Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Downtown, Toronto, ON
See all counsellors in Downtown, Toronto
Rahma Ismail
Registered Social Worker , MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I utilize various therapeutic modalities including solution-focused,
dialectical
behavioural, and narrative therapy.
Everyone experiences life challenges. Navigating these challenges can be overwhelming, frustrating, and lonely. Are you exhausted of speaking to people who just don’t seem to understand or might even judge you? Taking the first step to seeking therapy can be terrifying and difficult. We can work together to help you understand what you’re feeling, and ways to manage what life throws your way. I believe feeling safe, understood and supported within a therapeutic space is important. I believe everyone has a unique set of strengths to overcome life challenges.

Joshua Dvorkin
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MPsy
Verified
Verified
His approach is inclusive and client-centred and is informed by evidence-based interventions based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Joshua is a member in good standing of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). He has significant experience working with adults and young adults presenting a variety of mental health difficulties due to depression, anxiety, trauma, transitions, low self-esteem, and stress. Joshua also works with those experiencing difficult life transitions, individuals that are part of the LGBTQ2S+ community and people with chronic illnesses.

The DBT Clinic
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
Verified
People who benefit from
DBT
often struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder, suicidal thoughts or suicidal behaviour, self-harm, intense negative emotions, impulsive behaviours, substance abuse, anger management, relationship difficulties, chronic feelings of emptiness, and eating disorders, among other possible problems. Our team is dedicated to helping clients who struggle with their emotions to achieve less suffering and greater peace, and to build the lives they want to live.

Zainib Abdullah
Registered Social Worker, BSc, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I know that seeking therapy can at times be difficult and intimidating. It takes courage to explore difficult experiences and emotions. I will always meet you where you are. I strive to provide you with a non-judgmental and compassionate space -- a space that can help you explore and understand yourself, and help you manage your life more effectively. In working together, you will find that my approach to therapy is collaborative, client-centred & trauma-informed. My approach to therapy is grounded in extensive training in
Dialectical
Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Somatic/ Mindfulness-based Psychotherapies.

Anna Marson
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I use evidence-based practices including CBT,
DBT
, MBCT, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, the Internal Family Systems model, ADHD coaching, attachment-informed therapy, & Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
I'm passionate about helping and connecting with others. My wealth of clinical and front line experience provides me with expertise and practical skills not possessed by most therapists. I view each client as an expert in their own lives, largely integrating their goals in counselling. My work is inspired by the science of neuroplasticity, thus I provide education about human behaviour and brain functioning to help clients make sense of their difficulties and see their challenges from a normalizing view. Many clients find this information to be helpful, hopeful, and empowering, as it gives us a roadmap for resolving their issues.

Charlie Williams
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I use an integrative approach drawing from modalities such as Narrative Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
As a registered social worker, I offer sessions to individuals navigating a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, sexuality and gender identity, low motivation and self-worth. I have more than 15 years of experience working with diverse communities with a focus on 2SLGBTQ communities as well as post-secondary students. I strive to create a space that is warm and compassionate with an approach to healing that is non-pathological, collaborative and non-judgemental and centers your perspectives and lived experiences.

Sharon Girgis
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Therapy with me consists of CBT &
DBT
while viewing things through a trauma informed and attachment focused lens.
Are the many demands of life weighing you down and making you feel burnt out? Do you feel anxious or depressed or stuck so that it’s hard to progress in life? Together, through therapy, we can explore finding a new balance, we can challenge negative thinking and identify unhelpful patterns. We can also learn effective ways of coping. Imagine being able to gain control over overwhelming emotions, move forward in life and improve your relationships? While nothing can guarantee that you will be rid of your anxiety entirely or never feel sad again, you will learn to be more resilient in the face of hardship and enjoy life more.

Mathura Thiagarajah
Registered Social Worker, BEd, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I use cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectic behaviour therapy (
DBT
), narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness theory and practices.
I aim to create a supportive environment where you can explore and process difficult emotions and experiences, gain insights, and learn healthy coping strategies. I specialize in supporting folks with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, inter-generational/cross-cultural issues and trauma. I use a client centered approach, coming from a place of compassion, empathy and knowledge. I have experience working in health care, school systems, and in community settings.
Not accepting new clients

Gini Bechard
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I primarily use Narrative Therapy,
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy (
DBT
), and Buddhist Psychology as the basis for my work with people who have experienced trauma, complex trauma, vicarious trauma, and developmental trauma.
I offer individual therapy to adults (18+) who are interested in exploring the complexities of their past in order to understand who they are today. This work is connected to understanding the relationships around us, our grief, and our identities. We will also explore behaviours that may be getting in the way of leading the life you want, for example, confusion about identity, self harm, suicidal ideation/behaviours and relationship patterns. I welcome people from various social locations, including from the queer/trans community, and offer a sex-positive, Anti-Racist and Anti-Oppressive space.

Anka Krivokuca
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
I am trained in a variety of evidence based therapeutic approaches (CBT,
DBT
, CPT, EMDR, IFS internal Family Systems, Attachment, mindfulness techniques, trauma therapy) and use them tailored to the client's needs.
Through life we can encounter uncertainty, loss and confusion on our path towards inner growth. Having to chose a therapist should not be one of such barriers. In my work I offer a safe environment and supportive collaborative work for clients to explore and remove life barriers. I also effectively use evidence based therapeutic approaches in helping people manage and heal from overwhelming emotions, trauma, anxiety, depression, shame, abuse, low self esteem, relationship problems, and other issues. My work is collaborative non judgmental, compassionate, respectful, thoroughly confidential and preserves dignity of people.
Waitlist for new clients

Catherine Okowinsky
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified
Verified
My approach to therapy is collaborative and holistic to help you build a relationship with yourself and to better understand your present issues. Through a strength-based and humanistic approach, together we make stepping stones to address these issues and create meaningful change in your life. I tailor therapeutic modalities and techniques for your unique needs. I incorporate Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
Dialectical
- behavioural Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, or Mindfulness-based practices to help you find self-acceptance, empowerment, and inner peace.

Rachel Bingham
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
Rachel brings strong clinical experience to her work- utilizing therapeutic modalities from
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy (
DBT
), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Emotion Focused Family Therapy, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy.
Rachel brings experience in individual, family therapy and group therapy. Her career passion is connecting with and supporting teens, adults, families, parents and couples; working together to create opportunities for change in challenging situations. The profile of Rachel's clients typically struggle with family conflict, emotion regulation difficulties, depression, anxiety, performance stress (work/athletics/school) and life transitions. Rachel has been able to provide her clients with useful skills/tools to navigate complex situations while also providing them with an emotionally safe space to process their feelings.

Normand Daemon
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified
Verified
Hello I’m Normand. I am a Queer person; a Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist; and a board game enthusiast. My practice focuses on the importance of self-determination, diversity, and relationship building; while being both neuroscience and trauma informed. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and I am eclectically informed by other styles including
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (
DBT
), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Katherine Di Lullo
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSW, BA
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My primary therapy modalities include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy (
DBT
), Mindfulness and Compassion Therapy.
I am a skilled and compassionate social worker practicing in the mental health field in Ontario. I am a clinician who believes in the value of the therapeutic alliance and strives to create a safe, and non-judgmental space for individuals to work towards their therapy goals.

Emilee Burgess
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
Verified
Dr. Burgess is a Registered Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience in providing treatment for individuals with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating), body image concerns, emotional dysregulation, and perfectionism. Her primary treatment approach includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and
Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (
DBT
). Dr. Burgess incorporates strategies from mindfulness and self-compassion into her approach and also has intensive training in Radically-Open
DBT
for treatment of over-control.

Ariette Hung - Noun Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MDiv
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I also integrate elements of Internal Family Systems,
Dialectical
Behaviour Therapy, and upon request, Christian counselling.
Life can be tumultuous at times. Difficult experiences and conflicting emotions can get the best of anyone, and it piles up like a mess. I'm here to help you sort through your struggles in an emotionally safe space. I work with individuals (ages 16+) and support them with navigating emotional challenges and mood issues. My areas of focus includes: Codependency, self-esteem issues, family of origin trauma, people-pleasing, low mood, anxiety, and life transitions such as breakup recovery, career changes, or moving to a new city. If you're ready to look inwards and talk about it, let's connect. Inner peace looks good on you!

Amy Shannon
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Shannon has received training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
Dialectical
Behaviour Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Gottman Couples Therapy.
Dr. Shannon is a registered clinical psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She provides assessment and treatment for adults and couples with a range of challenges including: depression, anxiety, overwhelming emotions, relationship difficulties, and stress. She also has a special interest in assisting clients with concerns related to trauma, eating, and body image.

Sukaina Nathoo
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I'm an experienced therapist, who uses talk and experience-based therapies (CBT,
DBT
, EFT, IFS and ETT).
As you find yourself on this page, you may recognize feeling stuck, frustrated and even hopeless. Overwhelming emotions can result in difficulty with everyday activities like work and meaningful relationships. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, and effects of trauma. I can work with you to heal the injuries of the past so that you can begin to ‘show up’ in a new way. Are you looking for more than simply talking about your life and feelings? Therapy with me is distinctly customized to what you want and need session to session. The goal will be to leave your session finally healing and a clear sense of how.

Hitomi Yokota
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RPQ
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
To help you cope with intense emotions and connect with others more effectively, I also use
Dialectical
Behavioural Therapy (
DBT
) to teach you skills so your emotions don’t get the best of you.
Are you feeling anxiety in relationships? You don’t feel seen and understood. You’re stuck between different cultures and expectations. Unprocessed events and trauma often show up as overwhelm, depression, conflicts with others, lack of boundaries, codependency, and low self-confidence and self-esteem. This can include something that happened within a small circle like family and romantic relationships or systemic trauma such as discrimination. In my therapy, I will help you connect with yourself better and make the changes you want in your life, to arrive at a peaceful place and live an authentic life.

Sierra Gaudreault
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Verified
9 Endorsed
Verified
9 Endorsed
My approach to therapy is eclectic and draws from feminist therapy, person-centered therapy, behavioural therapies (CBT,
DBT
and ACT) and narrative therapy.
When life feels challenging, therapy can be a helpful place to receive support, insight and new ways to move forward. I am particularly passionate about working with folks who struggle with self-criticism, managing stress or mood and drawing boundaries with others. I offer warmth, compassion and guidance as you build a life that feels sustainable and meaningful. Examples of concerns we might work on include: shame, stress, general or social anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, women's issues, life transitions, identity, relationships, family conflict, anger, etc. I have extensive experience working with students and adults.
See more therapy options for Downtown, Toronto
Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Counsellors
Who is DBT for?
DBT is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behaviour and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behaviour, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioural change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behaviour; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.