Chronic Illness Therapists in Toronto, ON
I am a mother, daughter, sister, partner, and lifelong student. As a Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Qualified Mindfulness Instructor, I provide psychotherapy focused on understanding how past experiences influence your life now and on supporting meaningful change. My work is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and respect for your unique story, and is collaborative, evidence-informed, and rooted in mindfulness-based practice. Since 2009, I have studied the integration of Buddhism and psychology and have partnered with public and government institutions to deliver accessible mindfulness-based programs, including MBSR.
I am a mother, daughter, sister, partner, and lifelong student. As a Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Qualified Mindfulness Instructor, I provide psychotherapy focused on understanding how past experiences influence your life now and on supporting meaningful change. My work is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and respect for your unique story, and is collaborative, evidence-informed, and rooted in mindfulness-based practice. Since 2009, I have studied the integration of Buddhism and psychology and have partnered with public and government institutions to deliver accessible mindfulness-based programs, including MBSR.
Hello! I'm a relational psychotherapist, and my approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centred. I draw from a modality called Internal Family Systems (IFS), which plays a big part in how I do this work. I also work from an anti-oppressive lens, and I make room for the many different ways our identities are shaped, layered, and felt.
Hello! I'm a relational psychotherapist, and my approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centred. I draw from a modality called Internal Family Systems (IFS), which plays a big part in how I do this work. I also work from an anti-oppressive lens, and I make room for the many different ways our identities are shaped, layered, and felt.
My speciality is working with people who are managing chronic illness as well as depression and anxiety.
I have three areas of specialization as a psychologist: 1) Coping with chronic medical illness, such as cancer (especially hereditary cancers, such as Lynch syndrome), multiple sclerosis, IBD (e.g., Chron's disease, colitis) or other gastrointestinal problems, 2) Anxiety and depression, and 3) Couples therapy. I'm offering all appointments virtually, not in person. See my website for more information: drtaehart.com
My speciality is working with people who are managing chronic illness as well as depression and anxiety.
I have three areas of specialization as a psychologist: 1) Coping with chronic medical illness, such as cancer (especially hereditary cancers, such as Lynch syndrome), multiple sclerosis, IBD (e.g., Chron's disease, colitis) or other gastrointestinal problems, 2) Anxiety and depression, and 3) Couples therapy. I'm offering all appointments virtually, not in person. See my website for more information: drtaehart.com
I also bring lived understanding of chronic illness, particularly Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and hold deep care for the complexity of living in a body that can feel unpredictable.
I offer a warm, grounded, relational space where you can land just as you are. Together, we make room for what hurts, what feels stuck, and what may be asking for attention. My work is rooted in Gestalt therapy and guided by the belief that healing happens through awareness, honest contact, and a deeper relationship with yourself.
In our work, we slow down and listen — not only to your thoughts, but to your body, emotions, breath, and nervous system. So often, we become disconnected from ourselves in the effort to cope, survive, or keep going. Therapy can be a place to return.
I also bring lived understanding of chronic illness, particularly Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and hold deep care for the complexity of living in a body that can feel unpredictable.
I offer a warm, grounded, relational space where you can land just as you are. Together, we make room for what hurts, what feels stuck, and what may be asking for attention. My work is rooted in Gestalt therapy and guided by the belief that healing happens through awareness, honest contact, and a deeper relationship with yourself.
In our work, we slow down and listen — not only to your thoughts, but to your body, emotions, breath, and nervous system. So often, we become disconnected from ourselves in the effort to cope, survive, or keep going. Therapy can be a place to return.
My background allows me to support individuals, couples, and adult family members manage life transitions, family dynamics, chronic illness, existential questions, grief and loss, and stress related to creative practice, work, or academics.
Having studied and taught history and philosophy for over a decade before becoming a therapist, I see therapy as a place where we collaboratively explore what it means to live in the human condition. I help clients make sense of their pasts and patterns, examine their values and desires, and find meaning across the highs and lows of life. My aim is to create a space where you can slow down, ask hard questions, and explore more fully who you are—beyond external expectations or pressures.
Whether you are seeking greater connection, clarity, or direction, I strive to support you in a way that is holistic and attuned to you.
My background allows me to support individuals, couples, and adult family members manage life transitions, family dynamics, chronic illness, existential questions, grief and loss, and stress related to creative practice, work, or academics.
Having studied and taught history and philosophy for over a decade before becoming a therapist, I see therapy as a place where we collaboratively explore what it means to live in the human condition. I help clients make sense of their pasts and patterns, examine their values and desires, and find meaning across the highs and lows of life. My aim is to create a space where you can slow down, ask hard questions, and explore more fully who you are—beyond external expectations or pressures.
Whether you are seeking greater connection, clarity, or direction, I strive to support you in a way that is holistic and attuned to you.
Life’s challenges: childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, shame, or interpersonal conflicts can leave deep emotional scars that mask our inner strength and wisdom. These experiences can make it difficult to connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and the joy of life. With experience supporting individuals facing trauma, chronic pain, adjustment challenges, and psychosocial stressors, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding as someone living with a physical disability and chronic pain. This dual perspective allows me to approach therapy with empathy and authenticity.
Life’s challenges: childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, shame, or interpersonal conflicts can leave deep emotional scars that mask our inner strength and wisdom. These experiences can make it difficult to connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and the joy of life. With experience supporting individuals facing trauma, chronic pain, adjustment challenges, and psychosocial stressors, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding as someone living with a physical disability and chronic pain. This dual perspective allows me to approach therapy with empathy and authenticity.
I use acceptance and commitment, trauma-informed and cognitive behavioural therapies to address issues with grief & loss, anxiety, chronic illness, relationships, childhood trauma, substance use, and identity.
Seeking therapy can be intimidating. Are you ready to talk to someone, but unsure where to start? Are you thinking, 'What's the point?' and 'No one can help me.' Are you worried about being judged? Criticized? You are probably feeling overwhelmed by these thoughts, and very alone. But what if you could talk freely and openly without being judged? What if you were offered practical tools to face your challenges? This is the space that I can create for you. I will use authenticity, respect, curiosity and kindness to help you confront and explore your challenges. I will help you build tailored strategies to confidently meet your goals.
I use acceptance and commitment, trauma-informed and cognitive behavioural therapies to address issues with grief & loss, anxiety, chronic illness, relationships, childhood trauma, substance use, and identity.
Seeking therapy can be intimidating. Are you ready to talk to someone, but unsure where to start? Are you thinking, 'What's the point?' and 'No one can help me.' Are you worried about being judged? Criticized? You are probably feeling overwhelmed by these thoughts, and very alone. But what if you could talk freely and openly without being judged? What if you were offered practical tools to face your challenges? This is the space that I can create for you. I will use authenticity, respect, curiosity and kindness to help you confront and explore your challenges. I will help you build tailored strategies to confidently meet your goals.
Are you needing help with the issues holding you back? Getting the support you need can free you up to resolve old wounds and bring more of your unique gifts into the world. I’m passionate about helping others to transform and integrate their trauma. My practice is highly resource focused so you can experience stabilization and progress from the beginning. The combination of Somatic therapy and IFS (Parts work) is very effective in unravelling the lingering effects and repeating patterns of trauma. You may also be deeply spiritual and wanting to integrate spirituality with therapy. The divine is a powerful resource to connect to.
Are you needing help with the issues holding you back? Getting the support you need can free you up to resolve old wounds and bring more of your unique gifts into the world. I’m passionate about helping others to transform and integrate their trauma. My practice is highly resource focused so you can experience stabilization and progress from the beginning. The combination of Somatic therapy and IFS (Parts work) is very effective in unravelling the lingering effects and repeating patterns of trauma. You may also be deeply spiritual and wanting to integrate spirituality with therapy. The divine is a powerful resource to connect to.
I work with individuals and couples who want to improve their emotional and physical well-being. Many are coping with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or health concerns, and are looking for a supportive, evidence-based approach to feel more balanced and connected. I work collaboratively with my clients to strengthen resilience, improve communication, and live with greater clarity and confidence.
I work with individuals and couples who want to improve their emotional and physical well-being. Many are coping with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or health concerns, and are looking for a supportive, evidence-based approach to feel more balanced and connected. I work collaboratively with my clients to strengthen resilience, improve communication, and live with greater clarity and confidence.
Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Walker is a registered clinical and health psychologist and a Clinical Director and Founder of The Downtown Psychology Clinic, a group private practice located in Toronto. Dr Walker works with adults, adolescents and children with a broad range of difficulties including worry, panic, obsessions and compulsions, perfectionism, depression, eating concerns, navigating stressors and transitions, social difficulties, and adjustment to and coping with acute and chronic illnesses.
Dr. Kathryn (Katie) Walker is a registered clinical and health psychologist and a Clinical Director and Founder of The Downtown Psychology Clinic, a group private practice located in Toronto. Dr Walker works with adults, adolescents and children with a broad range of difficulties including worry, panic, obsessions and compulsions, perfectionism, depression, eating concerns, navigating stressors and transitions, social difficulties, and adjustment to and coping with acute and chronic illnesses.
How do we define well-being for you? I'm available for those seeking support around grief, loss, medical trauma, relationship issues, work challenges, emotional regulation, identity, and related concerns. I have online availability with sliding scale rates and operate in-person at three Ontario locations.
I tailor the therapy approach to your needs on an ongoing basis, honouring your strengths and self-awareness in paving your own healing journey. LGBTQ+ folks and those experiencing women's health issues are strongly encouraged in my practice.
How do we define well-being for you? I'm available for those seeking support around grief, loss, medical trauma, relationship issues, work challenges, emotional regulation, identity, and related concerns. I have online availability with sliding scale rates and operate in-person at three Ontario locations.
I tailor the therapy approach to your needs on an ongoing basis, honouring your strengths and self-awareness in paving your own healing journey. LGBTQ+ folks and those experiencing women's health issues are strongly encouraged in my practice.
Additionally, she has a background in rehabilitation, working with people who are living with chronic illness and pain
Noga values the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation from which empowerment and positive change grow. She emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative environment to help clients address their concerns and goals. She helps clients with their pain and suffering as well as deepen their personal growth and improve their emotional well-being.
Additionally, she has a background in rehabilitation, working with people who are living with chronic illness and pain
Noga values the importance of the therapeutic relationship as the foundation from which empowerment and positive change grow. She emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative environment to help clients address their concerns and goals. She helps clients with their pain and suffering as well as deepen their personal growth and improve their emotional well-being.
I have over ten years experience helping people navigate various life challenges and transitions—from illness, trauma, and loss to relationship issues, anxiety, depression and ADHD. You may not know where it is that you are going with respect to the challenges you are facing, but are now in a space of wanting to work through and away from these problems that are troubling you. I offer a warm, collaborative and creative approach to support you in this journey.
I have over ten years experience helping people navigate various life challenges and transitions—from illness, trauma, and loss to relationship issues, anxiety, depression and ADHD. You may not know where it is that you are going with respect to the challenges you are facing, but are now in a space of wanting to work through and away from these problems that are troubling you. I offer a warm, collaborative and creative approach to support you in this journey.
Struggling with intense emotions, unstable relationships, or feeling caught in patterns you’re trying to break? I support adults managing emotion regulation challenges. I offer DBT Skills Groups for people interested in developing their capacity to manage intense emotions, while ensuring their needs are met, and their relationships are maintained. Therapy can offer structure, clarity, and space to feel more grounded and in control. Together, we’ll focus on building insight, developing emotional regulation skills, and creating lasting change through a process that’s collaborative, supportive, and grounded in your goals.
Struggling with intense emotions, unstable relationships, or feeling caught in patterns you’re trying to break? I support adults managing emotion regulation challenges. I offer DBT Skills Groups for people interested in developing their capacity to manage intense emotions, while ensuring their needs are met, and their relationships are maintained. Therapy can offer structure, clarity, and space to feel more grounded and in control. Together, we’ll focus on building insight, developing emotional regulation skills, and creating lasting change through a process that’s collaborative, supportive, and grounded in your goals.
Having served as a family physician in both emergency and rural clinics in Iran, Sahar has experience assisting patients coping with anxiety and depression within the realm of chronic illnesses, somatoform disorders, OCD, and trauma. In addition, she provided personalized counseling to newcomers dealing with adjustment challenges. Sahar integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, grounded in an anti-oppressive and humanistic approach. She is also deeply interested in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, drawing on the insights of Lacan and Freud in her practice.
Having served as a family physician in both emergency and rural clinics in Iran, Sahar has experience assisting patients coping with anxiety and depression within the realm of chronic illnesses, somatoform disorders, OCD, and trauma. In addition, she provided personalized counseling to newcomers dealing with adjustment challenges. Sahar integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, grounded in an anti-oppressive and humanistic approach. She is also deeply interested in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, drawing on the insights of Lacan and Freud in her practice.
Meghan offers individualized support using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices and uses a strength-based and active listening approach, among many other therapeutic interventions. Her strength in counselling lies in her ability to understand and meet clients where they’re at, before progressing to meet their goals. With a masters degree in social work, a Bachelor of Arts degree with an honors specialization in psychology and a background in crisis intervention, Meghan has been providing individual and family counselling since 2009.
Meghan offers individualized support using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices and uses a strength-based and active listening approach, among many other therapeutic interventions. Her strength in counselling lies in her ability to understand and meet clients where they’re at, before progressing to meet their goals. With a masters degree in social work, a Bachelor of Arts degree with an honors specialization in psychology and a background in crisis intervention, Meghan has been providing individual and family counselling since 2009.
Inglis & Inglis Psychotherapy &
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, MEd, she/her
4 Endorsed
Online Only
You may look “fine” on the outside, but inside your system feels overloaded: exhaustion, brain fog, emotional reactivity, grief, or a steady loss of capacity. I specialize in supporting adults navigating Long COVID, post-viral conditions, burnout, chronic overwhelm, and nervous-system depletion. Many of my clients are high-achieving women, caregivers, therapists, leaders, and sensitive internalizers who have spent years pushing through while quietly running on empty.
You may look “fine” on the outside, but inside your system feels overloaded: exhaustion, brain fog, emotional reactivity, grief, or a steady loss of capacity. I specialize in supporting adults navigating Long COVID, post-viral conditions, burnout, chronic overwhelm, and nervous-system depletion. Many of my clients are high-achieving women, caregivers, therapists, leaders, and sensitive internalizers who have spent years pushing through while quietly running on empty.
Tara Zadeh, M.D. is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Licentiate of Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) with a combined over 15 years of experience in helping clients with wide range of mental health challenges from PTSD (Complex PTSD, Vicarious trauma in healthcare providers, Developmental trauma, ..), Chronic pain and Medically Unexplained symptoms (MUS), depression and anxiety, life transition, relationship issues, anger management, family conflict, grief and loss. In the past 15 years she has tailored her working experience in the field of mental heath and addiction, taking up different roles in diverse mental health settings.
Tara Zadeh, M.D. is a Registered Psychotherapist and a Licentiate of Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) with a combined over 15 years of experience in helping clients with wide range of mental health challenges from PTSD (Complex PTSD, Vicarious trauma in healthcare providers, Developmental trauma, ..), Chronic pain and Medically Unexplained symptoms (MUS), depression and anxiety, life transition, relationship issues, anger management, family conflict, grief and loss. In the past 15 years she has tailored her working experience in the field of mental heath and addiction, taking up different roles in diverse mental health settings.
I work with people from all nations and cultures, and I work more with adults in my practice and with some Chinese when I also speak both Mandarin and Cantonese. Life is never smooth. From time to time, we need to seek help from others to face the challenges. As a professional psychotherapist, I am keen to journey with you through your life difficulties such as traumatic events, life changes, loss, and grief. I will help you to identify your own feelings, emotions, values, faith, and strength to face your life problems causing stress, anxiety or depression etc. Hopefully we work together to find meaning and transcend life changes.
I work with people from all nations and cultures, and I work more with adults in my practice and with some Chinese when I also speak both Mandarin and Cantonese. Life is never smooth. From time to time, we need to seek help from others to face the challenges. As a professional psychotherapist, I am keen to journey with you through your life difficulties such as traumatic events, life changes, loss, and grief. I will help you to identify your own feelings, emotions, values, faith, and strength to face your life problems causing stress, anxiety or depression etc. Hopefully we work together to find meaning and transcend life changes.
Danelle Marilyn
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), GRIEF, ILLNESS, TRAUMA
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with individuals navigating major life transitions, grief, anxiety, caregiving, chronic illness, cancer, trauma, and ambiguous loss.
I use a warm, person-centred, trauma-informed approach that integrates Narrative, Solution-Focused, CBT Therapy, and Psychoeducation. I help clients process difficult experiences, build practical coping skills, strengthen resilience, and develop greater self-compassion. Therapy is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs.
I work with individuals navigating major life transitions, grief, anxiety, caregiving, chronic illness, cancer, trauma, and ambiguous loss.
I use a warm, person-centred, trauma-informed approach that integrates Narrative, Solution-Focused, CBT Therapy, and Psychoeducation. I help clients process difficult experiences, build practical coping skills, strengthen resilience, and develop greater self-compassion. Therapy is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Chronic Illness Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- North York
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Unionville
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Chronic Illness Counsellors
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.