Self Esteem Therapists in Chinatown, Toronto, ON

Being a human in this world is fucking HARD. From the many pressures and stressors of surviving under capitalism, living with the impacts of traumatic experiences and systemic oppression, balancing social and familial expectations and norms with your own needs and hopes, and navigating identity and relationships; all of these things exert significant pressures on our bodies and minds. If you are struggling, you are not alone. I know that being asked to "think more positively" about painful experiences isn't helpful for many and can be profoundly invalidating so I won't do that! What I will do is provide a space to process your pain.

I am intentional about offering a warm and non-judgemental space for individuals to share their concerns in a safe environment. I will collaborate with you in your healing journey and tailor therapy in a way that makes sense to you. My practice includes using components from evidence-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Seeking help takes courage, and I would love to help you on your process of change. I am committed to providing compassionate treatment in a private and confidential manner. In terms of my services, I offer individual therapy to adolescents and adults. Some presenting concerns often include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, sexual identity and gender identity. I adapt my therapeutic approach to the unique needs of my clients, and utilize both skill-based and insight-oriented approaches

My clinical psychology practice focusses on working with adults who are experiencing anxiety and/or depression, life transitions, wanting to work on family and relationship issues, trauma, loss and grief, self-esteem and assertiveness, and workplace stress/burnout. The practice is also LGBT-competent for those looking to explore their sexuality or gender, or for support planning a transition. Clients get the most out of therapy when they come with a focus and are ready to work between sessions.

OCD and Anxiety challenges? Through life we can encounter uncertainty, doubt and confusion on our path towards inner growth. Having to chose a therapist should not be one of such barriers. I help people manage and heal from overwhelming emotions, OCD, Perinatal or Postpartum OCD, Panic, Specific phobias, Body Dysmorphia, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, low self esteem, and other issues. I offer a safe environment and supportive collaborative work and effectively use evidence based therapeutic approaches and collaborative non judgmental, compassionate, respectful, thoroughly confidential and preserves dignity of people.

Imagine being in a place where you feel safe, supported and accepted, in a way that moves you to tell your story to someone who listens to you fully and really hears what you are saying. Most of us rarely experience this. However, this is the experience Gladys strives to create for each of her clients: a space of understanding, curiosity and hope, one that naturally leads to the uncovering of answers to life's difficulties, to the resolving of the anxieties that surround you.

My aim is to listen to my patients and provide proactive care that will help them reach balance and inner peace. Through a CBT based approach , I try and identify the root causes of problems and provide my patients the tools needed to help themselves achieve long term wellness. My specialties are anxiety, depression, OCD, stress and anger management, couples therapy, addiction, chronic pain, emotional disturbance, self-esteem, family conflicts and anxiety . As a fully licensed Psychologist (permit granted by the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec) I can issue receipts to those with insurance for full or partial reimbursement.

Do you understand your thought processes or have had therapy before, but still find yourself in the same relationships or repeating the same patterns in your life over and over? You know what triggers you but are still constantly overwhelmed, numb, or dysregulated? Do you struggle to understand your emotions? Are you stuck in a state of guilt, shame or unworthiness? Do you struggle to find some compassion for yourself because you don't feel like you are living the life you think you should? Do you struggle to show up the way you would like to? If so, we may be a good fit.

I offer support to individuals who are seeking assistance and investing in their personal growth and development. I hope to walk alongside you, to empower you to invest in your wellness as we explore your strengths, values and areas of growth. Topics of focus may include: depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, self-esteem and self-confidence, life transitions, career goals, adjusting to change, and loss. Through experiential cognitive and mindfulness exercises, we may explore your thought patterns, practice training your awareness and experiment with new coping skills.

I specialize in working with post-secondary students, professors, arts and cultural creators, political activists, as well as anyone seeking culturally-sensitive and spiritually-integrated psychotherapy. I am experienced providing psychotherapy and spiritual care at many area hospitals including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. I believe we must recognize that intersectional social and cultural factors influence our daily lives and impact our mental health. I seek to empower clients and support them in claiming their own power to grow and heal.

Do you struggle with overthinking or negative self talk? Do you feel anxious in social situations, during conflict, or have difficulties expressing your needs? My approach to therapy is not only helping you cope with your struggles, but also work towards resolving them and strengthening your relationships with others. I believe that you have the inner workings to heal and live a meaningful life based on your values. It can be difficult to navigate the therapy world and I commend you on taking the first step in seeking help. If you have already started your healing journey I welcome the opportunity to collaborate.

It takes courage to reach out for support when not knowing what to do. That can be quite a lonely and painful experience, together with feeling disconnected, stuck and overwhelmed. You can get a better understanding of your feelings and behaviors, see how you are entrenched in your own patterns or how you get in your own way, process past experiences and just talk about heavy stuff without feeling like a burden. This work can bring you closer to your authentic self.

Is anxiety undermining your ability to enjoy yourself and feel safe in your relationships, at work, even in your own thoughts? Are you tired of feeling alert and tense all the time, not being able to stop that voice that keeps warning you of dangers and criticising your every step? Do you fear failure, rejection and abandonment? Are constant fights and lack of trust making your relationship or marriage a source of pain and frustration? Are you struggling with the emotional stress of facing infertility?

Now accepting new clients! Despite our very best efforts, we sometimes feel overwhelmed by the challenges in our lives – therapy can help. I am passionate about providing a safe, warm, and collaborative space where we can explore the patterns that may be getting in the way of having better connections with yourself and others. I strongly believe in your inner wisdom and resources and together we will build on these strengths and develop strategies to help you thrive.

You enjoy close relationships, set clear goals, and have the drive to achieve. However, sometimes you become disconnected — Disconnected from your relationships and who you want to be. Maybe the disconnect is mild. Or maybe it’s more serious. You have spent months,… or years, striving to connect with your best self. This may be one of those times. You may have a goal but are unsure about how to get there. Perhaps you are struggling with motivation and self doubt, just surviving, but not thriving! Life isn't about survival its about living!

I offer a warm, curious, and judgment-free space for helping you untangle your struggles through a lens of compassion and curiosity. Our work together is in the service of freeing up space to clarify what’s important to you and how you want to go through life with a stronger sense of agency and intentionality. I hold a deep interest and respect for the people that I work with, and my therapeutic style can be described as authentic, compassionate, and engaged. If you are feeling lost, heartbroken, anxious, or simply need a space to recenter, I would be honoured to join you on your journey.

Being human is an extraordinary and precious challenge, that everyone deserves support with. Although suffering is an intrinsic part of the human condition, we are certainly not meant to navigate these difficult terrains alone. I will meet you exactly where you are at with presence, compassion, and curiosity. I believe in co-creating an authentic, understanding, and kind space where you can be with, feel, and share the complexity and truth of who you are. Through therapy, I aim to give you the skills to greatly enhance the quality the relationship to yourself, to others, and to you life as a whole.

Do you feel like you don’t know how to ask for help, or feel like you have no one to turn to? Do you feel like there’s a part of your identity that you need to explore? Have you tried other therapists before and it felt too stuffy or like you didn’t ‘click’? Hi, I’m Steph and I see you, thank you for being here. I am here to remind you that it is okay to be feeling exactly how you feel, all of your feelings are valid. I bring my whole self to our sessions with a grounded, curious and kind demeanor and really focus on fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship with you. I believe that therapy should feel less clinical and formal.

You’re a giver, and you put in 1000% to care for everyone around you. On the surface, everyone seems to love you, and you seem to have it all. But underneath all that, you feel a sense of loneliness. If only they knew...after another day of work, feeling exhausted, with still another 20 items on your to-do list. Weekends, running errands for your parents, supporting your partner, your friends, volunteering for your community...tasks and responsibilities upon tasks and responsibilities. And you wonder to yourself, is this the rest of your life? Among a sea of friends, family, and acquaintances, why do you feel so alone?