Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Toronto, ON
Julien Fortier
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BMT, RSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5V (Online Only)
I specialize in supporting clients with mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, substance use, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Ideal clients seek holistic care, combining mindfulness, CBT, music therapy, and empathy. They desire equitable, barrier-free support for stability and a healthier mindset. They value tailored strategies and a collaborative ally skilled in advocacy and communication. Ultimately, they seek understanding and holistic healing in a safe, empathetic space.
I specialize in supporting clients with mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, substance use, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Ideal clients seek holistic care, combining mindfulness, CBT, music therapy, and empathy. They desire equitable, barrier-free support for stability and a healthier mindset. They value tailored strategies and a collaborative ally skilled in advocacy and communication. Ultimately, they seek understanding and holistic healing in a safe, empathetic space.
Lucie Ritchie & Heal Psychotherapy Inc.
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M9A
The impacts of trauma rewire the brain and nervous system to experience the world as a threatening place. This adaptation alters how we relate to ourselves and others, and it leads us away from authentic identity. Trauma, whether big or small, includes events like past childhood abuse, emotional neglect, violence, grief, rejection, chronic pain and illness, to name a few. You may become stressed, anxious, experience intrusive thoughts, fear, and rage. You may feel alone, easily triggered, trapped, and like there’s a void within—like you just can’t be yourself again. Yet, you have no clue that it all stems from unprocessed trauma.
The impacts of trauma rewire the brain and nervous system to experience the world as a threatening place. This adaptation alters how we relate to ourselves and others, and it leads us away from authentic identity. Trauma, whether big or small, includes events like past childhood abuse, emotional neglect, violence, grief, rejection, chronic pain and illness, to name a few. You may become stressed, anxious, experience intrusive thoughts, fear, and rage. You may feel alone, easily triggered, trapped, and like there’s a void within—like you just can’t be yourself again. Yet, you have no clue that it all stems from unprocessed trauma.
Maryam Ashkan
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2M
Waitlist for new clients
When your past lives on, you aren’t being fair to your future! You may feel like you are reliving the same old story and stuck in a repetitive pattern of negative thoughts, behaviour, and emotions with no way out. As a therapist, I walk with you to revisit these old stories and guide you to change this pattern. We will have an open conversation where you bring the knowledge of your life and I bring the knowledge of how a change can happen. My experience as a therapist has taught me that people need to be understood in an open, nonjudgmental, supportive and nurturing environment. Part of my job is to provide this environment.
When your past lives on, you aren’t being fair to your future! You may feel like you are reliving the same old story and stuck in a repetitive pattern of negative thoughts, behaviour, and emotions with no way out. As a therapist, I walk with you to revisit these old stories and guide you to change this pattern. We will have an open conversation where you bring the knowledge of your life and I bring the knowledge of how a change can happen. My experience as a therapist has taught me that people need to be understood in an open, nonjudgmental, supportive and nurturing environment. Part of my job is to provide this environment.
CONGRATULATIONS. You've taken the first step towards getting help. Finding the right therapist can be difficult. For that reason, I offer an initial 40 min. consult for free. My LGBTQ positive practice is in Mind/Body & Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Problems I work with are: Sexual Abuse, Problematic Sexual Issues/Behaviours, Gender issues, Low Self Esteem, Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Loss/Grief, Dissociation, Relationship issues and DID. I pay close attention to overwhelming thoughts, emotions, and sensations. My previous massage practice (1989-2014) reflects my knowledge of how emotions are expressed and often held in our bodies.
CONGRATULATIONS. You've taken the first step towards getting help. Finding the right therapist can be difficult. For that reason, I offer an initial 40 min. consult for free. My LGBTQ positive practice is in Mind/Body & Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Problems I work with are: Sexual Abuse, Problematic Sexual Issues/Behaviours, Gender issues, Low Self Esteem, Anxiety, Trauma, Depression, Loss/Grief, Dissociation, Relationship issues and DID. I pay close attention to overwhelming thoughts, emotions, and sensations. My previous massage practice (1989-2014) reflects my knowledge of how emotions are expressed and often held in our bodies.
Andy L'Heureux
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
Therapy doesn't have to be scary! I know first-hand what it can be like to suffer in silence, longing for change, & struggling to find someone who "gets" you. If you grew up in a home where you didn't get the support that you needed, if you went through something that you feel like you have never recovered from, or if you feel like a black sheep everywhere you go, I would be happy to co-create a non-judgmental healing space where you feel seen, heard, & valued. We can work on things like learning to understand yourself, re-gaining control of your life, & appreciating the parts of you that have clawed you out of your darkest times.
Therapy doesn't have to be scary! I know first-hand what it can be like to suffer in silence, longing for change, & struggling to find someone who "gets" you. If you grew up in a home where you didn't get the support that you needed, if you went through something that you feel like you have never recovered from, or if you feel like a black sheep everywhere you go, I would be happy to co-create a non-judgmental healing space where you feel seen, heard, & valued. We can work on things like learning to understand yourself, re-gaining control of your life, & appreciating the parts of you that have clawed you out of your darkest times.
Does living life feel much more difficult for you than it seems to be for other people? Do you try endlessly to achieve your potential and feel happy, or at least satisfied, but nothing really seems to help? Have you tried everything you can think of but still can't seem to find relaxation or peace of mind?
Does living life feel much more difficult for you than it seems to be for other people? Do you try endlessly to achieve your potential and feel happy, or at least satisfied, but nothing really seems to help? Have you tried everything you can think of but still can't seem to find relaxation or peace of mind?
Aarti Dhanda - Childhood Abuse - Disassociation - Perfectionism
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5V (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You’re not “broken.” You can heal. I believe it’s not your fault, even if you struggle to believe it. I offer a safe space where we’ll heal the root issues so you can make lasting change. We'll address your thoughts, emotions & neurobiology to heal all of you, allowing you to thrive in unexpected ways. The deep sense of peace, calm & joy on the other side of pain is something I want everyone to feel. I know there may be some worry & hesitation showing up right now. Know that I'm very comfortable to work with that. Rest assured, I’m dedicated to being the best I can be for you.
You’re not “broken.” You can heal. I believe it’s not your fault, even if you struggle to believe it. I offer a safe space where we’ll heal the root issues so you can make lasting change. We'll address your thoughts, emotions & neurobiology to heal all of you, allowing you to thrive in unexpected ways. The deep sense of peace, calm & joy on the other side of pain is something I want everyone to feel. I know there may be some worry & hesitation showing up right now. Know that I'm very comfortable to work with that. Rest assured, I’m dedicated to being the best I can be for you.
Are you suffering from narcissistic abuse and looking to heal your heart from it? Are you sick of always needing to meet others’ needs at the expense of your soul because of the way they always shame you if you don’t meet their demands? If you already fully acknowledge that you currently are or have suffered from narcissistic abuse in your life, that is already a huge step towards your healed heart. A lot of the time, people who have experienced life-long narcissistic abuse have a very difficult time awakening to the reality of the fact that they are suffering from it. They are so used to the abuse that it becomes a norm to them.
Are you suffering from narcissistic abuse and looking to heal your heart from it? Are you sick of always needing to meet others’ needs at the expense of your soul because of the way they always shame you if you don’t meet their demands? If you already fully acknowledge that you currently are or have suffered from narcissistic abuse in your life, that is already a huge step towards your healed heart. A lot of the time, people who have experienced life-long narcissistic abuse have a very difficult time awakening to the reality of the fact that they are suffering from it. They are so used to the abuse that it becomes a norm to them.
Trying to cope with the pressures and stresses of life leaves us anxious, depressed, and disconnected from ourselves and others. Many of us fall into self-sabotaging behaviours or repeat unhealthy relationships. Many of us face the limitations of psychiatric treatment and are forced to carry the weight and stigma of diagnosis. Many of us struggle simply to maintain our creativity and our sense of self against overwhelming pressures to conform or perform. We all need the chance to check in and process our feelings and reactions, to work through the struggles of our personal history, and find new and creative ways to move forward.
Trying to cope with the pressures and stresses of life leaves us anxious, depressed, and disconnected from ourselves and others. Many of us fall into self-sabotaging behaviours or repeat unhealthy relationships. Many of us face the limitations of psychiatric treatment and are forced to carry the weight and stigma of diagnosis. Many of us struggle simply to maintain our creativity and our sense of self against overwhelming pressures to conform or perform. We all need the chance to check in and process our feelings and reactions, to work through the struggles of our personal history, and find new and creative ways to move forward.
Gisele Harrison
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5P (Online Only)
All of the ISMS as well as abuse, illness/pain, loss, grief, shame, and feeling disconnected and unworthy can feel so painful and isolating. The services I offer are focused on healing the whole mind and body. You will learn how to calm your nervous system and develop an embodied awareness of the strategies you developed as protection against further harm (fight, flight, freeze, fawn). Together we can reprocess and reconsolidate painful memories. My ideal client is open-minded, committed to bi-weekly appointments, and understands that healing involves engaging in calming & healing exercises between appointments.
All of the ISMS as well as abuse, illness/pain, loss, grief, shame, and feeling disconnected and unworthy can feel so painful and isolating. The services I offer are focused on healing the whole mind and body. You will learn how to calm your nervous system and develop an embodied awareness of the strategies you developed as protection against further harm (fight, flight, freeze, fawn). Together we can reprocess and reconsolidate painful memories. My ideal client is open-minded, committed to bi-weekly appointments, and understands that healing involves engaging in calming & healing exercises between appointments.
Clyde Thaddeus Mason
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5A (Online Only)
I help people recover from trauma using Somatic Experiencing and adapted Internal Family Systems. I work with people who are plural or systems, Autistic, or survivors of religious, medical, or sexual violence. I prioritize transgender, 2S, and nonbinary survivors. I am open to everyone. From a Somatic Experiencing perspective, trauma is energy trapped in the nervous system caused by incomplete protective responses. Sensations are the language of the nervous system. I will guide you to notice and listen to your body's sensations so that you can regulate your nervous system and grow your capacity to feel presence, joy, and relief.
I help people recover from trauma using Somatic Experiencing and adapted Internal Family Systems. I work with people who are plural or systems, Autistic, or survivors of religious, medical, or sexual violence. I prioritize transgender, 2S, and nonbinary survivors. I am open to everyone. From a Somatic Experiencing perspective, trauma is energy trapped in the nervous system caused by incomplete protective responses. Sensations are the language of the nervous system. I will guide you to notice and listen to your body's sensations so that you can regulate your nervous system and grow your capacity to feel presence, joy, and relief.
15 Second Videos
Julien Fortier
Lucie Ritchie & Heal Psychotherapy Inc.
Dong Oh at Tracey & Co Inc
Brian Powell
Rina Johnson
Aditi Jagirdar
Luigi Garde
Melissa Mulongoy
Jada Williams
Melissa Donohue
Simone Moir
International Healers Association
Dara Klug
Peter Stathakos & Associates Inc
Gwyneth Hodgins
Savannah Finnessey
Francy Fang Wang
Ripple Effect Services
Strength Counselling Services
Sarah Ferland
Bev Fredborg
Emily A Dolan
Preeti Taneja
Milly Feliz
Irina Mirazizyan
Desiree Crooks
Church Wellesley Counselling and Psychotherapy
Aleksandra Drozd
Heyday Therapy Inc
Jennifer E Landry
Hanna Mah
Tracey Nguyen at True Health Counselling
Ken Walton
Real-Talk Psychotherapy
Xt Belcastro
Stephanie Thorson Psychotherapy
Ken Peters
Dialectical Living
Online & In-person Talk, Somatic & Sound Therapy.
Hayley Hope
ThriveWell Counselling Inc.
Advance Health Psychotherapy & Psychology
Joshua Albert
Linda Storm
Sj Thiessen
Karey L. Wilson
Karen Lynn Goslin
Talia Singer
Jonathan Philip Morgan
Moon Naz
Located by Atwater Market in Montreal, I work with clients in person and online. I treat trauma and PTSD symptoms with EMDR to free you from your emotional pain, disturbing images, negative beliefs, triggers, memories, and sensations. Please CLICK the "Schedule A Consultation" button at my WEBSITE to book a free 20-minute Zoom consultation - www.montrealemdr.com . My average client sees me for 4-7hrs and moves on! I am very busy and have a wait list, so please check the "wait list" option on my scheduler as I get a few cancellations a week. www.montrealemdr.com
Located by Atwater Market in Montreal, I work with clients in person and online. I treat trauma and PTSD symptoms with EMDR to free you from your emotional pain, disturbing images, negative beliefs, triggers, memories, and sensations. Please CLICK the "Schedule A Consultation" button at my WEBSITE to book a free 20-minute Zoom consultation - www.montrealemdr.com . My average client sees me for 4-7hrs and moves on! I am very busy and have a wait list, so please check the "wait list" option on my scheduler as I get a few cancellations a week. www.montrealemdr.com
Ariana N. Zeppieri-Makhan
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5S
Are you working through challenges, or seeking growth? Have your tried methods not been especially true? You may not have a coherent formulation of what you seek (especially for those new to therapy); part of my job is to help you reach those insights and feel hope or excitement for the change to come. If you're reticent, I welcome you to a commitment-free chat to get a better sense of the process. If you're ready and want to make a change, now is the time. My door is always open.
Are you working through challenges, or seeking growth? Have your tried methods not been especially true? You may not have a coherent formulation of what you seek (especially for those new to therapy); part of my job is to help you reach those insights and feel hope or excitement for the change to come. If you're reticent, I welcome you to a commitment-free chat to get a better sense of the process. If you're ready and want to make a change, now is the time. My door is always open.
Katherine Castello
Registered Social Worker, MCC, IFS, EMDR, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M1T
Waitlist for new clients
As an advocate for changing the standard of mental health care in Niagara, Katherine Castello strategically structured her qualifications to address the gaps she believes exist in our current mental health endemic. Certified in Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Katherine has a passion for supporting survivors of Complex Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Attachment Trauma.
As an advocate for changing the standard of mental health care in Niagara, Katherine Castello strategically structured her qualifications to address the gaps she believes exist in our current mental health endemic. Certified in Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS) and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Katherine has a passion for supporting survivors of Complex Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Attachment Trauma.
Negative life experiences not only affect a person individually, but relationally as well. Survivors can begin to experience issues with trust, communication and closeness that often create a pattern of distancing in order to avoid conflict. From my years of training and experience, both personally and professionally, I believe in the power of reconnecting with the self and others to heal.
Negative life experiences not only affect a person individually, but relationally as well. Survivors can begin to experience issues with trust, communication and closeness that often create a pattern of distancing in order to avoid conflict. From my years of training and experience, both personally and professionally, I believe in the power of reconnecting with the self and others to heal.
As you go along in life, do you find yourself switching between different moods and hijacked by so many contradictory feelings and impulses that feel out of your control or conscious awareness? You may wish to live life more fully and meaningfully while you find yourself inhibited or limited with struggles between your wish for involvement in ordinary life and fear of leaving the house, mistrust of relationships, or hopelessness about future. In dealing with these personal challenges, you may feel flooded and severely anxious or in trying to disconnect or deny these responses, may feel chronically depressed and alienated from self.
As you go along in life, do you find yourself switching between different moods and hijacked by so many contradictory feelings and impulses that feel out of your control or conscious awareness? You may wish to live life more fully and meaningfully while you find yourself inhibited or limited with struggles between your wish for involvement in ordinary life and fear of leaving the house, mistrust of relationships, or hopelessness about future. In dealing with these personal challenges, you may feel flooded and severely anxious or in trying to disconnect or deny these responses, may feel chronically depressed and alienated from self.
Now Accepting New Clients For In Person and Online Therapy, with No Wait List! We understand that when sad, bad or stressful events happen throughout your life (no matter how BIG or how SMALL!), it can change how you see yourself, other people and the world around you. When you go looking for help it can be hard to know where to start, but I'm here to help you start to make the changes you are looking for. Our team is dedicated to offering more than just talk therapy, but are trauma specialists offering evidence based treatment.
Now Accepting New Clients For In Person and Online Therapy, with No Wait List! We understand that when sad, bad or stressful events happen throughout your life (no matter how BIG or how SMALL!), it can change how you see yourself, other people and the world around you. When you go looking for help it can be hard to know where to start, but I'm here to help you start to make the changes you are looking for. Our team is dedicated to offering more than just talk therapy, but are trauma specialists offering evidence based treatment.
Himel Das - Anxiety, Depression, Trauma Specialty
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, OAMHP, BSP, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2N (Online Only)
Do you often feel anxious, worried, and depressed? How about frustrated or even guilty? Perhaps you have experienced trauma, feel lost trying to understand your mind, and want to reduce the impact of painful thoughts and feelings. My work focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional issues. I can help you to find calm and peace in your life, and create a rich, full and meaningful life. I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. I also hold a master's degree in counselling psychology, certification in counselling skills, MBCT, hypnosis, telehealth and trauma.
Do you often feel anxious, worried, and depressed? How about frustrated or even guilty? Perhaps you have experienced trauma, feel lost trying to understand your mind, and want to reduce the impact of painful thoughts and feelings. My work focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional issues. I can help you to find calm and peace in your life, and create a rich, full and meaningful life. I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. I also hold a master's degree in counselling psychology, certification in counselling skills, MBCT, hypnosis, telehealth and trauma.
When you dreamed about getting pregnant and having kids, you hoped it would be an easy process. You’d conceive quickly, have a healthy baby, your body would work as you expected, you’d feel in control of the birth process. You expected that parenting would feel intuitive, you would know what to do to meet your child’s needs, the act of parenting would bring you and your partner closer. The reality is that conception, birth and parenting can be full of regret, disappointment, and confusion. Unmet expectations around conception, birth and parenting can leave you feeling disconnected, full of grief and carrying a heavy load.
When you dreamed about getting pregnant and having kids, you hoped it would be an easy process. You’d conceive quickly, have a healthy baby, your body would work as you expected, you’d feel in control of the birth process. You expected that parenting would feel intuitive, you would know what to do to meet your child’s needs, the act of parenting would bring you and your partner closer. The reality is that conception, birth and parenting can be full of regret, disappointment, and confusion. Unmet expectations around conception, birth and parenting can leave you feeling disconnected, full of grief and carrying a heavy load.
Tania Medeiros
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P (Online Only)
When life begins to feel challenging and overwhelming, it can be difficult to create space for calm and stillness. We may even seek to avoid the quiet altogether, fearing the thoughts that arise or the emotions we keep buried beneath the surface. It often feels easier to distract ourselves from our thoughts or to numb and detach from the challenging emotions that inevitably emerge. Therapy can provide us with a space to turn inward and deeply connect with ourselves, allowing us to bring awareness to our patterns, better understand our needs, move towards acceptance, or even work towards change.
When life begins to feel challenging and overwhelming, it can be difficult to create space for calm and stillness. We may even seek to avoid the quiet altogether, fearing the thoughts that arise or the emotions we keep buried beneath the surface. It often feels easier to distract ourselves from our thoughts or to numb and detach from the challenging emotions that inevitably emerge. Therapy can provide us with a space to turn inward and deeply connect with ourselves, allowing us to bring awareness to our patterns, better understand our needs, move towards acceptance, or even work towards change.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- Aurora
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Markham
- Mississauga
- North York
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
- York
Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counsellors
How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?
Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behavior therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.
Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.
Are there specific medications for dissociation?
There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom—which may include antipsychotics like aripiprazole, antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines.
How often and how long are therapy sessions?
Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.