Gestalt Therapists in Toronto, ON

Are complicated relationships and old patterns keeping you feeling stuck and like you're running on empty? The good news is that accessing support is possible. Together we can unpack the layers of dust that hold you hostage. We'll discover tools for greater fulfillment in your intimate relationships along with creativity, humour, and joy. My approach is warm, compassionate and inviting. I have many years of experience providing trauma informed and evidence based therapy to individuals, couples, and teens. I believe in your strength and capacity for greater healing and growth. I specialize in Intimacy, Relationships and Sexuality.

Looking for support? Therapy provides an opportunity to express big feelings, talk through challenges, explore patterns of behaviour, develop greater self-awareness, and try different ways of being and relating. I practice contemporary Gestalt therapy that is experiential, relational and embodied. I was first drawn to Gestalt because it embraces an egalitarian relationship between client and therapist, takes a non-pathologizing approach to mental health, and invites creativity. I emphasize the development of self-awareness as a way to increase choice, flexibility, acceptance, and ultimately wellbeing.

With a calm, non-judgmental and supportive approach, I consider it a privilege to work with my clients to feel better amid life's many challenges. Whether it's through modifying habitual negative thinking, developing greater self-awareness or moving past unhelpful patterns in relationships, I help my clients make positive changes in their lives. In therapy we would undertake a thorough exploration of your background and concerns, and collaborate to set concrete goals with the overarching aim of improving your mental health and well-being. My educational background includes degrees from Yale University and University of Toronto.

I came to Gestalt Psychotherapy after a decade of teaching yoga and meditation workshops in Canada, Greece, Mexico and Nicaragua. I noticed that wisdom practices (such as meditation, yoga, breath-work, and reflection) lead people to face vulnerability and perhaps even pain inside their minds, hearts and bodies. Many people have insights about themselves, but they believe they can mentally figure it out on their own. We are not meant to do all the processing on our own. The therapeutic relationship allows us the support of a compassionate and trained witness so we can explore what is present.

I'm a queer non-binary practitioner. I strive to embody a safe place for folks under the 2SLGBTQA+ umbrella, including transgender and non-binary people. I work with depression, anxiety, childhood sexual abuse, exploring gender identity and gender expression. I enjoy working with creative people and highly sensitive folks. I work with couples, and support polyamorous/ non-monogamous relationships. This kink and sex positive practice prioritizes co-creating a safe and supportive space. We experience non-hierarchical and co-created, creative sessions.

Over 13 years of experience working in counseling and psychotherapy, with adults in private and educational settings. I have expertise in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, complex trauma and dissociation, health-related and stress disorders, as well as phase of life and circumstantial stress. As an immigrant, I have experienced overcoming the struggles of losing a home, and immigration stress holds a special place in my professional interests. My personal strengths include genuine caring, compassion, and straightforwardness for all clients.

The first step to an effective therapeutic journey is feeling accepted and understood. I offer a calming, compassionate, and non-judgmental presence as we work together. My goal is to understand you, and to help you understand yourself.

I work with adults from many backgrounds who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, relationship conflict, grief, loss, abandonment, or disappointment. My clients are looking to build their self-awareness. My training is in Gestalt psychotherapy. This approach invites you to explore your patterns and beliefs, and how you relate to yourself and your environment. I do not "fix" problems – rather, I explore the feelings that come up for you whether they be fear, anger, disgust, sadness, joy, or any combination of these.

Do you feel alone with depression, anxiety, social phobia, emotional eating or other issues that keep you from living a satisfying life? Do you feel weighed down instead of feeling alive and enthusiastic? I am here to walk with you so you can be supported to get to a new place in life. Don't do it alone. Sometimes people feel they should just get over it or work on things by themselves. As an experienced therapist I can assist you to make the journey faster.

I've been both the client and the therapist, and I believe strongly in the power of the therapeutic connection. It is an hour just for you; a space to find your voice, understand yourself, get out of your own way. This is what I offer my clients - a relationship where we work together in exploring what is going on for you, take the time to develop trust and tolerance for challenge, and where *everything* is open for discussion. My style is both direct and playful, curious and open-minded. I love working with clients who are ready for change, even if they don't know exactly what that might look like.

There are times in our lives when we can't see the wood for the trees and it seems as though we are falling backwards into the same hole. I believe that through the process of therapy we can uncover our strengths and find our way forward. I believe that we can grow and change by challenging our way of seeing ourselves, others and the world. I believe that changing these perceptions will help us feel better about ourselves and help us operate more effectively. My strength is in the way in which I work, which is both collaborative and creative.

Every person's life is worth a novel (E Polster) What I love about my work is meeting you and your story. I offer an open space and a safe container to explore what you experience, feel, think, believe. I listen with empathy, and I respond with care from my own experience. Such a relief to be really listened to. As we explore together, we gain insight into the places where you're feeling stuck. We discover fresh perspectives and directions for change.

With 14 years of experience as the head counsellor at The Michener Institute, I offer professional support for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and family challenges. My use of both Gestalt Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) gives me a wide range of options for support for both individual and couples. Gestalt focuses on the 'here and now,' our body experiences and childhood patterns and helps us be present in our relationships. CBT has been rigorously tested in over 1000 studies, and is a therapy that supports depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD), panic and anxiety, phobias and stress.

Phone or online video support for Frontline Healthcare Workers for Covid-19 Pandemic. Stress, anxiety, burnout, PTSD. You want change and are open to looking at yourself in a new way. I offer a space to explore ways to incorporate feelings into your existence and integrate them with your thinking mind, so that you can make more informed choices about how to live. I believe you have the inner knowledge to grow and live more in harmony with who you really are. By listening well, being present and responding genuinely, I will help you tap into your own resources.

Sometimes life is harder than we know how to handle. You want someone who is supportive and compassionate to explore your life with. You could be looking for support during a difficult time or recovery after a difficult ending or experience. You might have some confusion as to why things are going wrong in your relationships which you hope to strengthen or repair. Perhaps the pandemic turned life upside down and you are trying to find your balance again. Maybe you struggle with narcissism or have suffered in a relationship with someone who does and are looking for a therapist who can understand that pain.

I believe we are doing the best we can with the tools available. From my perspective, trauma can get locked in the body if there isn't enough safety to respond in the moment. I will support you in building on the wisdom you already have, and will creatively explore with you the places you feel stuck, shaky, or unmet. Through a relational and experiential process, I will bring attention and compassion to your suffering and untended needs. You can expect me to be warm, direct, steady, and responsive. Additionally, I am Queer & Trans affirming, kink-aware, and knowledgeable around polyamory/non monogamy.

As a therapist in training – a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) – with Fancy Therapy Services, I am here to help you achieve your wellness goals. When working with clients, I take a collaborative approach. I also hold a safe and non-judgmental space and walk along with you on your healing journey – ensuring that your treatment plan fits your needs and therapy goals. I draw from different modalities, including Gestalt , Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Trauma-informed approach. I also have experience working with women who have experienced IPV.

People seek change and choose to work with a therapist for a variety of reasons. It could be that you are struggling with making an important decision, experiencing difficulties in your personal/family/work relationships, or are easily overcome by stress, worry or anxiety in a world that is increasingly putting demands on your time and attention. Chances are you are feeling stuck in some way and want a fuller, richer, more satisfying life. As a Registered Psychotherapist, I specialize in working with Highly Sensitive adults (HSPs) who wish to engage in a creative, present-centered, neuroscience-informed bodymind approach to therapy.

Somatic-based trauma therapy, Relational Gestalt therapy, spiritual journeys, marriage, children, loss and grief. I’ve been around the block a few times and offer creative ways to help you explore how you keep yourself stuck, sad or overwhelmed and how you limit your growth.