Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental health problems through a collaborative relationship between an individual and their psychologist. Through psychotherapy, an individual learns about their thoughts, behaviors, feelings, moods and overall condition by talking to a psychologist about them. At Valiant Recovery, our psychotherapy methods are aimed at discovering the underlying issues that spawn addiction and substance abuse, such as grief, trauma and mental illness. All of our therapists have masters degrees in social work or counseling, as well as extensive experience treating addiction and substance abuse disorders.

Psychotherapy is a process of facilitated self-discovery and healing. It is facilitated by a trained professional in a safe and confidential environment. Much emphasis in psychotherapy is put on creating a trusting relationship with your therapist so that you can feel safe "opening up". With this deep level of support, you'll be able to face the sometimes difficult parts of your emotions and experiences in order to emerge stronger, with a deeper sense of connection and purpose. In my practice, this is achieved through "talk therapy", art making or some combination of the two.

Are you ready to start: Feeling different in your life? Understanding where you are at and how you got there? Being different in your relationship both to yourself and with others? Then you are ready to start psychotherapy. You might come in the grip of a particular crisis or with a mounting sense that something has to change. Together we will explore what life is like for you: how you are with yourself and with others, how you are right now and what you know of how you came to be in this place. We will look at all of the parts that make up you and we’ll do it at your pace, with care, safety and empathy. You’ll notice yourself changing and others will too.

Most people consider psychotherapy because they are in crisis and seek an intervention that will improve their lives. The issue may involve work or the recognition of recurring, destructive themes that prevent them from living out their dreams. I use a framework called Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, originating from Diana Fosha. It uses a model of attachment to establish a clear, supportive relationship that helps people feel safe enough to explore deeper issues and to know that they are not alone. I aim to help them reach inside themselves to deal with painful feelings, make way for the resilience and wisdom that reside in each of us and find the transformation we seek.

Anxiety, depression and mental distress represent echoes of your history - they are patterned emotional responses and neurological frameworks stemming from past experiences that are being replayed in the present. But to reclaim the future, we need to escape the grips of the past. With a grounding in neurology and psychodynamics, I go beyond analytical and cognitive therapy. Because as most people who've struggled with emotional distress can attest, it’s difficult to think your way out of a feeling. Combining relational and somatic psychotherapy with attachment theory, sensorimotor techniques, and EMDR, I help clients reprocess the past and reclaim the future.

I work in the present moment with my clients. I have great respect for anyone who enters therapy. We're very good at living in denial -- denial is a beautiful thing! Usually, clients come through my door because they've tried everything else and it hasn't worked. I am empathetic, and work at my client's pace. I provide feedback on what I notice, paying close attention to what I hear and observe, and I offer challenges, so my client can try something new. I am wam, honest and direct with my clients.

I am trained in the Contemplative Psychotherapy practices such as mindfulness and compassion studies, and integrate this work in all of our sessions. Using grounding exercises such as breath work, visualization and others, we will work towards creating skills that you can use outside the session. Please feel open to ask me more about these practices when we meet.

Therapy is a way to explore and process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the help of someone trained assist you in developing a better, healthier understanding of yourself. It is a commitment to self-awareness, with an aim of building resilience. Whether what you are experiencing has a name (depression, anxiety) or is defined by an event (divorce, unemployment), I provide you with a space to feel things out—connect with whatever it is that causes friction. I can also make room for clients who don’t want a long-term commitment or who may wish to communicate remotely (out of province, etc).

The process of therapy helps people step back, and look at things through the lens of an objective observer. In this way, individuals start to see strengths within themselves. As they see these strengths, with a therapist's help, people begin to make gradual changes in their lives. Adults, adolescents, & children see me in my practice in downtown Toronto for individual, couples, and family counseling. Their problems include anxiety, stress, depression, parent-child conflict, marital distress, trauma, and grief & bereavement.

I have a relational, and empathetic approach to psychotherapy. My work is also informed by a number of theories and modalities of therapy. Attachment theory, family systems theory, and human development theory are lenses which enable me to see and understand patterns and processes in one's life which are creating unfulfilling outcomes. I work with clients in a relational and integrative way bringing understanding and emotional healing to situations. This frequently creates a paradigm shift which becomes transformative in the life of the client.

Psychotherapy and counselling is first and foremost about having a positive space where we can feel accepted, validated and able to explore our thoughts, feelings and how we react and respond in our relationship and life. It is also about uncovering and practice how we can live more positively and balanced - intuitively, we know what we need more of in our lives to live more happily and healthy. My approach is to help clients, even young children, move towards increased emotional regulation and more positive relationships.

Psychotherapy helps people who are in distress. Sometimes childhood trauma or significant losses make mood regulation difficult. I help people from an attachment framework which means helping them feel more secure in themselves and relationships through increased self knowledge. Your anger, anxiety, panic or depression may be a sign for you to seek help. Relationship difficulties about whether to stay or leave or how to deal with present or past relationships can be the source of your distress. I will help you examine your life from the perspective of your significant relationships. All of us deserve to find greater satisfaction and love in our lives. Psychotherapy with me can help you.

I am here to validate your concerns and provide a safe and therapeutic environment to explore any issues that you may be concerned about. I offer individual sessions to adults who are concerned about their child and are in need if guidance and support to address any parenting concerns. My specialty is working with children and adolescents. Children and adolescents respond to my treatment approach. They understand that I am their advocate and I will fight for them to ensure that their needs are being met. It's important for parents who are seeking my services to understand that sessions are confidential. However parents are very much n integral part of the treatment process as well.