Therapists in M6C

Hi! My name is Emily Halperin and I am a Registered Social Worker and Therapist. I work with youth, young adults, and couples, supporting them through a range of emotional and relational challenges. Whether you are looking to unpack experiences that are difficult, build self-compassion, or develop strategies to manage anxiety and stress, I am here to help. In my practice, I aim to support you in exploring your emotional health and well-being. I have a particular interest in working with adults as they navigate relationships and related stressors.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, depressed, hopeless, lonely,confused, scared, frustrated or stuck? Are the issues that you are facing getting in the way of your daily functioning, enjoyment, health, relationships, goals, academic success, job performance and of the hopes and dreams that you have for yourself? Are you tired of feeling the way that you are and want something different for yourself? If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, then you've come to the right place! We can work together to help you move toward a healthier and happier place in a way that fits for you.

With over 30 years of clinical experience, I welcome Children, Teens, Adults, Couples & Families into my practice who are facing anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, addiction, chronic pain/illness, or stress from relationship conflicts. I specialize in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Relapse Prevention Therapy, and Self-Care which are personalized to your unique circumstance. I also provide a special Couple's Program and a Deeper Healing Program that addresses pain and utilizes strength to repair.

I work with adults and couples to help them move towards a state of continued growth, compassion, and self-awareness in a way that is collaborative, strengths-based, and empowering. I believe in creating a client-therapist relationship that fosters authenticity, support, and space for both acceptance, and for change. This can begin in our very first session. Together, we can begin to tease apart the adaptive approaches to dealing with and moving through life you've grown accustomed to, and begin to decipher which of these patterns are serving you, and which you may be interested in moving beyond.

Dr. Stella Dentakos is the Founder and Director of Whole Kids Health. Whole Kids Health is dedicated to improving the wellness of kids, teens, and their families, providing psychological services in Toronto and across Ontario (virtual care). Whole Kids Health offers a variety of services including therapy, assessment (psychoeducational, psychodiagnostic), and parent/caregiver coaching. As a team of hospital-trained health psychologists and associates, we also offer comprehensive health psychology services, focused on supporting the needs of children and youth with health conditions.

I am a registered social worker with 15 years experience in providing individual and family therapy in adult and children mental health settings. I support individuals and families with interpersonal challenges, mental health concerns, coping with childhood trauma, work stress, transitions and emotional concerns. My work is focused on compassionately exploring and transforming deeply rooted, unsettling patterns in relationship with self and others. In therapeutic relationship where my clients feel deeply understood, we integrate relational, emotional, cognitive and body-oriented experiences to facilitate meaningful change.

My belief is that people come to therapy to have an experience that is markedly different from what they encounter in their daily life. My training and experience allow me to have the tools to provide an opportunity for that different experience, whether it is getting relief from anxiety, finding grace and gratitude in the midst of grief, or gaining clarity and calm in a situation of overwhelm and confusion. We work collaboratively and creatively to uncover the root causes of your distress or dissatisfaction, and address them without re-traumatization. Our work together is safe, deep, transformative, and often spontaneously joyous.

Everyday life can be difficult to navigate. Most of us have struggles such as struggles with self-esteem, conflict at work, in a romantic relationship or family system, or issues adjusting to big changes such as having a child. Working with a therapist can help you to get to where you want to be heading, and give you the space that you need to talk it out. Together, we will address whatever it might be that is impacting you, and help you to feel empowered and self-assured.

I came to Gestalt Psychotherapy after a decade of teaching yoga and meditation workshops in Canada, Greece, Mexico and Nicaragua. I noticed that wisdom practices (such as meditation, yoga, breath-work, and reflection) lead people to face vulnerability and perhaps even pain inside their minds, hearts and bodies. Many people have insights about themselves, but they believe they can mentally figure it out on their own. We are not meant to do all the processing on our own. The therapeutic relationship allows us the support of a compassionate and trained witness so we can explore what is present.

I am an experienced therapist with 34 years of practice to draw upon. I will listen carefully as you describe the issues that you need support and help to sort out. Often, an increased understanding of the challenges that you face can be very helpful to move forward in your life. As well, learning some new skills to manage the issues and/or gaining a new perspective on the issues can be useful as well. I appreciate that it is not easy to embark on a therapy course so I make every effort to be supportive and understanding as we build a therapy relationship.

I have always had a passion for holding space for others as they confront pain and distress. I consider it my greatest privilege to emotionally support individuals as they navigate through the challenges of their life. In fact, my aim is to support you by helping you get in touch with what is hijacking you - emotional wounds, fears, blindspots, negative beliefs and thinking patterns. I am equipped to guide you through various concerns including anxiety, emotional distress, grief, trauma and loss and have worked with countless individuals, children and parents over the years.

Our comprehensive DBT program is committed to providing compassionate & effective treatment for individuals who may experience intense emotions (such as anxiety, depression, anger, shame, guilt), impulsive behaviours (such as self-harm, suicide, stealing, substance use, risky behaviours), & stormy relationships (which could look like switching between pushing people away & clinging to them, challenges with saying no). We also offer trauma treatment through Prolonged Exposure-DBT and/or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) because many of the current day experiences, emotions & views of the world, are based on previous experiences.

I have over 30 years of clinical practice experience providing support and delivering successful outcomes to children, youth and families. I believe that mental and physical health are connected and need our attention. We are all striving to be our best and find balance in our lives. Anxiety and depression are on the rise. Growing up and raising a family is hard. I can support you in managing : Anxiety • Depression • ADHD/ ADD • Emotional Regulation • Parenting support

I am dedicated to cultivating a nurturing, supportive, and safe environment for my clients. By meeting you with empathy and fostering a strong therapeutic connection, we can progress through your healing and growth journey together. Through a blend of curiosity and light-heartedness, we will delve into the depths of your psyche, emotions, and spirituality. I’d offer support and gentle guidance as you discover your innate capacity to heal and nurture both yourself and your relationships, ultimately empowering you to manifest your desires and fulfill your needs.

I am an adoption competent social worker assisting families in post-adoption integration. Working from a trauma-informed and attachment bases I help families formed by adoption find success in meeting the needs of their adopted child(ren). I have specialized training in Watch, Wait and Wonder (an infant/toddler attachment tool), in addition to working with children and teens in the areas of anxiety, depression and self-harm. I work with couples to assist them in addressing the issues that are getting in the way of gaining fulfillment in their relationships and getting on the same page with respect to their parenting goals.

Note: My practice is now re-open for new clients again, daytime and limited evening spots. Are you going through a life transition? Do you want something different for yourself or for your relationships? Find ways to move toward a healthier place in a way that fits for you. Friends and family can be supportive; but, meeting with someone outside of these groups can lead to new insights, perspectives and change. Seeking counselling is a helpful way to get you where you want to be.

You're self-aware enough that you can see some challenges in your life, or some changes you'd like to make, but despite your best efforts, you find yourself stuck repeating the same patterns. Or, maybe you're overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings and unsure how to address them. Whether this is all new to you, or you're well versed in these issues and you're looking to get deeper and do more than just manage, I would love to support you on this journey.

Parenting is hard; the lived experience of a child/youth can be hard too. Sometimes, understanding each others' perspectives can be challenging. My aim is to bridge this gap and help families work together, rather than against each other. Thinking about how you can enhance your family's overall mental health? Consider how therapy can support your family in moving towards positive change. A non-judgmental and outside perspective can help your family really listen to each other, consider differing perspectives in a new way, and offer unique strategies to direct you towards your goals.

I am passionate about supporting people in harnessing their inner strength and resilience to achieve whatever they set their mind to do. I believe in working collaboratively with my clients in order to provide the most effective and long-lasting support. I support my clients in developing goals and understanding the blocks that get in the way of achieving them. I commend my clients for their courage in wanting to make changes, grow and deepen their self-awareness. I work to empower clients to be able to tackle stressors and obstacles. I practice from a non-judgemental, client-centred, strength-based and anti-oppressive approach.