Patricia Berendsen, RMFT, RSW, RP, SEP

Psychotherapist, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist
474 King St., London, Ontario, N6B 1T1
Phone: 519 619 8801
Send A Message To Patricia.
Session Fees: Sliding scale fees are based on household income.
www.patriciaberendsen.com
This member is also available for online counseling.
Online-counseling methods: Phone, Webcam

Welcome to Your Healing Journey

Taking the first step toward therapy is a courageous and transformative decision. Choosing a therapist and scheduling your first appointment is no small feat, and I commend you for making that choice. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first session. Many clients come in unsure of what to expect, and I understand that. You’re entrusting a stranger with something deeply personal, and that takes immense courage.

With over 28 years of experience, I am continually inspired by the bravery of my clients who face difficult challenges. I see the incredible strength of the human spirit each day, and it’s an honor to witness your journey of healing and growth.

A Personal Journey of Growth and Compassion

I’ve had my own share of ups and downs in life. I am a two-time cancer survivor, have gone through a separation and divorce, and have experienced the loss of both of my parents and a few close friends. As a parent of four children, I can honestly say parenting is the hardest job in the world! Mental health challenges and addictions have also been significant themes within my family.

My own experiences with therapy have been pivotal in helping me navigate these challenges. Therapy has been my lifeline, helping me heal and grow during some of life’s darkest times. This lived experience, combined with decades of clinical training, allows me to offer real, compassionate support—no cookie-cutter solutions. I understand firsthand the value of therapy, and I bring this empathy and expertise into every session.

Therapy as a Collaborative Experience

I view my relationship with clients as a partnership—built on attunement, respect, and collaboration. I consider myself a guide rather than an authority. Therapy is a dynamic process where both the therapist and the client are involved in its creation. I do not impose change; instead, I invite it, allowing clients to reclaim their own agency in the healing process.

A Holistic Approach to Therapy

I use a combination of Somatic Experiencing (SEP), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and attachment-based interventions to create a therapeutic experience that is felt deeply, not just discussed intellectually. Clients often share that for the first time, they feel truly understood—not just on a cognitive level, but at a visceral, embodied level.

The way therapy unfolds is just as important as what we talk about. Clients need to feel safe, connected, and attuned before they can begin shifting deep-seated patterns. My approach helps clients rewire their nervous systems, making sustainable transformation possible.

Helping Couples Build Deeper Connections

In my practice, I specialize in working with couples who want to reconnect and deepen their intimacy. Relationships often struggle due to poor communication, and I work with couples to break through this barrier. Many couples are afraid to express their true feelings and needs, but once this communication is unlocked, relationships can recover and rediscover that "loving feeling."

Our current relationships are shaped by what we experienced in childhood. Unfortunately, “what happens in childhood doesn’t stay in childhood.” Even if we were loved by our parents, it doesn't always mean they provided the best examples of healthy, thriving relationships. If you’re a parent, I encourage you to create the kind of relationship you want your children to have when they grow older. Kids are always watching, listening, and learning from us.

Building a New Way of Being

Therapy is more than fixing problems or applying strategies; it’s about building a new way of being in the world. My work creates the conditions for transformation to happen naturally, at a pace that respects your nervous system and life circumstances.

Healing is a non-linear process, much like a winding river—sometimes it moves swiftly, sometimes it meanders, and sometimes it feels like it’s doubling back, but it is always flowing forward.
While clients often notice shifts early in the process, the real work lies in allowing these changes to integrate into daily life. This process requires commitment, but the rewards are profound: greater resilience, deeper connections, and a newfound sense of ease and clarity in the face of life’s challenges.

Witnessing Transformation

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to witness profound transformations, such as:
- Couples moving from disconnection and resentment to deep emotional intimacy and renewed trust
- Individuals who have experienced chronic stress finally feeling safe in their own bodies
- Families healing intergenerational wounds and creating new, healthier patterns
- Clients who have struggled with emotional numbness beginning to experience joy, pleasure, and aliveness again
- High-performing professionals learning to regulate stress and find balance without burnout

Progress isn’t just about external outcomes—it’s about your ability to respond to life with greater resilience, presence, and authenticity.

Patricia Berendsen Reaches

London ON

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