Therapists in Markham, ON

With over twenty years in mental health services, I am passionate about helping you to overcome the chalIenges you face and enhance your existing strengths. It is not uncommon during periods of life to feel overwhelmed, inadequate and anxious. As both a therapist and clinic owner of my group practice Shanti Psychotherapy, I specialize in working with Teenagers, Adults, Families, Trauma and Mental Health issues such as depression and anxiety. All sessions foster a safe and non-judgmental environment that focus on your individual needs. No single approach is right for everyone. I welcome the opportunity to start a conversation!

As a compassionate therapist using a client-centered approach, I create a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space for youth, adults, seniors, caregivers, and students to develop the insights, skills, and experiences needed to overcome challenges and make positive changes that last. Using a trauma-informed lens, I work from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based framework; my treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness approaches.

Need someone to talk to? Navigating today’s world can be challenging. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you reduce your daily struggles and optimize your quality of life. I specialize in using diverse evidence-based therapies that are best suited for your situation, personality type, and specific needs. I am passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression.

At times, life can feel so overwhelming that we just wish for a way out of the chaos into stillness and peace. For adults who have grown up in an immigrant household, the feeling of overwhelm can be amplified by additional stressors. It is hard to try to navigate family, belonging, community, and figuring out who we are and who we want to be in what can seem like two separate worlds and identities. It is absolutely possible to find your way to happiness and inner peace and it’s helpful to have a trained professional with lived experience guide and support you through that journey.

As a therapist, I am dedicated to guiding you on your path to healing and personal growth. My approach is rooted in the fundamental principles of non-judgment, empathy, and compassion. In the initial stages of our therapeutic journey, my primary focus is on creating a strong foundation built on trust and collaboration. I am committed to providing a safe and nurturing space where you can freely share your experiences and stories without fear of judgment.

I always approach my clients in with an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, harm reduction framework. What does that mean? It means that I will always ask "what happened to you?" instead of asking "what's wrong with you?". It also means that I will always respect you as the expert in your own life. Finally, it means that I believe that everyone does their very best to survive and thrive each day–even on the days that we can't see any hope. I am here to be with you, even through the darkest of days, and help you find inspiration and hope within yourself.

Struggling with life's challenges, past wounds, or big decisions? Navigating life's challenges and emotions can be a daunting journey. I'm a compassionate and creative psychotherapist who believes in the power of psychotherapy to heal past pains and shape a brighter future. I draw from a toolkit of evidence-based therapies, respecting your unique background and cultural influences. My practise is 2SLGBTQ+ friendly and open to adults of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life committed to guiding you toward better relationships and self-understanding, & I want you to know that you don't have to do it alone.

Hi there! I am Shirley, a Doctoral level Registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor with 25 yrs' experience. I work well with people who feel misunderstood elsewhere, who want a direct but caring approach. My background includes a meandering path, with participation in the Arts/Health/Fitness. I supervise an amazing team who have trained in evidence-based practices including mature Psychotherapists and a Nurse/Social Worker. We often see clients who are are intelligent, & creative, with diverse ethnicity or lifestyles. We welcome LGBT2SQ+ clients. Our fees are related to level of experience of the therapist.

***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.

Do you often feel anxious, worried, and depressed? How about frustrated or even guilty? Perhaps you have experienced trauma, feel lost trying to understand your mind, and want to reduce the impact of painful thoughts and feelings. My work focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional issues. I can help you to find calm and peace in your life, and create a rich, full and meaningful life. I am a Registered Psychotherapist and a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. I also hold a master's degree in counselling psychology, certification in counselling skills, MBCT, hypnosis, telehealth and trauma.

**See our website for other therapists accepting new clients** I am mental health therapist as well as a multi-faith spiritual and religious care provider (also known as a chaplain). My strength is working with anyone's faith and spirituality to help them with their mental health and spiritual journey. I work with all faiths and religious. In my practice, I see each client as a complex and unique person with stories, worldviews, and challenges. My goal is to aid you in accessing your inner resources such as the experiences you cultivate from your stories and the beliefs that find root in your worldviews to cope with challenges.

****NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS IN VAUGHAN/MISSISSAUGA AND PHONE/VIDEO**** "I am not what has happened to me; I am what I choose to become" -Carl Jung. If you are stuck in the “I wish things had been different” mode,” and feel like there is little hope for change in your life; therapy provides an avenue to be heard, to grieve, to discover acceptance, and create a new future right now, as we work together to formulate small but consistent steps in the present. I believe that each person is unique and brings individualized strengths and skills to forge new paths in their lives and in their relationships. Together, we can reach your goals.

Do you feel like your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are often misaligned with who you want to be, who you really are deep inside? Are you ready to begin transforming the beliefs, emotions, and patterns you hold inside of yourself that keep you from fully living the life that you want? Together we can explore the roots of whatever you are currently wanting help with - be it emotional regulation, self-compassion, relationships, depression, anxiety, addictions, life transitions, sexuality, spirituality, and racial identity. These roots can span across multiple generations, often inviting us to tune in to our ancestral history.

You might be wondering if counselling or clinical supports are for you, you might be questioning whether therapy works, you might have exhausted all other avenues and have found yourself on this page. I welcome you to take a chance on yourself and invite you to engage in a free consultation process with me.

Hey there, Are you feeling lost? A bit Disoriented and at times, Stuck? Maybe your life struggles are leaving you feel powerless or hopeless. Sometimes old patterns can get in the way of you living up to your full potential and sometimes we may even feel too overwhelming to understand and process what is happening in our lives. You are here because you are ready for a change and are up to the challenge of finding the strength to face your fears and worries. You're ready to move forward, and I'm here to guide your through the process.