Personality Disorders Therapists in Toronto, ON
Are you looking to better manage your emotions, shift unhelpful thoughts, patterns & behaviours? Do you feel overwhelmed by current challenges or past pain? Feel disconnected? Want a better relationship with yourself & others? I'm dedicated to helping people gain both the insights & skills that empower them to lead more satisfying lives. Most of my clients face challenges with: depression, anxiety, trauma (Complex & PTSD), substance abuse, self-harm, suicidality, eating & body-image, intense emotions (eg. anger, shame), self-esteem, grief, life transitions, & relationships. Many also have a history of interpersonal trauma.
Are you looking to better manage your emotions, shift unhelpful thoughts, patterns & behaviours? Do you feel overwhelmed by current challenges or past pain? Feel disconnected? Want a better relationship with yourself & others? I'm dedicated to helping people gain both the insights & skills that empower them to lead more satisfying lives. Most of my clients face challenges with: depression, anxiety, trauma (Complex & PTSD), substance abuse, self-harm, suicidality, eating & body-image, intense emotions (eg. anger, shame), self-esteem, grief, life transitions, & relationships. Many also have a history of interpersonal trauma.
I regularly attend live workshops & trainings to enhance my skills, with intensive training & certifications in treating trauma, neurodevelopmental, & personality disorders.
You are not broken. You’re navigating a life shaped by deep experiences—some painful, some confusing, some overwhelming. I provide a compassionate, affirming space to explore trauma, ADHD, ASD, BPD, life transitions, identity questions, behavioral struggles, anxiety, and depression. I also offer parent coaching and training support to help caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s unique needs with confidence and care. You deserve support that sees all of you—and I’m here to walk with you through it. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking clarity, therapy is a space to reconnect.
I regularly attend live workshops & trainings to enhance my skills, with intensive training & certifications in treating trauma, neurodevelopmental, & personality disorders.
You are not broken. You’re navigating a life shaped by deep experiences—some painful, some confusing, some overwhelming. I provide a compassionate, affirming space to explore trauma, ADHD, ASD, BPD, life transitions, identity questions, behavioral struggles, anxiety, and depression. I also offer parent coaching and training support to help caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s unique needs with confidence and care. You deserve support that sees all of you—and I’m here to walk with you through it. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking clarity, therapy is a space to reconnect.
Due to my strong training background, I can treat wide-range issues include mental illnesses, emotional disturbance, behavior problems, addiction, trauma and loss, personality disorders, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, family/marital issues......
I was originally trained as a medical doctor and practiced as a psychiatrist for 10+ years before coming to Canada for psychoanalysis training. In addition to my training in psychiatry and psychoanalysis, I also had training in family therapy and cognitive-behavior therapy. I am currently practicing as a psychoanalyst and a registered psychotherapist in great Toronto area. However, my clients come from whole Ontario and around the Canada. I also provide online/telephone treatment for people overseas. In addition to clinical psychoanalysis and psychotherapy services, I also teach and provide supervision for therapists and in-training therapists/psychoanalyst.
Due to my strong training background, I can treat wide-range issues include mental illnesses, emotional disturbance, behavior problems, addiction, trauma and loss, personality disorders, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, family/marital issues......
I was originally trained as a medical doctor and practiced as a psychiatrist for 10+ years before coming to Canada for psychoanalysis training. In addition to my training in psychiatry and psychoanalysis, I also had training in family therapy and cognitive-behavior therapy. I am currently practicing as a psychoanalyst and a registered psychotherapist in great Toronto area. However, my clients come from whole Ontario and around the Canada. I also provide online/telephone treatment for people overseas. In addition to clinical psychoanalysis and psychotherapy services, I also teach and provide supervision for therapists and in-training therapists/psychoanalyst.
I have special interest in issues concerning trauma, abuse, personality disorders, mood disorders, infidelity, cross-cultural issues and life coaching.
I believe in honoring each individual's unique life journey. Our sessions will focus on exploring your strength in a non-judgmental and collaborative space. Instead of "fixing," I would like to work with you in "actualizing" your own truth as the starting point of your healing journey. I've been working at Toronto Western Hospital as a mental health clinician for 10+ years in both English and Mandarin. I also work with MVA, EHC, GP- and self-referred clients from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs in my private practice.
I have special interest in issues concerning trauma, abuse, personality disorders, mood disorders, infidelity, cross-cultural issues and life coaching.
I believe in honoring each individual's unique life journey. Our sessions will focus on exploring your strength in a non-judgmental and collaborative space. Instead of "fixing," I would like to work with you in "actualizing" your own truth as the starting point of your healing journey. I've been working at Toronto Western Hospital as a mental health clinician for 10+ years in both English and Mandarin. I also work with MVA, EHC, GP- and self-referred clients from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs in my private practice.
Welcome! I'm a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and improve their overall well-being. My strengths lie in supporting clients with either physical and/or mental health conditions, as well as those seeking effective strategies to manage stress, burnout, and health challenges.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by health issues, struggling to cope with daily stressors, or simply looking to enhance your quality of life, you're not alone. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck, unsure of how to move forward, or burdened by the complexities of managing their health and well-being.
Welcome! I'm a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and improve their overall well-being. My strengths lie in supporting clients with either physical and/or mental health conditions, as well as those seeking effective strategies to manage stress, burnout, and health challenges.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by health issues, struggling to cope with daily stressors, or simply looking to enhance your quality of life, you're not alone. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck, unsure of how to move forward, or burdened by the complexities of managing their health and well-being.
Dear Reader: The reason I get out of bed every morning is not because I believe life is easy - but that it is difficult. What makes life difficult is the fact, that it presents an endless series of problems which require solutions. The very process of confronting and solving life's problems can be a painful one; at times full of sadness, confusion, anxiety, hurt, anger, fear and loneliness. These are uncomfortable feelings, sometimes highly distressing and can equal the worst kind of physical pain. Fearing the suffering involved, almost all of us have attempted to avoid confronting these problems.
Dear Reader: The reason I get out of bed every morning is not because I believe life is easy - but that it is difficult. What makes life difficult is the fact, that it presents an endless series of problems which require solutions. The very process of confronting and solving life's problems can be a painful one; at times full of sadness, confusion, anxiety, hurt, anger, fear and loneliness. These are uncomfortable feelings, sometimes highly distressing and can equal the worst kind of physical pain. Fearing the suffering involved, almost all of us have attempted to avoid confronting these problems.
I help clients struggling with various challenges including ADHD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, personality disorders, social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, trauma, grief, anger, psychosis, relationships, eating disorders, mood disorders, stress management and decision making.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I provide therapy to clients (ages 16 and up) and I use a variety of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and emotion focused therapy (EFT). I strive to tailor my therapy approach to my clients’ needs. As such I place a strong emphasis on being up to date on current approaches and modalities, participating in professional development and working alongside my peers, honing my skills at every opportunity.
I help clients struggling with various challenges including ADHD, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, personality disorders, social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, trauma, grief, anger, psychosis, relationships, eating disorders, mood disorders, stress management and decision making.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I provide therapy to clients (ages 16 and up) and I use a variety of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and emotion focused therapy (EFT). I strive to tailor my therapy approach to my clients’ needs. As such I place a strong emphasis on being up to date on current approaches and modalities, participating in professional development and working alongside my peers, honing my skills at every opportunity.
Shelley is an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of personality disorders, emotion regulation, self-harm and suicidal behavior.
Dr. Shelley McMain is a Registered Psychologist with over 30+ years of clinic practice and an extensive record of international research in Personality Disorder and specifically in Borderline Personality Disorder. She is the Head of the BPD Clinic and a Clinician Scientist at the CAMH in Toronto. Shelley is Director of the Psychotherapy, Humanities, and Psychosocial Interventions Division and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Shelley is a DBT-Linehan Board Certified individual and group therapist. She has completed in-depth training in Prolonged Exposure, DBT-PTSD, EFT and CBT.
Shelley is an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of personality disorders, emotion regulation, self-harm and suicidal behavior.
Dr. Shelley McMain is a Registered Psychologist with over 30+ years of clinic practice and an extensive record of international research in Personality Disorder and specifically in Borderline Personality Disorder. She is the Head of the BPD Clinic and a Clinician Scientist at the CAMH in Toronto. Shelley is Director of the Psychotherapy, Humanities, and Psychosocial Interventions Division and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Shelley is a DBT-Linehan Board Certified individual and group therapist. She has completed in-depth training in Prolonged Exposure, DBT-PTSD, EFT and CBT.
The focus of my practice is to treat people who have emotional dysregulation - stress! This can be due to a mood or personality disorder, chronic pain, trauma or complex trauma, military service, or a major life transition. I use practical, evidence based therapies such as DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Clinical Hypnosis, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to help you fulfill your goals, getting back to living a meaningful, peaceful, productive life. One focus of my practice is treating current military members and veterans.
The focus of my practice is to treat people who have emotional dysregulation - stress! This can be due to a mood or personality disorder, chronic pain, trauma or complex trauma, military service, or a major life transition. I use practical, evidence based therapies such as DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Clinical Hypnosis, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to help you fulfill your goals, getting back to living a meaningful, peaceful, productive life. One focus of my practice is treating current military members and veterans.
Our Comprehensive Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) program helps people who experience intense emotions, chronic depression, intense anxiety, impulsive behaviours, self-harm/suicidal behaviour, or problems in relationships. Our treatment is tailored to each individual clients' needs and focused on helping each client achieve the goals that they themselves wish to work towards.
Our Comprehensive Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) program helps people who experience intense emotions, chronic depression, intense anxiety, impulsive behaviours, self-harm/suicidal behaviour, or problems in relationships. Our treatment is tailored to each individual clients' needs and focused on helping each client achieve the goals that they themselves wish to work towards.
Drawing from MBT’s structured yet empathic framework, I guide clients through challenges like anxiety, trauma, or personality disorders, creating a safe space for meaningful change.
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I bring a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and evidence-based expertise to virtual therapy across Canada. My journey from nursing to mental health counseling, enriched by immigrant experience, fuels my passion for helping clients navigate life’s complexities with clarity and resilience.
Drawing from MBT’s structured yet empathic framework, I guide clients through challenges like anxiety, trauma, or personality disorders, creating a safe space for meaningful change.
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I bring a unique blend of cultural sensitivity and evidence-based expertise to virtual therapy across Canada. My journey from nursing to mental health counseling, enriched by immigrant experience, fuels my passion for helping clients navigate life’s complexities with clarity and resilience.
Life is full of challenges, and one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the opportunity to heal and grow. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), my personal experiences have shown me that healing happens through authenticity, acknowledgment, and connection. Therapy offers a space where this process can unfold, allowing us to understand ourselves better and to address the challenges we face in a meaningful way.
Life is full of challenges, and one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the opportunity to heal and grow. As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), my personal experiences have shown me that healing happens through authenticity, acknowledgment, and connection. Therapy offers a space where this process can unfold, allowing us to understand ourselves better and to address the challenges we face in a meaningful way.
As humans we have a deep need to find connection. One of the most challenging things we can face is difficulty being seen and building relationship . Our routes to connection are forged in the relationships we first learn from, early in our lives. Finding our way through what that means for our current reality can be hard to do alone. Together we will explore what came before and what may be next, without losing sight of life now. Sometimes this means sitting in the muck with you; with the trauma, or the depression or the anxiety, and finding a way through; building new pathways of relationship and of being in the world.
As humans we have a deep need to find connection. One of the most challenging things we can face is difficulty being seen and building relationship . Our routes to connection are forged in the relationships we first learn from, early in our lives. Finding our way through what that means for our current reality can be hard to do alone. Together we will explore what came before and what may be next, without losing sight of life now. Sometimes this means sitting in the muck with you; with the trauma, or the depression or the anxiety, and finding a way through; building new pathways of relationship and of being in the world.
We focus on: Complex Trauma & Dissociation; Personality Disorders; Neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, Giftedness); relationship concerns (including kink, polyamory, CNM).
I’m the founder of Avalon Psychology, a psychodynamic therapy practice at Yonge & Bloor in downtown Toronto. I provide exclusively long-term, depth-focused psychodynamic therapy, and so do the clinicians on my team. Since 2012, I’ve supported adults, adolescents, children, and families through careful, relational work.
Avalon welcomes clients from all walks of life and is affirming of neurodivergence, gender diversity, sexual orientation, abilities, cultures, and relationship structures. We’ll work toward your own, authentic definition of success.
We focus on: Complex Trauma & Dissociation; Personality Disorders; Neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, Giftedness); relationship concerns (including kink, polyamory, CNM).
I’m the founder of Avalon Psychology, a psychodynamic therapy practice at Yonge & Bloor in downtown Toronto. I provide exclusively long-term, depth-focused psychodynamic therapy, and so do the clinicians on my team. Since 2012, I’ve supported adults, adolescents, children, and families through careful, relational work.
Avalon welcomes clients from all walks of life and is affirming of neurodivergence, gender diversity, sexual orientation, abilities, cultures, and relationship structures. We’ll work toward your own, authentic definition of success.
Each of us traverses a landscape unique to ourselves, and there are times when loss, grief, anxiety, depression, and low motivation overtake our robustness, sense of purpose & peace of mind. Sometimes, those issues can intersect with bullying, abuse, accident, illness, relationship upsets, and online or in-person bullying that can further chip away at our right to ease and inner coherence at a time when the world around us is already filled with confusion and difficulty. At these times, a warm, practical and receptive therapeutic experience can help us make meaning and reclaim calm.
Each of us traverses a landscape unique to ourselves, and there are times when loss, grief, anxiety, depression, and low motivation overtake our robustness, sense of purpose & peace of mind. Sometimes, those issues can intersect with bullying, abuse, accident, illness, relationship upsets, and online or in-person bullying that can further chip away at our right to ease and inner coherence at a time when the world around us is already filled with confusion and difficulty. At these times, a warm, practical and receptive therapeutic experience can help us make meaning and reclaim calm.
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.
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.
Any suspected or diagnosed issue under the neurodiverse umbrella is our specialty - ADHD, Autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance, Personality Disorders, Learning Disabilities and complex sensory profiles.
How can we help? We lean on an eclectic approach and our sound understanding of neurodiversity across the lifespan to support you or your child with skill-building from emotion regulation and tolerating distressing feelings to social skills and organization. We can support school-age kids with their task activation and you with any parenting challenges.
Any suspected or diagnosed issue under the neurodiverse umbrella is our specialty - ADHD, Autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance, Personality Disorders, Learning Disabilities and complex sensory profiles.
How can we help? We lean on an eclectic approach and our sound understanding of neurodiversity across the lifespan to support you or your child with skill-building from emotion regulation and tolerating distressing feelings to social skills and organization. We can support school-age kids with their task activation and you with any parenting challenges.
I am registered with the College of Psychologists (CPO) and all of my services include clinical supervision with CPO registered Psychologists, which inform my continued professional development. Research in the area of 'common factors' emphasizes the client-therapist relationship and factors that are unique to you and your life circumstances as important predictors for therapy success, and it informs my approach to support you in creating positive change. I meet clients non-judgmentally, and my approach is uniquely dynamic, collaborative, and solution-focused, with therapeutic presence and authenticity.
I am registered with the College of Psychologists (CPO) and all of my services include clinical supervision with CPO registered Psychologists, which inform my continued professional development. Research in the area of 'common factors' emphasizes the client-therapist relationship and factors that are unique to you and your life circumstances as important predictors for therapy success, and it informs my approach to support you in creating positive change. I meet clients non-judgmentally, and my approach is uniquely dynamic, collaborative, and solution-focused, with therapeutic presence and authenticity.
With over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals and families navigating a wide range of challenges, including complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, addictions, life stressors, relationship issues, difficulties in school or work, and more.
Hi, I’m Aliza.
I deeply understand the strength and courage it takes to acknowledge when something in your life isn’t working and to reach out for support. There was a time when I couldn’t have imagined that after facing my own challenges, I would be called into this path of helping others. What began as personal healing has evolved into a profound calling, and I’m truly honored to walk alongside my clients through their own journeys of growth, healing, and transformation.
With over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals and families navigating a wide range of challenges, including complex trauma, intergenerational trauma, PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, addictions, life stressors, relationship issues, difficulties in school or work, and more.
Hi, I’m Aliza.
I deeply understand the strength and courage it takes to acknowledge when something in your life isn’t working and to reach out for support. There was a time when I couldn’t have imagined that after facing my own challenges, I would be called into this path of helping others. What began as personal healing has evolved into a profound calling, and I’m truly honored to walk alongside my clients through their own journeys of growth, healing, and transformation.
You want to improve your life in some way, and this is the privilege I have in working with clients everyday. Whether you want to feel happier, less anxious or upset, want to strive for goals and dreams, or want something to improve about your romantic relationship (you'd like to have one, you'd like to improve yours, you'd like to get over one), I'd love to help you with this. I am a skilled individual and couples counselor, having devoted training and expertise to this. Allow yourself to reach out and safely achieve your goals. My inclusive practice welcomes adult individuals and couples, heterosexual or gay, and all cultures.
You want to improve your life in some way, and this is the privilege I have in working with clients everyday. Whether you want to feel happier, less anxious or upset, want to strive for goals and dreams, or want something to improve about your romantic relationship (you'd like to have one, you'd like to improve yours, you'd like to get over one), I'd love to help you with this. I am a skilled individual and couples counselor, having devoted training and expertise to this. Allow yourself to reach out and safely achieve your goals. My inclusive practice welcomes adult individuals and couples, heterosexual or gay, and all cultures.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Personality Disorders Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Maple
- Markham
- Mississauga
- North York
- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
- Thornhill
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
- York
Personality Disorders Counsellors
What are the common treatment options for personality disorders?
Personality disorders are typically treated with psychotherapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication. Therapy can help people with personality disorders develop skills to tolerate difficult emotions, navigate interpersonal relationships, and solidify their sense of self. Medications can treat symptoms that co-occur with the disorder, such as depression, anger, aggression, and impulsivity.
When to seek treatment for personality disorders?
Even though treatment for personality disorders can be an uphill battle, it’s best to seek help if you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with one, because personality disorders can create substantial problems in life. Symptoms depend on the specific disorder, but overall signs of personality disorders include consistent difficulty maintaining close relationships, dramatic variations in self-esteem, and an unstable sense of identity.
How long does therapy take for personality disorders?
The timeline for treating personality disorders isn’t as clear-cut as it is for other disorders. Change can be difficult, taking from around one year to five, 10, or more. The key is finding a therapist who has extensive experience treating the relevant disorder. For example, a psychologist who specialises in narcissistic personality disorder has specific communication strategies that allow them to sustain the relationship and be more effective with narcissistic patients.
Can therapy help people with personality disorders?
Research suggests that for those who are motivated to address concerns or interpersonal conflict related to a personality disorder, therapy is far more effective than no treatment, and that most people in therapy see improvements. However, since personality disorders involve entrenched elements of identity, they are less responsive to treatment than are other mental health conditions. Finding an expert who has extensive experience working with a given personality disorder is one factor that increases the likelihood of successful treatment.