Emotionally Focused Therapists in Montréal, QC
I use modalities such as Gottman Theory, Attachment Theory/ EFT, and solution-oriented therapy to help clients achieve their goals.
My lived experience includes being a queer, fat, white cis woman with chronic illness and a neurodivergent mind. It’s important to me to welcome everyone into my counselling room, but to especially support queer and neurodivergent folk through their life journeys. Open to all, my goal is to help create healthy, joyful relationships and lives.
I use modalities such as Gottman Theory, Attachment Theory/ EFT, and solution-oriented therapy to help clients achieve their goals.
My lived experience includes being a queer, fat, white cis woman with chronic illness and a neurodivergent mind. It’s important to me to welcome everyone into my counselling room, but to especially support queer and neurodivergent folk through their life journeys. Open to all, my goal is to help create healthy, joyful relationships and lives.
I draw from various evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution-focused approach, and emotion-focused therapy ( EFT).
I offer virtual counselling sessions for those who are seeking relief, insight, emotional support, and effective coping strategies. My focus lies primarily in working with individuals struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I also welcome clients experiencing challenges with career burnout or questioning, self-doubt, life transitions, people-pleasing tendencies, and ADHD. I firmly believe in the inner wisdom of each person and as such our work together will center on connecting you with your resilience, strengths, and ability to make choices that bring you closer to a more meaningful life.
I draw from various evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution-focused approach, and emotion-focused therapy ( EFT).
I offer virtual counselling sessions for those who are seeking relief, insight, emotional support, and effective coping strategies. My focus lies primarily in working with individuals struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I also welcome clients experiencing challenges with career burnout or questioning, self-doubt, life transitions, people-pleasing tendencies, and ADHD. I firmly believe in the inner wisdom of each person and as such our work together will center on connecting you with your resilience, strengths, and ability to make choices that bring you closer to a more meaningful life.
Özlem Köse
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), PhD, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montréal, QC H2J
I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), an approach that seeks to strengthen the emotional bonds between partners by identifying, then changing, the destructive patterns of interaction that distance and divide.
I work with a range of issues, including relationship conflict, distancing and withdrawal, infidelity, childhood trauma (C-PTSD), infertility, discrepancies in sexual desire, women's health issues and managing chronic illness. I also specialize in behavioural health, helping clients achieve health goals related to exercise, weight loss and managing illness.
I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), an approach that seeks to strengthen the emotional bonds between partners by identifying, then changing, the destructive patterns of interaction that distance and divide.
I work with a range of issues, including relationship conflict, distancing and withdrawal, infidelity, childhood trauma (C-PTSD), infertility, discrepancies in sexual desire, women's health issues and managing chronic illness. I also specialize in behavioural health, helping clients achieve health goals related to exercise, weight loss and managing illness.
Romeo Bidar
Registered Psychotherapist, BSW, MSc, CFT, PsychTh
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I use strength based & humanistic approaches along with cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative solution focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, & dialectical behavioural therapy.
I have been working with mood related conditions (anxiety, depression, bipolar, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviours, impulsivity) since 2018. I specialize in identity related issues including but not exclusively gender and transitioning related difficulties. The context of my specializing studies have been family and couple related difficulties including cultural and religion related and romantic and intimate relationship dynamics including infidelity and attachment. Even though I am not an expert on trauma, traumatic experiences (immigration related, war, assault, bullying, ...) have often been part of my work.
I use strength based & humanistic approaches along with cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative solution focused therapy, emotionally focused therapy, & dialectical behavioural therapy.
I have been working with mood related conditions (anxiety, depression, bipolar, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviours, impulsivity) since 2018. I specialize in identity related issues including but not exclusively gender and transitioning related difficulties. The context of my specializing studies have been family and couple related difficulties including cultural and religion related and romantic and intimate relationship dynamics including infidelity and attachment. Even though I am not an expert on trauma, traumatic experiences (immigration related, war, assault, bullying, ...) have often been part of my work.
The therapeutic models I use are primarily Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and narrative therapy.
The quality of our interpersonal relationships plays a crucial role in our daily well-being and functioning. A sense of belonging within our intimate relationships and community is a fundamental human need. This deep-seated interest has led me to specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families for the past 10 years. Throughout my career, I have developed an open and dynamic understanding of individual, relational, and social issues, which I consider inseparable.
The therapeutic models I use are primarily Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and narrative therapy.
The quality of our interpersonal relationships plays a crucial role in our daily well-being and functioning. A sense of belonging within our intimate relationships and community is a fundamental human need. This deep-seated interest has led me to specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families for the past 10 years. Throughout my career, I have developed an open and dynamic understanding of individual, relational, and social issues, which I consider inseparable.
Hanieh Shahmohammadian
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Montréal, QC H3V
Additionally, I include Emotionally Focused Therapy to strengthen emotional connections in relationships.
I believe that with the right support, everyone has the potential to thrive. As a registered clinical social worker in Quebec and Ontario, I’ve had the honor of working with diverse groups, including immigrants, Indigenous families, asylum seekers, refugees, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. I understand that reaching out for help can be daunting, but together, we can explore solutions that work for you. With a focus on cultural humility, I utilize a client-centered and ecosystemic approach to offer compassionate, personalized support that fosters healing and empowers individuals and their relationships.
Additionally, I include Emotionally Focused Therapy to strengthen emotional connections in relationships.
I believe that with the right support, everyone has the potential to thrive. As a registered clinical social worker in Quebec and Ontario, I’ve had the honor of working with diverse groups, including immigrants, Indigenous families, asylum seekers, refugees, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. I understand that reaching out for help can be daunting, but together, we can explore solutions that work for you. With a focus on cultural humility, I utilize a client-centered and ecosystemic approach to offer compassionate, personalized support that fosters healing and empowers individuals and their relationships.
Sherel Griffiths Therapy & Mediation Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW, CFT, AFM, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Maneuvering through the different stages of "Life Journey" can be fulfilling as well as filled with periods of high stress and emotional imbalance. Through the guiding principles of dignity, diversity, and self-determination, individual therapy brings growth by focusing on your strengths and resilience. Couple therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Through the process of couple therapy, I vow to help you understand and become unstuck from the repetitive cycle of miscommunication, stepping on each other's toes, and triggering unhealed wounds.
Maneuvering through the different stages of "Life Journey" can be fulfilling as well as filled with periods of high stress and emotional imbalance. Through the guiding principles of dignity, diversity, and self-determination, individual therapy brings growth by focusing on your strengths and resilience. Couple therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Through the process of couple therapy, I vow to help you understand and become unstuck from the repetitive cycle of miscommunication, stepping on each other's toes, and triggering unhealed wounds.
I also have advanced specialized training in working with couples, using Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Does your teen girl struggle to cope with school stress, friendship dynamics or family conflict? My Coping Skills Art Therapy Workshop for teen girls will help your daughter: • Learn emotional regulation skills so that she can move through difficult experiences and build resilience • Discover inner resources so that she can increase her confidence and motivation • Cultivate self-esteem so that she can face challenges and achieve her goals. The group combines connection with the healing powers of the creative process to help participants process their emotions, respect the emotions of others and explore and build on their strengths.
I also have advanced specialized training in working with couples, using Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Does your teen girl struggle to cope with school stress, friendship dynamics or family conflict? My Coping Skills Art Therapy Workshop for teen girls will help your daughter: • Learn emotional regulation skills so that she can move through difficult experiences and build resilience • Discover inner resources so that she can increase her confidence and motivation • Cultivate self-esteem so that she can face challenges and achieve her goals. The group combines connection with the healing powers of the creative process to help participants process their emotions, respect the emotions of others and explore and build on their strengths.
Patrick De Bortoli Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a couples therapy approach proven to durably heal wounded relationships, in EMDR, a revolutionary approach to trauma and in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, I bring a radically different perspective to suffering, effective in alleviating anxious and depressive symptoms based on most recent avances in neuroscience.
If today seems like an interminable day, and sets the stage for a profound apprehension for tomorrow, whether individually, within your couple or your family; it is maybe time to consult. Whomever you choose, be sure to be comfortable and feel safe. If you are interested in someone who has a compassionate ear and a reassuring expertise, perhaps we could work collaboratively at finding ways to foster harmony, confidence and peace for you and your close ones. Trained as Couple and Family Therapist at Syracuse University, I work as much with couples, families as individuals.
Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a couples therapy approach proven to durably heal wounded relationships, in EMDR, a revolutionary approach to trauma and in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, I bring a radically different perspective to suffering, effective in alleviating anxious and depressive symptoms based on most recent avances in neuroscience.
If today seems like an interminable day, and sets the stage for a profound apprehension for tomorrow, whether individually, within your couple or your family; it is maybe time to consult. Whomever you choose, be sure to be comfortable and feel safe. If you are interested in someone who has a compassionate ear and a reassuring expertise, perhaps we could work collaboratively at finding ways to foster harmony, confidence and peace for you and your close ones. Trained as Couple and Family Therapist at Syracuse University, I work as much with couples, families as individuals.
Irina Pavlova
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSW, MScA, CFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Montréal, QC H2V
In my practice I use an Integrative Family Systemic approach, which includes EFT ( emotionally focused therapy), Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) as well as Solution Focused Therapy.
People often seek therapy when they would like to work on issues such as stress management, personal loss or life cycle changes. In individual therapy, I support clients by providing specific strategies for changing unwanted behaviours or thoughts. A couple in distress may feel there is no way out of their troubled relationship. By observing the interactions between the partners I help couples change dysfunctional behaviours, strengthen friendship, increase intimacy, resolve problematic patterns of communication, improve emotional attachment, build resilience and enjoyment that each partner derives from the relationship.
In my practice I use an Integrative Family Systemic approach, which includes EFT ( emotionally focused therapy), Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) as well as Solution Focused Therapy.
People often seek therapy when they would like to work on issues such as stress management, personal loss or life cycle changes. In individual therapy, I support clients by providing specific strategies for changing unwanted behaviours or thoughts. A couple in distress may feel there is no way out of their troubled relationship. By observing the interactions between the partners I help couples change dysfunctional behaviours, strengthen friendship, increase intimacy, resolve problematic patterns of communication, improve emotional attachment, build resilience and enjoyment that each partner derives from the relationship.
I use three basic approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Mindfulness.
Mon approche est basée sur l’écoute, la compréhension et l’activation. Écouter pour comprendre et vous propulser dans le changement. J’utilise trois approches de base: la Thérapie Cognitivo-Comportementale (TCC), la thérapie axée su les Émotions ( EFT) et la Pleine Conscience (Mindfulness). J’intègre des autres modalités si nécessaires.
I use three basic approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Mindfulness.
Mon approche est basée sur l’écoute, la compréhension et l’activation. Écouter pour comprendre et vous propulser dans le changement. J’utilise trois approches de base: la Thérapie Cognitivo-Comportementale (TCC), la thérapie axée su les Émotions ( EFT) et la Pleine Conscience (Mindfulness). J’intègre des autres modalités si nécessaires.
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Counsellors
Leila Sarhadi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, CCC, CCPA, TCF, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montréal, QC H4A
I have an integrative approach based on emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), mindfulness, somatic body exercise (Trauma), hypnosis exercise, and humanistic therapy.
I assiste you to increase you sense of aliveness with accepting yourself, understanding you story and balancing those.I have a holistic approach and my goal is to offer you a safe and compassionate environment in which you can explore yourself and different parts of your being for building resilience, connecting with others and increasing your well-being.
I have an integrative approach based on emotion-focused therapy ( EFT), mindfulness, somatic body exercise (Trauma), hypnosis exercise, and humanistic therapy.
I assiste you to increase you sense of aliveness with accepting yourself, understanding you story and balancing those.I have a holistic approach and my goal is to offer you a safe and compassionate environment in which you can explore yourself and different parts of your being for building resilience, connecting with others and increasing your well-being.
Jélénia Cyrise
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montréal, QC H1Y
I integrate evidence-based practices like Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Theory, CBT, DBT, EFT, and Solution-Focused Therapy, all through a transcultural, trauma-informed lens.
Life is messy and complicated, and it's okay to get some help to navigate through it . Whether you're struggling with your mental health, burnout, grief, life transitions, or with difficulties in your relationships with a partner or loved one, together we will explore practical strategies for your needs. I support those looking to reconnect with themselves and find balance. Being a Haitian immigrant, I offer culturally informed support. with insight in the Black or/and Multicultural living experience. I also accompany women facing reproductive mental health challenges, including perinatal and postpartum issues
I integrate evidence-based practices like Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Theory, CBT, DBT, EFT, and Solution-Focused Therapy, all through a transcultural, trauma-informed lens.
Life is messy and complicated, and it's okay to get some help to navigate through it . Whether you're struggling with your mental health, burnout, grief, life transitions, or with difficulties in your relationships with a partner or loved one, together we will explore practical strategies for your needs. I support those looking to reconnect with themselves and find balance. Being a Haitian immigrant, I offer culturally informed support. with insight in the Black or/and Multicultural living experience. I also accompany women facing reproductive mental health challenges, including perinatal and postpartum issues
My work is guided by such therapeutic modalities as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (including Mindfulness) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Relief from anxiety is very much within your grasp! Anxiety is a terrible and hopeless feeling. You overthink everything and find yourself lost in a never ending cycle of negative thoughts and scenarios. You feel drained, helpless, devoid of happiness, and wondering if “better” is ever possible? The answer is yes!
My work is guided by such therapeutic modalities as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (including Mindfulness) and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Relief from anxiety is very much within your grasp! Anxiety is a terrible and hopeless feeling. You overthink everything and find yourself lost in a never ending cycle of negative thoughts and scenarios. You feel drained, helpless, devoid of happiness, and wondering if “better” is ever possible? The answer is yes!
My dedication to being as effective as possible inspires my ongoing training in psychotherapy, mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and mind/body health, bringing a comprehensive perspective to unique people
Welcome! I am a psychologist devoted to helping people improve their lives by taking better care of themselves and their relationships.
My dedication to being as effective as possible inspires my ongoing training in psychotherapy, mindfulness, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and mind/body health, bringing a comprehensive perspective to unique people
Welcome! I am a psychologist devoted to helping people improve their lives by taking better care of themselves and their relationships.
My preferred model in working with couples is Emotionally Focused Therapy (www.iceeft.ca).
Life sometimes imposes overwhelming challenges that cause us feel lost and believe there is no choice but to suffer. When we are in the midst of a crisis it is not always easy to see a way out. However, in these circumstances, there is often an opportunity for personal growth. It is at this time that a professional may help you identify inner obstacles preventing you from moving forward and experiencing life to its fullest. I see my role as helping clients with that. My clinical practice focuses on individuals and couples from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.
My preferred model in working with couples is Emotionally Focused Therapy (www.iceeft.ca).
Life sometimes imposes overwhelming challenges that cause us feel lost and believe there is no choice but to suffer. When we are in the midst of a crisis it is not always easy to see a way out. However, in these circumstances, there is often an opportunity for personal growth. It is at this time that a professional may help you identify inner obstacles preventing you from moving forward and experiencing life to its fullest. I see my role as helping clients with that. My clinical practice focuses on individuals and couples from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, and depression.
Using an integrative approach—including EFT, schema therapy, and somatic experiencing—I aim to help you cultivate self-compassion, secure connections, and meaningful change.
Whether you're navigating monogamy, non-monogamy, or other relationship dynamics, I'm here to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll work on improving communication, building trust, and fostering deeper connections. All identities and relationships are respected here.
Using an integrative approach—including EFT, schema therapy, and somatic experiencing—I aim to help you cultivate self-compassion, secure connections, and meaningful change.
Whether you're navigating monogamy, non-monogamy, or other relationship dynamics, I'm here to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll work on improving communication, building trust, and fostering deeper connections. All identities and relationships are respected here.
Shyam Anandampillai Psychotherapy and Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc(A), MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
My approach is integrative and based in Attachment, Trauma-informed, Self-compassion, Emotionally focused, Systemic, CBT/Mindfulness therapies.
I believe that psychotherapy in essence is a collaborative process that aims to increase psychological well-being and reduce emotional pain, loneliness and languishing which are ever present in today's world. At the heart of this process, is the positive healing relationship that develops between an individual, a couple or a family, and the therapist. I offer clients a non-judgemental, empathic and queer affirmative space where they learn to identify and tolerate their emotions, articulate appropriately their needs to significant people in their life and work on breaking away from toxic negative cycles.
My approach is integrative and based in Attachment, Trauma-informed, Self-compassion, Emotionally focused, Systemic, CBT/Mindfulness therapies.
I believe that psychotherapy in essence is a collaborative process that aims to increase psychological well-being and reduce emotional pain, loneliness and languishing which are ever present in today's world. At the heart of this process, is the positive healing relationship that develops between an individual, a couple or a family, and the therapist. I offer clients a non-judgemental, empathic and queer affirmative space where they learn to identify and tolerate their emotions, articulate appropriately their needs to significant people in their life and work on breaking away from toxic negative cycles.
Ian Zikman, Psychologist
Psychologist, MEd, MA, OPQ, Quebec, Ontario
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montréal, QC H3G
Emotionally focused, mindfulness, and humanistic approaches build self-awareness, while SFBT and integrative methods promote meaningful, lasting change.
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, afraid, desperate, or alone. Maybe your relationships are spiraling or you never feel good enough. Perhaps you are unfulfilled at work or procrastination is sabotaging you. Your distress from anxiety, depression, or grief may have reached a new level and you can’t cope. I’m a therapist, but I’m human too, I’ve been there. Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes. I’m ready to be that person for you! I’ll help you get back on track. With 17 years of experience and expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I am dedicated to helping clients lead healthier, more productive lives.
Emotionally focused, mindfulness, and humanistic approaches build self-awareness, while SFBT and integrative methods promote meaningful, lasting change.
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, afraid, desperate, or alone. Maybe your relationships are spiraling or you never feel good enough. Perhaps you are unfulfilled at work or procrastination is sabotaging you. Your distress from anxiety, depression, or grief may have reached a new level and you can’t cope. I’m a therapist, but I’m human too, I’ve been there. Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes. I’m ready to be that person for you! I’ll help you get back on track. With 17 years of experience and expertise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I am dedicated to helping clients lead healthier, more productive lives.
Emotionally Focused Therapy, my primary model, has been shown in research to lower distress in 90 percent of couples.
Our close relationships hold the key to tremendous comfort and wellbeing. In times of conflict or disconnect, we suffer. My work is focused on helping my clients return to wellbeing through connection and feeling safe in their important relationships.
Emotionally Focused Therapy, my primary model, has been shown in research to lower distress in 90 percent of couples.
Our close relationships hold the key to tremendous comfort and wellbeing. In times of conflict or disconnect, we suffer. My work is focused on helping my clients return to wellbeing through connection and feeling safe in their important relationships.
See more therapy options for Montréal
Nearby Emotionally Focused Counsellors Searches for Montréal
- Brossard
- Côte Saint-Luc
- Hampstead
- Lasalle
- Laval
- Longueuil
- Mont-Royal
- Montréal-Ouest
- Outremont
- Saint-Laurent
- Verdun
- Westmount
Emotionally Focused Counsellors
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.