Therapists in Montréal, QC

I have 20+ years of experience working with individuals suffering from alcohol and drug dependence and psychological problems including gambling, borderline personality disorder, anxiety and mood disorders. Until 2022 I was a staff member at the Addictions Unit of the McGill University Health Centre. I use a variety of motivational and psychological approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for individuals, couples and groups. Mindfulness-Integrated CBT techniques are particularly useful for the treatment of individuals recovering from substance dependence.

The poem, The Imaginary Career (by Rainer Maria Rilke), illustrates exquisitely our human condition. To quote: "At first a childhood, limitless and free" only to become "Defiance- The child bent becomes the bender". To live in that ".. vast, cold empty space, alone" is a very painful place to find oneself. I am here to join with that person in the "empty space" so that they can understand themselves and heal.

If you are struggling in your life, and want a safe, supportive environment in which to gain insight and coping skills, I would like to help you achieve that. My clients tell me they feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives, whether it be in their behaviour (addictions, impulsivity, activation), thinking and emotional patterns (anxiety, depression, stress) or relationships (couple difficulties, parenting, family of origin).

I'm a queer bilingual clinical social worker and psychotherapist with a background in working with 2slgbtqia+ people, migrants, and survivors of violence during the last 14 years in Tiohtià:ke (Montréal). I've supported people struggling with questions around gender and sexuality, coming out, transitioning (I can provide assessments for gender affirming care), relationship difficulties, non-monogamy, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief. My approach is intersectional, anti-racist, trauma-informed, and based in harm reduction.

I have been working to help my clients overcome difficulties and challenges in private practice as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Creative Arts Therapist since 2004. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in a supportive and strength based framework, helping my clients identify and work through whatever may be holding them back from manifesting their best self. I have treated clients with issues related to/stemming from: Depression, Anxiety, Self-mutilative behaviours, Bullying/social marginalization, Eating Disorders, Sexuality, Adjustment Disorders, Family Life Cycle Events, Divorce, Trauma, Illness / grief. Additionally I am trained in EMDR and employ this modality when applicable.

Throughout our sessions, I strive to create an environment of compassion, acceptance, and present moment awareness. I don't see myself as fundamentally different from the client, but rather as someone who can bring a fresh perspective to their situation. I believe that the client and I are both climbing our own mountains, and I can use my vantage point to identify obstacles on their mountain that they may not be aware of. In therapy, every struggle is important, and no one's pain is greater or less than another's. Together, we can then find new ways to navigate these obstacles and chart a new course towards a more fulfilling life.

We are a team of clinicians that are trained to work with students, individuals, couples and families. That excel at helping you expand your emotional tolerance, reactions & communication skills. Too many of us suffer in silence with anxiety, low self-esteem, unprocessed trauma and anger. You are not alone and we are here to encourage you to let those experiences be felt in a safe & non-judgmental environment. We know how hard it can be for most people to do therapy & our goal is to make it engaging, insightful & rewarding. To be vulnerable means not having our deepest feelings and secrets shot down. We use an integrative approach.

Accepting new clients - Struggling with relationships can be overwhelming. Battling anxiety and low mood can be draining. Grief can be life changing. Stress and trauma can be paralyzing. You’re not alone and I am happy to help. I am here to listen and offer support in a space filled with comfort, knowledge, and without judgement. A space where we can work together, as a team, to overcome these challenges. I am committed to building a trusting and collaborative relationship with each person, where they not only feel heard, valued, and understood, while having something to take away from each session.

I specialize in treating adults and adolescents (16+) struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationships, addictions, sexuality and chronic illness. My clients tell me that therapy works best for them when we take the time to develop a trusting professional relationship in which it becomes possible for us to understand and explore more deeply the inner conflicts, feelings, patterns and obstacles that are causing pain and holding them back. I offer a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space. My clinical approach draws primarily from psychoanalytic psychotherapy, but I also integrate research and training in CBT, mindfulness and family systems theory.

Accepting new clients - Are you feeling weighed down by trauma, anxiety, ADHD, BPD, low-mood, or relationships? I understand and I hope to walk alongside you on this adventure towards healing and growth. Together, we'll create a safe space where your vulnerabilities are embraced, growth is nurtured, and you can take something out of each session.

My aim is to guide my clients towards understanding and acceptance of (being with) their emotional experience so that they feel complete, free and more connected to others. Engaging in therapy with me involves warmth and empathy, which allows my clients to freely express, and understand, their experience. I validate the experience of my clients so that they genuinely begin feel well with who they are. I use empirically supported treatments that treat difficult emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear (Emotion Focused Therapy) or problematic thinking patterns related to anxiety/depression (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

Loving and being attracted to each other unfortunately doesn't always mean you reliably aroused when you want to be. Many healthy, wonderful relationships in fact yearn for greater erotic connection and sexual fulfillment. For some concerns, even one meeting can be an important step. I respect your financial investment in this process and seek timely effectiveness. Trained at Columbia University, my work is non-judgmental, confidential, and of high quality. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. There is absolutely no need to be concerned about immediate commitment to ongoing treatment and all are welcome.

Wayne supports youth and adults seeking help rediscovering their self-worth, fortifying challenging relationships, removing hurdles that intensify substance dependence, or living with a mental health diagnosis. With over a decade of experience in community mental health and substance use, Wayne is able to address addiction, chronic stress, insecurity, depression and anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Couples therapy work has also been a particular passion for Wayne. He can support you in exploring and refining communication, context, compromise, and chemistry.

Starting therapy and counselling takes courage and can be a significant moment in one’s life. I provide therapeutic environment that is safe, supportive, and non-judgmental, grounded in compassion and empathy, which allows you to uncover new insights and move at your own pace towards the changes you hope to create. My approach is collaborative and relational, where clients develop a long-lasting and secure connection in a safe space.

Are you feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed? Have you been finding it difficult to manage your emotions effectively and take steps toward meaningful change? I've worked with individuals of all age groups struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression. I welcome clients facing challenges related to self-esteem, attachment or family issues, emotion regulation, addictive or impulsive behaviours, communication, parenting, pre/postpartum issues, as well as career burnout and transitions.

Looking to better understand, integrate and harness strong emotions (severe anxiety, panic, persistent depressed mood, chronic irritability, addictive behaviours?) I keep a small private practice (never more than 2-4 clients/week) where you can expect compassion, clarity, humour and a safe, respectful space to clarify your values, test your limits and move through impasse, using cognitive-behavioral interventions where appropriate. Complete the intake assessment, and you’ll get evidence-informed, clear statements on what changes you can expect, by when. Ambivalent ? Mistrustful? Discouraged? Come as you are.

Are you a highly sensitive person struggling with mood regulation and/or an anxious attachment style? You may struggle with anxiety, high stress levels, and maintaining stable relationships. Criticism or conflict might hit you harder than it does others. Endless arguments over the same issue and ineffective communication hurts both you and your partner. Past grievances often resurface, intensifying the conflict. You're sensitive to any signs of perceived distance or disinterest from your partner, which can trigger feelings of anxiety and insecurity. You long for emotional stability, and a sense of connection yet fear intimacy.

Even though you may have close friends or loved-ones in whom you can confide, sometimes you can feel like you are going round in circles, or you worry about over-burdening them. The recent pandemic has brought many challenges to all of our lives and I specialise in working with individuals and couples who are struggling in their relationships and communications with others. Depending on the difficulties you are facing, as well as your personality style, different approaches can be used to help you manage better.

I believe that each us carries inherent goodness inside of us, and sometimes we can become stuck. As a therapist, I see my role as creating a space where you can feel supported to explore the parts of you that are hurting and also to nurture your own inner compassion and wisdom. Working from a non-pathologizing approach, I believe that all behaviour meets a need. The work of therapy is to develop a deeper understanding of what purpose protective mechanisms like addiction, anxiety, and self-harm have played in your life, and what you need to feel supported to grow and change.