Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW

Vanessa Garofalo

Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
2 Endorsed
65 Queen Street West, Suite 510, Toronto, ON M5H
Let's Connect (647) 508-1111
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
I’ve always been deeply curious about the human experience; drawn to people, their stories, and what helps us heal. My ability to sit with suffering, paired with a grounded, compassionate presence, is what led me to become a therapist. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, and life transitions. I support clients in processing past experiences that continue to impact how they feel or relate to others. My approach is centered on emotional exploration and helping you tune into your needs, whether that means making a change or finding acceptance.
I’m committed to creating a safe, collaborative space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. With a calm and open presence, I gently guide clients away from overthinking toward emotional clarity, helping them reconnect with their inner experience and find their own way forward.
My work is primarily informed by training in trauma-informed care, emotion-focused therapy, mindfulness, self-compassion practices, and emotional regulation skills. In sessions with me, you’ll find a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we gently explore your emotions and what feels most meaningful, all at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
Take the first step to help. Call or Vanessa Garofalo now - (647) 508-1111

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

The Downtown Psychology Clinic

65 Queen Street West

Suite 510

Toronto, ON M5H map

(647) 508-1111
I am part of the Downtown Psychology Clinic located in Toronto and I offer both in person and virtual appointments.
I specialize in Stress, Life Transitions and Relationship Issues 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Let's Connect (647) 508-1111
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

The Downtown Psychology Clinic

65 Queen Street West

Suite 510

Toronto, ON M5H map

(647) 508-1111
I am part of the Downtown Psychology Clinic located in Toronto and I offer both in person and virtual appointments.
I specialize in Stress, Life Transitions and Relationship Issues 
Individual one-on-one therapy 

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by Province of Ontario / 835544 Vanessa Garofalo
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 5 years
  • Attended University of Toronto, Master of Social Work, Graduated 2020
  • Additional Credentials

  • Membership with Ontario Association of Social workers 18945
  • Degree/Diploma from Toronto Metropolitan University Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
"
I completed a meaningful 2-year psychotherapy internship at Mount Sinai Hospital, complemented by a decade of work in a mental health hospital. With ongoing training in trauma-informed care and emotion-focused therapy, I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based support for adults.
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
or call with questions - (647) 508-1111
"
I completed a meaningful 2-year psychotherapy internship at Mount Sinai Hospital, complemented by a decade of work in a mental health hospital. With ongoing training in trauma-informed care and emotion-focused therapy, I provide compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based support for adults.
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
or call with questions - (647) 508-1111

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Stress
  • Life Transitions
  • Relationship Issues

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic Illness
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • LGBTQ+
  • Mood Disorders
  • Peer Relationships
  • Self Esteem
  • Sleep or Insomnia
  • Thinking Disorders
  • Women's Issues
"
I offered a safe and supportive space to explore your presenting concerns with kindness, curiosity, and compassion. I help clients cope with stress, relationship concerns, and life transitions, by gently exploring emotions and past experiences. I typically support clients seeking to reduce anxiety, navigate challenging life circumstances, and improve emotional regulation.
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
or call with questions - (647) 508-1111
"
I offered a safe and supportive space to explore your presenting concerns with kindness, curiosity, and compassion. I help clients cope with stress, relationship concerns, and life transitions, by gently exploring emotions and past experiences. I typically support clients seeking to reduce anxiety, navigate challenging life circumstances, and improve emotional regulation.
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
or call with questions - (647) 508-1111

2 Endorsements

Maxine Bower
Maxine Bower
Registered Social WorkerMSWRSW
Vanessa is incredible. She is non judgmental and cares deeply about her clients and her work. I admire her skillset deeply and consult with her often. Vanessa is a great clinician to work with!
Nada Bishir
Nada Bishir
Registered Social WorkerMSWRSW
Vanessa is a thoughtful and knowledgeable therapist. She provides a warm, supportive environment and cares deeply for her clients.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Transgender Allied

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Experiential Therapy
  • Humanistic
  • Integrative
  • Mindfulness
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Person-Centered
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
The approaches I use are chosen with the intention of serving your unique needs and therapeutic goals. These approaches are well suited for exploring emotions to better understand yourself and the influence of our past experiences on current challenges.
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
or call with questions - (647) 508-1111
"
The approaches I use are chosen with the intention of serving your unique needs and therapeutic goals. These approaches are well suited for exploring emotions to better understand yourself and the influence of our past experiences on current challenges.
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
or call with questions - (647) 508-1111

Location

Primary Location

The Downtown Psychology Clinic

65 Queen Street West

Suite 510

Toronto, ON M5H

(647) 508-1111

Nearby Areas

Towns/Cities

Postal Codes

"
I am part of the Downtown Psychology Clinic located in Toronto and I offer both in person and virtual appointments.
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Take the first step to help. Call now - (647) 508-1111
"
I am part of the Downtown Psychology Clinic located in Toronto and I offer both in person and virtual appointments.
Photo of Vanessa Garofalo, Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Vanessa Garofalo
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Take the first step to help. Call now - (647) 508-1111