Therapists in Toronto, ON

I am a relational psychotherapist. I have been described as warm, kind and non-judgemental. I would describe my way of working as integrative which means that I draw from all my trainings to work out how best I can help you. I am trauma informed and am also influenced by psychodynamic, person centred, self-psychology and humanistic theories. I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients with a wide range of presenting issues although I have a particular interest in working with women with ADHD. I offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit.

Chelsea has obtained her Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is currently pursuing a Master of Psychology in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at Adler Graduate Professional School and is working in private practice at Toronto Psychologists under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lekkos towards registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO).

The stress of COVID-19 has negatively impacted people’s mental health, while also leaving them in an economic situation where they cannot afford counselling at full prices. We believe that this unique time requires counsellors to give their services at prices which more people can afford. If the stress of COVID-19 has affected your mental health, we have professional counsellors that can work with you.

I often meet people who notice they are repeating relationship patterns and behaviours, and they aren't sure why. Sometimes, you may remember how these strategies were protective and kept you safe in the past, or you may not. I support the people I work with to sense, with compassion, how powerful and ingenious these strategies are. Sometimes when we meet, you've come to a place of knowing that these same protective strategies aren't as effective as they used to be, and you're wondering why or are looking to change. We come to decide in therapy what to hold tight to and what to set aside for now.

Thank you for taking the time to look into my services! I work with an accredited children's mental health organization, as well as in private practice. I have over 10 years of experience working with adolescents, children, families, and adults of different gender identities, ages and backgrounds. I work with individuals, couples and families dealing with a variety of issues including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, relationship conflict, work-related stress, and sex-related issues. Together, we will work toward helping you build positive coping skills, reduce stress, increase self-confidence, develop balance and emotional resilience.

I love using my skills and experience to assist you to tap into your strengths, find meaning and self-compassion, be your best selves in relationships, and live your fullest lives. I would be honoured to support you / your family through life's challenges and transitions.

We live in a very fast paced world. The pressures on us are mounting. Stress is high. And in spaces where we should be more and more connected we are feeling incredibly high amounts of isolation. Whatever you are dealing with right now, you don’t need to do it alone. Reaching out for support is vital. Connecting with a therapist is a way to help alleviate some of the stress.

Welcome. You may have found your way here because you are struggling with difficult thoughts and emotions, stress at work or at home, challenging relationships, or maybe you’re not even sure what is going on with you (that’s okay too)!

You may be carrying feelings of pain, sadness, confusion or worry. Maybe you are hoping to understand yourself better or reduce the stress of all that you are experiencing. You may have gone through trauma or discrimination. Regardless of what brings you to reading these words, you have recognized the importance of getting support. Walking alone through your struggles is isolating and exhausting. Walking with another can be a relief and foster a sense of hope and direction. You have a right to feel better and reduce the barriers to your life goals. You have the right to be yourself and to feel understood and supported.

I am passionate about supporting parents in pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. As a new mother of two littles myself, I understand parenthood's unique challenges and rewards as well as its toll on mental health. I want to support you through life's ups and downs as you navigate each new stage of parenting. My areas of interest include: perinatal depression and anxiety, transitions to parenthood, attachment, postpartum identity, developmental disabilities, insomnia and perinatal wellness planning.

Depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, unresolved grief, work-related problems, phobias, and stress are among the most common symptoms that I address. Of particular interest to me (and my specialized training) is to go beyond only treating the presenting symptoms and to discover and address what has caused them to occur. Both in my work experience and in my training I have learned that symptoms typically diminish using various forms of psychotherapy. However, unless the underlying causes are understood and resolved the gains are not usually sustained. Over time symptoms tend to reemerge.

I am a registered Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, working with children and adolescents. I conduct psychoeducational assessments to identify diagnoses and general learning needs to assist with planning school supports, as well as neuropsychological assessments to identify impacts of neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, brain injury, genetic disorders) on cognitive functioning. I also offer therapy for children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, or behavioural challenges using an acceptance and commitment (ACT), CBT, mindful self-compassion, and/or positive parenting approach to intervention.

I believe that it is the connection with the therapist that is the catalyst for positive outcomes in clients. As such, I aim to forge an authentic bond that is genuine, meaningful and a means by which to grow in the ways you believe are beneficial.

Having worked in many different fields of Psychotherapy, I’ve developed an appreciation for holistic approaches to well-being. Painful events from our past affect our experience of the present and what we can imagine for our future. It’s not easy to break free from the patterns, beliefs, and anxieties that have held you back. My goal is to help you get unstuck by gaining new insights, developing new coping skills, and to ultimately build resilience.

If you are dealing with a recent trauma or trauma in the past that you believe may be holding you back and are easily triggered by things you feel should not be so hard to deal with, if you are sad or constantly anxious and worried, or if you are feeling that life is pulling you down and you are not sure how to get back on track, maybe trauma, old beliefs and habitual patterns are keeping you from finding enjoyment in your life. These things are challenging to deal with on your own sometimes but by building awareness and working through them with support and building inner resources you can live life with more peace and enjoyment.

I would be honoured to walk beside you for a portion of your journey. Many of us have had earlier experiences that impact our ability to work, love, play, or achieve our full potential. By exploring the connections between body, mind and emotions, you can overcome barriers and move forward. You are courageous in taking this first step ... whether you are seeking a psychological assessment for school or work-related challenges, trauma treatment, couples counselling, struggling with mood or anxiety-related concerns, or dealing with LGBTQ-specific questions.

Do you wish things were different? I work with diverse clients facing life's transitions and challenges. My theoretical framework is relational, using both talk therapy and/or creative/expressive arts modalities. Following your lead, I listen/witness and attune carefully in order to attend to your specific need. We start with where you are most comfortable, which means that talking, imagery, dreamwork and silence are all welcome. Although I work flexibly between short term talk therapy (psychodynamic psychotherapy) and expressive/creative arts, we safely build our relationship, while co-creating in our therapeutic studio space.

Does it feel like layers of stress, pressure, anxiety, and tension are starting to pile up on you? Are the struggles becoming harder to cope with? I can help. I have 12 years of experience supporting clients as they overcome various challenges and difficulties. I am excited, dedicated, and passionate about helping clients discover their goals, reduce their suffering, and find their way to a better life.

Are you frustrated, confused, tired and maybe even lost? You find yourself standing in front of your goal, and yet, it doesn’t feel like you’ve arrived. You look around and wonder, “Who am I, did I take a wrong turn somewhere?". You’re surrounded by strangers and you don’t even recognize yourself, because you spent your whole life hiding parts of yourself to fit in and creating new parts to fit in. It turns out that your goals may have been fueled by survival, not desire.

Therapy can be a transformative & empowering experience. Developing awareness of yourself & your relationships can allow for enriching self growth. Through our work together we will identify resources, skills, & patterns in your life that are effective as well as areas where you may want to change or improve. We also look at & process any events or self-talk that may be keeping you stuck or causing distress. I will work collaboratively with you to identify what would be most helpful for your therapy, keeping in mind your unique personal & cultural experiences, while developing a trusting & respectful therapeutic relationship.