of 'common factors' emphasizes the client-therapist relationship and factors that are unique to you and your life circumstances as important predictors for therapy success, and it informs my approach to support you in creating positive change. I meet clients non-judgmentally, and my approach is uniquely dynamic, collaborative, and solution-focused, with therapeutic presence and authenticity.

Ping Chen, MSW, RSW, EMDR II
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, EMDRII
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Some of the specialized trainings include: EMDR for trauma, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-focused Therapy, Trauma-informed Practice, and
Attachment-Based
Family Therapy.
Currently accepting new clients. "Therapy really works!” This is my experience with therapy as well as many other people’s therapy experience with me. I believe that you can have a similar experience - an experience that you will feel understood and empowered. Part of the reasons that makes therapy work is because as a therapist, I am non-judgmental, emphatic, compassionate, and genuine. I am also trained in many different psychotherapy modalities that I will tailor our therapy sessions to your unique needs. I can use practical approaches as well as insight oriented approaches.

Alexandra Torrie
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC, RCC(BC)
Verified
Verified
I draw on somatic, emotion focused and
attachment-based
therapies to broaden your understanding of your experience, help you discover your inner strength and foster self-compassion.
I see psychotherapy as a chance to come back to yourself. When faced with challenges in life we can forget our strengths, values, and sense of self. Psychotherapy offers the chance to rediscover these things and uncover more. Together we can navigate life’s challenges while building new skills and resilience to create a stronger sense of self. The therapy space that we create together is one where you can discuss anything and explore emotions, experiences, thoughts, and behaviours in a space and relationship that is safe, supportive, and dedicated to your well-being.

Kathryn Jackson
Registered Psychotherapist, AdvDip , MA, PhD, RP
Verified
Verified
Warmth, engagement, attunement and compassion - these are some of the characteristics that support the relational work I offer clients. I'm an
attachment-based
, trauma-focused therapist, trained to integrate many other therapeutic approaches - for example, mindfulness, body-based approaches, stress reduction, psycho-education. I am particularly experienced in working with emotional neglect and abuse, physical/sexual trauma and dissociation, mood disorders, low self-esteem, self-harm (including eating disorders and addiction), identity issues (gender, sexuality and culture) and relationship difficulties (personal and professional).

Melanie Van Nieuw Amerongen
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
All of us can be presented with hardship, pain and overwhelm - sometimes without warning. It is in these stressful moments that we may struggle to find the tools to cope. Confronted by life’s challenges, it can become difficult to see the path forward.

Safa Ali
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Depending on what is needed, I tend to work with person-centred, emotion-focused, mindfulness/compassion-based, internal family systems, and
attachment-based
approaches to therapy.
Therapy is not about eliminating all problems or "fixing" yourself, but is simply a way of stepping back from your life in order to examine it more deeply. My approach encourages change that emerges from understanding - rather than fighting with- yourself. This is the foundation on which you can increase your ability to manage difficult emotions and thoughts, improve your connection with others, work through past experiences, or make important life choices. I am grounded in trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and social justice frameworks, and have worked extensively with trauma and substance use in a community mental health setting.
Not accepting new clients

Kavita Patel
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, OASW, OCSWSSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I draw on inspiration from a variety of modalities, theories and perspectives from
Attachment-Based
Theory, Emotional Focused Therapy (Couples), Systemic Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative and Mindfulness Based techniques.
Feeling alone in your relationship? Experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety and always feeling overwhelmed? Know that you are not alone. If your goal is to start feeling like an active participant and being an expert in your own life and if you are seeking for a safe space to talk and someone to truly listen to you, your journey towards this goal can begin now.

Angela Wang
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Angela practices from a trauma-informed and
attachment-based
lens to support and empower.
Angela Wang (She/Her) is a Clinical Social Worker who is experienced in working with adolescent, young adult, and adult populations who are navigating through anxiety, depression, identity, interpersonal relationships, life transitions, perfectionism, and trauma. Angela strongly believes that each individual has the capability for recovery and wellness. As a therapist, Angela’s role is to provide a space to reflect and process complex thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may create conflict in everyday life. Her approach is warm and welcoming, and engages in working together to make sense of these challenges.

Kyla Lipsman
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified
Verified
Taking the first step toward therapy can be challenging and overwhelming. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can feel comfortable sharing any challenges you may be facing. I work from a strengths-based perspective, guided by cognitive behavioural, attachment based and mindfulness based therapeutic approaches.

Farah Sheikh
Registered Social Worker, BA, BSW, MSW, , RSW
Verified
Verified
I draw on inspiration from a variety of modalities including
Attachment-Based
Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative and Mindfulness.
As a social worker, psychotherapist and a child of South Asian immigrants, my practice is informed by a broad range of clinical, academic and cultural experiences. I am an individual and family therapist, specializing in working with children, teens and adults. My expertise is in emotional regulation, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss.
Not accepting new clients

Raha Mirian -Mood And Trauma Specialist
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA
Verified
Verified
My extensive training extends to: psychodynamic,
attachment-based
, compassion-based, and somatic therapies.
Are you looking to better manage your emotions, shift unhelpful thoughts, patterns & behaviours? Do you feel overwhelmed by current challenges or past pain? Feel disconnected? Want a better relationship with yourself & others? I'm dedicated to helping people gain both the insights & skills that empower them to lead more satisfying lives. Most of my clients face challenges with: depression, anxiety, trauma (Complex & PTSD), substance abuse, self-harm, suicidality, eating & body-image, intense emotions (eg. anger, shame), self-esteem, grief, life transitions, & relationships. Many also have a history of interpersonal trauma.

Nicole Myles
Registered Social Worker , MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I am Registered Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with children and their parents in what I believe is the hardest job – parenting! It takes real courage and sacrifice to reach out and ask for help. Whether you are looking to help yourself or your child, this process brings up many challenging feelings. My hope is to support you and/or your child to look inward and navigate these emotions and identify the feelings that have been getting in the way. Instead of avoiding these feelings, we will work together to process them with the ultimate goal of experiencing real change, for yourself and your relationships

Jennifer Grindon
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I incorporate different approaches to psychotherapy, predominately working from the following approaches: psycho dynamic,
attachment-based
, and emotion(ally)-focused.
The journey of life holds many unexpected turns that can often lead to feeling lost, stuck and alone. I provide individuals and couples a safe and supportive space where they can slow down and connect to their internal resources. I believe that with the right support, each person has the capacity to grow and heal. I encourage my clients to explore how their life experiences are affecting their current circumstances, with the intention of moving toward a satisfying life with meaningful connections.

Maryam Fazl
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I provide psychotherapy to clients struggling with challenging life experiences. It can be difficult to feel understood or to cope when experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict or low self-confidence. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help, and I can provide a safe space where together we focus on skills that foster resiliency in the face of inevitable life challenges. I have more than a decade of experience working with adults (18+) dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment issues, grief, shame and guilt, interpersonal conflict, and perinatal concerns, etc.

Joanna Zhu
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd
Verified
Verified
I am trained in the following theoretical modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Somatic, and
Attachment-Based
Therapy.
Are you struggling with managing life challenges and in need of a space to voice? Maybe your mind feels boggled tangled up, unsure of what to do next? Through therapy, I can help you explore, unpack, and process those challenges. As a Registered Psychotherapist, I have experience working with the following: Disability, Sleep, Anger, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, Internet and Video Game Usage, Anxiety and Depression.

Sepideh Saedi
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am especially influenced by
attachment-based
, interpersonal, and emotion-focused therapies.
I work with individuals experiencing a wide range of difficulties that life can offer, including: depression, anxiety, self-esteem, emotional regulation (i.e., anger management, mood fluctuations), body image issues, sexual assault, self-harm, relationship problems, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, chronic health and disability issues, post-immigration experiences, grief and loss, healing from interpersonal trauma, burnout and job dissatisfaction, life transitions and decisions, as well as the stressors that accompany everyday living. My clinical practice celebrates diverse cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and sexualities.

Claire Watson Registered Psychotherapist
MSc, RP, DipTIRP, OSRP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I offer a secure, therapeutic relationship in which you can explore and make sense of your experience. For adults struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties or other conflict in your life, I will help you understand the origins of your difficulties and let go of issues from your past so that you can feel good about yourself now and improve your relationships with others. I also specialize in
attachment-based
therapy for children birth to six who are adopted, have behaviour problems, social anxiety or other special needs. I support both parent and child to achieve a strong healthy relationship.

Lisa Donnelly
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
My approach is mindfulness based emotion-focused therapy and I draw from various therapy modalities, including solution-focused, cognitive-behavioural,
attachment-based
and narrative therapy.
Feeling overwhelmed with stress or anxiety? Relationships not going well? Are you finding yourself in the same cycles and behaviour patterns that are not helpful or effective and maybe even destructive? Psychotherapy can help. I have a passion for psychotherapy, especially the way skillful conversations can be transformative and enhance relationships. Psychotherapy helps you gain insight to what's working well and what isn't, so that positive change can happen. Self awareness and mindfulness can lead to more effective and meaningful relationships and enhance overall health and well-being.
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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.