Somatic Therapists in Ontario
Gillian Strange-Dell
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BFA, BA Psyc, DIP, CERT
3 Endorsed
Courtice, ON L1E
I began my practice in 2010 and have a breadth of techniques to work with anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, disordered eating, stress, trauma, relationship and workplace issues, as well as difficulties for the individual with a Highly Sensitive Personality, or their families. I use mindfulness techniques to help each client find their strengths and set their own goals for change and autonomy in their life. Deepening relationship with ourselves deepens our relationship with others and learning self connection is at the core of my psychotherapeutic goals.
I began my practice in 2010 and have a breadth of techniques to work with anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, disordered eating, stress, trauma, relationship and workplace issues, as well as difficulties for the individual with a Highly Sensitive Personality, or their families. I use mindfulness techniques to help each client find their strengths and set their own goals for change and autonomy in their life. Deepening relationship with ourselves deepens our relationship with others and learning self connection is at the core of my psychotherapeutic goals.
I offer somatic therapy grounded in nervous system healing for those who are tired of advocating in healthcare spaces, explaining their limits, or holding everything together while their body feels unpredictable.
My work is rooted in anti-oppressive, culturally attuned care, and disability justice. As a queer Filipina therapist living with chronic illness, I bring both clinical depth and lived understanding. Together, we'll listen to your nervous system and make space for the parts of you that learned to survive — centring safety, embodiment, and self-trust.
I offer somatic therapy grounded in nervous system healing for those who are tired of advocating in healthcare spaces, explaining their limits, or holding everything together while their body feels unpredictable.
My work is rooted in anti-oppressive, culturally attuned care, and disability justice. As a queer Filipina therapist living with chronic illness, I bring both clinical depth and lived understanding. Together, we'll listen to your nervous system and make space for the parts of you that learned to survive — centring safety, embodiment, and self-trust.
It can be exhausting to hold it together all the time. You might wonder how others stay so calm, and if you are just 'too sensitive'. You may notice that you crave connection, but fear being 'too much' if someone gets too close. Maybe a part of you feels like she always needs to keep busy, that if you slow down, it'll all come up. You've tried to push through by working harder, reading self-help, and listening to podcasts. You have already done so much. Deep down, though, you know you need more; real change, in a space where you can finally express yourself, be understood and explore your journey beyond the masks.
It can be exhausting to hold it together all the time. You might wonder how others stay so calm, and if you are just 'too sensitive'. You may notice that you crave connection, but fear being 'too much' if someone gets too close. Maybe a part of you feels like she always needs to keep busy, that if you slow down, it'll all come up. You've tried to push through by working harder, reading self-help, and listening to podcasts. You have already done so much. Deep down, though, you know you need more; real change, in a space where you can finally express yourself, be understood and explore your journey beyond the masks.
I try to support you to understand the physical and somatic elements of experience, and find ways to soothe, calm, and energise the body, and understand its story.
I support you to feel safer and healthier in your environment, relationships and body. Rooted in an anti-oppressive framework, I help understand how past experiences, may be impacting in the present, and explore the mind-body connection. By building trust and deeply listening, I try and support you to meet your goals for therapy. I work extensively with folks who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, issues of self-worth, self-harm, dissociation and integrating psychedelic or transpersonal experiences. I also frequently work with couples and parents. I am a certified psychedelic assisted therapist, IFS and ACT therapist.
I try to support you to understand the physical and somatic elements of experience, and find ways to soothe, calm, and energise the body, and understand its story.
I support you to feel safer and healthier in your environment, relationships and body. Rooted in an anti-oppressive framework, I help understand how past experiences, may be impacting in the present, and explore the mind-body connection. By building trust and deeply listening, I try and support you to meet your goals for therapy. I work extensively with folks who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, issues of self-worth, self-harm, dissociation and integrating psychedelic or transpersonal experiences. I also frequently work with couples and parents. I am a certified psychedelic assisted therapist, IFS and ACT therapist.
Emily Walker | Next Chapter Psychotherapy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach integrates talk and somatic therapies that support you in moving beyond simply understanding/intellectualizing (i.e.: the whole "feeling your feelings" thing everyone is talking about these days).
Perfectionism, high stress, burnout, chronic illness, low self-worth; these are my focus areas! If ever-increasing demands, a sense of chronic anxiety, people-pleasing tendencies, and caring for others before yourself sounds familiar, let's connect. My aim is to help you move beyond coping and managing, and towards processing and resolving the underlying atterns keeping you trapped in this cycle.
I have additional expertise in areas including complex family dynamics, parenting, developmental and/or complex trauma, dissociation, self-injury, youth mental health, ADHD and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
My approach integrates talk and somatic therapies that support you in moving beyond simply understanding/intellectualizing (i.e.: the whole "feeling your feelings" thing everyone is talking about these days).
Perfectionism, high stress, burnout, chronic illness, low self-worth; these are my focus areas! If ever-increasing demands, a sense of chronic anxiety, people-pleasing tendencies, and caring for others before yourself sounds familiar, let's connect. My aim is to help you move beyond coping and managing, and towards processing and resolving the underlying atterns keeping you trapped in this cycle.
I have additional expertise in areas including complex family dynamics, parenting, developmental and/or complex trauma, dissociation, self-injury, youth mental health, ADHD and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Websites like this can feel overwhelming. First, it can be hard to sort through the titles: counsellor, therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist? And what's the difference anyway? See if this helps. I'm a guide. The questions we explore together create a kind of map. The map helps you see your life more clearly. All humans need a map at some point. We feel lost or stuck. We try to change direction. We might wonder what's wrong with us and why we can't be more like other people - people who seem to find life so much easier.
Websites like this can feel overwhelming. First, it can be hard to sort through the titles: counsellor, therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist? And what's the difference anyway? See if this helps. I'm a guide. The questions we explore together create a kind of map. The map helps you see your life more clearly. All humans need a map at some point. We feel lost or stuck. We try to change direction. We might wonder what's wrong with us and why we can't be more like other people - people who seem to find life so much easier.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by grief/loss, a big life adjustment, the demands of caregiving, or simply the stress of living in such an uncertain and unstable time in history? Life transitions can be destabilizing. They can affect our sense of self and leave us searching for support and understanding. If this resonates with your experience, I would be honoured to work with you and help you feel seen, cared for, and empowered.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by grief/loss, a big life adjustment, the demands of caregiving, or simply the stress of living in such an uncertain and unstable time in history? Life transitions can be destabilizing. They can affect our sense of self and leave us searching for support and understanding. If this resonates with your experience, I would be honoured to work with you and help you feel seen, cared for, and empowered.
Do you find past trauma affecting your day-to-day life? Are you looking for a safe space to discuss challenges you might struggle to put into words? Perhaps it’s hard to recognize the roots of uncomfortable feelings and everyday struggles, but you know you don’t want to feel the way you do. I started ThriveWell Counselling in 2017, with the unwavering belief in the possibilities of moving from Surviving to Thriving. As a Registered Social Worker (RSW), EMDR Certified Therapist and Clinic Owner, I believe that counselling and psychotherapy are often an integral part of healing and learning to not only thrive, but to thrive well!
Do you find past trauma affecting your day-to-day life? Are you looking for a safe space to discuss challenges you might struggle to put into words? Perhaps it’s hard to recognize the roots of uncomfortable feelings and everyday struggles, but you know you don’t want to feel the way you do. I started ThriveWell Counselling in 2017, with the unwavering belief in the possibilities of moving from Surviving to Thriving. As a Registered Social Worker (RSW), EMDR Certified Therapist and Clinic Owner, I believe that counselling and psychotherapy are often an integral part of healing and learning to not only thrive, but to thrive well!
I meld somatic, values-based and internal family systems models with curiosity and mindfulness to approach the counselling process.
We are all calibrated to life in different ways early in our lives, and many of the ways we struggle today began as ways we learned to survive. Our environments and circumstances shape a survival self, but who we needed to become to survive is not the heart of who we are. Different parts of you may want different or even contradictory things. Some may want closeness, while some feel compelled to push away. Some are called to fight, and some shut us down. While competing demands can feel disorienting, each part pulls in it's own direction for its own reason.
I meld somatic, values-based and internal family systems models with curiosity and mindfulness to approach the counselling process.
We are all calibrated to life in different ways early in our lives, and many of the ways we struggle today began as ways we learned to survive. Our environments and circumstances shape a survival self, but who we needed to become to survive is not the heart of who we are. Different parts of you may want different or even contradictory things. Some may want closeness, while some feel compelled to push away. Some are called to fight, and some shut us down. While competing demands can feel disorienting, each part pulls in it's own direction for its own reason.
Through a somatic and relational approach, you can feel more grounded, clear, and like yourself again.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and responsive to your pace. I integrate somatic (body-based) and relational practices to support awareness, emotional processing, and a deeper connection with yourself. Together, we’ll gently work with patterns that no longer serve you and build capacity for steadiness, clarity, and self-trust.
Through a somatic and relational approach, you can feel more grounded, clear, and like yourself again.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and responsive to your pace. I integrate somatic (body-based) and relational practices to support awareness, emotional processing, and a deeper connection with yourself. Together, we’ll gently work with patterns that no longer serve you and build capacity for steadiness, clarity, and self-trust.
My approach blends traditional therapy techniques with practical somatic and manifestation tools to help you attract love, joy, and success into your life.
When we work together, you will see that I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative process. My intention is to journey along with you as you develop a greater sense of clarity, understanding, and self-acceptance.
My approach blends traditional therapy techniques with practical somatic and manifestation tools to help you attract love, joy, and success into your life.
When we work together, you will see that I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative process. My intention is to journey along with you as you develop a greater sense of clarity, understanding, and self-acceptance.
I use an integrative, relational, mind-body approach and have specialized in complex trauma and dissociation, having trained extensively in EMDR, DBR, Structural Dissociation (parts work), Here+Now Work & somatic-relational modalities such as the Hakomi Method.
It’s not always easy being human, is it? I find that the greatest gift of therapy, when there is a strong air of compassion, presence and curiosity in the therapeutic alliance, is the ability to reclaim our needs, our full range of feelings, our joy and our aliveness. While building skills of mindfulness, self-compassion, and embodied awareness, I believe there is immense possibility that lies in our unfolding wholeness, waiting to be discovered - creative choice made more accessible, when we're less held back by our fears, our core beliefs, and pain that we've had to organize around to survive.
I use an integrative, relational, mind-body approach and have specialized in complex trauma and dissociation, having trained extensively in EMDR, DBR, Structural Dissociation (parts work), Here+Now Work & somatic-relational modalities such as the Hakomi Method.
It’s not always easy being human, is it? I find that the greatest gift of therapy, when there is a strong air of compassion, presence and curiosity in the therapeutic alliance, is the ability to reclaim our needs, our full range of feelings, our joy and our aliveness. While building skills of mindfulness, self-compassion, and embodied awareness, I believe there is immense possibility that lies in our unfolding wholeness, waiting to be discovered - creative choice made more accessible, when we're less held back by our fears, our core beliefs, and pain that we've had to organize around to survive.
I draw from trauma-informed, somatic, attachment-based, CBT, DBT-informed, narrative, psychodynamic, and sensory-informed approaches.
Life can look “fine” on the outside while feeling heavy underneath. You may be carrying anxiety, trauma, burnout, parenting stress, grief, relationship patterns, or the quiet pressure of always holding it together. I offer a safe, down to earth, and non-judgmental space where you do not have to perform or explain everything perfectly. I provide online therapy across Ontario, with in-person sessions available in Ajax, for adults navigating emotional overwhelm, life transitions, trauma, identity, and stress.
I draw from trauma-informed, somatic, attachment-based, CBT, DBT-informed, narrative, psychodynamic, and sensory-informed approaches.
Life can look “fine” on the outside while feeling heavy underneath. You may be carrying anxiety, trauma, burnout, parenting stress, grief, relationship patterns, or the quiet pressure of always holding it together. I offer a safe, down to earth, and non-judgmental space where you do not have to perform or explain everything perfectly. I provide online therapy across Ontario, with in-person sessions available in Ajax, for adults navigating emotional overwhelm, life transitions, trauma, identity, and stress.
Maria-Helena Pacelli
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BFA, MA, CYT
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K1R
Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy use the arts to promote mental health and well-being. Maria-Hélèna (she/they) is a compassionate therapist available to support parents, caregivers, those who identify as part of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, neurodiverse and neuroqueer individuals, those facing mental or physical health challenges, disability and chronic illness. Maria-Hélèna is a settler on the traditional land of the Kanyen'keha:ka and unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabemowin people under the Two Row Wampum. She is committed to Indigenous solidarity, allyship and trauma-sensitive approaches to healing.
Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy use the arts to promote mental health and well-being. Maria-Hélèna (she/they) is a compassionate therapist available to support parents, caregivers, those who identify as part of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, neurodiverse and neuroqueer individuals, those facing mental or physical health challenges, disability and chronic illness. Maria-Hélèna is a settler on the traditional land of the Kanyen'keha:ka and unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabemowin people under the Two Row Wampum. She is committed to Indigenous solidarity, allyship and trauma-sensitive approaches to healing.
Using trauma-focused modalities, such as EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy, I help you feel better and heal from trauma, anxiety, grief, and addictions.
Have you experienced a stressful or traumatic life event that has impacted your ability to focus or cope with the everyday? Trauma continues to live in our systems long after the event has happened, sometimes remaining hidden until something triggers it to come to the surface. Trauma can reveal itself in a variety of ways, including physical pain, lead to anxiety, depression, attachment or relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, addictions, and can impact our perceptions leading to unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. My clients report a reduction in their symptoms, describe feeling calmer, lighter, and more present.
Using trauma-focused modalities, such as EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy, I help you feel better and heal from trauma, anxiety, grief, and addictions.
Have you experienced a stressful or traumatic life event that has impacted your ability to focus or cope with the everyday? Trauma continues to live in our systems long after the event has happened, sometimes remaining hidden until something triggers it to come to the surface. Trauma can reveal itself in a variety of ways, including physical pain, lead to anxiety, depression, attachment or relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, addictions, and can impact our perceptions leading to unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours. My clients report a reduction in their symptoms, describe feeling calmer, lighter, and more present.
Art therapy is my perferred treatment modality; I incorporate elements of mindfulness and compassion, somatic awareness, positive psychology, and parts work within the practice of art therapy.
Are you struggling to move through grief and loss, bereavement, or other life changes and challenges? Is anxiety, depression, or illness reducing your capacity to cope? Do you want to more authentically connect to and validate your core values, identity or orientation?
Together we can focus on your goals, using psychotherapy and creative expression to manage stress, increase joy, and find peace in each moment. We will co-create a warm, trusting and respectful therapeutic environment where your artistic practice opens space for increasing your self-compassion and strengthening your wellbeing.
Art therapy is my perferred treatment modality; I incorporate elements of mindfulness and compassion, somatic awareness, positive psychology, and parts work within the practice of art therapy.
Are you struggling to move through grief and loss, bereavement, or other life changes and challenges? Is anxiety, depression, or illness reducing your capacity to cope? Do you want to more authentically connect to and validate your core values, identity or orientation?
Together we can focus on your goals, using psychotherapy and creative expression to manage stress, increase joy, and find peace in each moment. We will co-create a warm, trusting and respectful therapeutic environment where your artistic practice opens space for increasing your self-compassion and strengthening your wellbeing.
I offer a warm, relational approach grounded in mindfulness, somatic awareness, and parts work.
Many of the people I work with struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, self-criticism, or long-standing habits that keep them feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. They are thoughtful, sensitive, and often hard on themselves. They want to feel more at ease in their bodies, more present in their relationships, and less driven by constant pressure to manage, fix, or perform. Underneath it all, they are looking for a steadier sense of ease and more confidence in how they move through life.
I offer a warm, relational approach grounded in mindfulness, somatic awareness, and parts work.
Many of the people I work with struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, self-criticism, or long-standing habits that keep them feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. They are thoughtful, sensitive, and often hard on themselves. They want to feel more at ease in their bodies, more present in their relationships, and less driven by constant pressure to manage, fix, or perform. Underneath it all, they are looking for a steadier sense of ease and more confidence in how they move through life.
I incorporate somatic body work, through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, with the belief that the body holds much wisdom to offer, beyond focusing only on thoughts.
I believe that a person’s well-being requires care for the whole person, in mind, body and spirit. Our bodies, thoughts and emotions can all provide tremendous wisdom about ourselves and our life experiences. My hope is to support you in coming to greater clarity about the stories you carry about yourself and to find movement in the areas where you are struggling. I seek to create a safe space of connection, dignity and compassion where people can feel seen and heard and know that they matter. I have 20 years of extensive experience providing both therapy and clinical consultation.
I incorporate somatic body work, through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, with the belief that the body holds much wisdom to offer, beyond focusing only on thoughts.
I believe that a person’s well-being requires care for the whole person, in mind, body and spirit. Our bodies, thoughts and emotions can all provide tremendous wisdom about ourselves and our life experiences. My hope is to support you in coming to greater clarity about the stories you carry about yourself and to find movement in the areas where you are struggling. I seek to create a safe space of connection, dignity and compassion where people can feel seen and heard and know that they matter. I have 20 years of extensive experience providing both therapy and clinical consultation.
I utilize a range of therapeutic approaches including narrative therapy, behavioral therapy, and somatic techniques.
I can help you uncover what is meaningful to you. As a trauma therapist, I have dedicated my professional career to understanding how experiences shape the view of ourselves and the world around us. I offer exploration using talk therapy, behavioural therapies, Narrative Therapy, Brainspotting, and The Safe and Sound Protocol.
I utilize a range of therapeutic approaches including narrative therapy, behavioral therapy, and somatic techniques.
I can help you uncover what is meaningful to you. As a trauma therapist, I have dedicated my professional career to understanding how experiences shape the view of ourselves and the world around us. I offer exploration using talk therapy, behavioural therapies, Narrative Therapy, Brainspotting, and The Safe and Sound Protocol.
Anxiety, Relationships, Sex & Intimacy - Marly
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach blends EFT, CBT, Solution-Focused, Somatic, Narrative, psychodynamic and Client-Centred Therapy.
You may appear to be managing on the outside, but inside something feels unsettled. Anxiety, self doubt, or past experiences may be affecting how you see yourself and how you connect with others. Sometimes patterns in relationships, intimacy, or emotional reactions can feel confusing or difficult to shift on your own. You might overthink conversations, feel distant from a partner, struggle to express needs, or feel tense around closeness, desire, or sex.
My approach blends EFT, CBT, Solution-Focused, Somatic, Narrative, psychodynamic and Client-Centred Therapy.
You may appear to be managing on the outside, but inside something feels unsettled. Anxiety, self doubt, or past experiences may be affecting how you see yourself and how you connect with others. Sometimes patterns in relationships, intimacy, or emotional reactions can feel confusing or difficult to shift on your own. You might overthink conversations, feel distant from a partner, struggle to express needs, or feel tense around closeness, desire, or sex.
