Paula Ghelman

Hello and welcome! ​I'm Marta, a Registered Psychotherapist (RP). Originally from Italy, I now call Toronto home. Having lived through the experience of building a life in a new country, I understand the complexities of cultural adjustment, identity, and belonging. I offer sessions in both English and Italian. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade in Human Resources, where I witnessed how deeply our personal and professional lives intertwine. I hold a master’s degree in psychology and draw from both my clinical training and professional experience to support clients in finding balance, meaning, and self-understanding.

Life gets hard. So many responsibilities, it's hard to put ourselves first and we can stumble. We can feel isolated, overwhelmed, a sense of dread and anxiety with each passing day. This can lead to depressive feelings, loss of self confidence, addictions, self harm, and even suicidal thoughts. You're not alone if you're feeling this way. It can be especially hard to understand what is happening inside, if we had challenges in our past. I use an integrative person-centred approach so that together, we can work together to untangle the past, connect fully with yourself today, and build tools for the brighter future that you are hoping for. There may be many goals on your journey to well-being. In collaborating together, you will have a safe place to name your feelings for what they are: yours. I offer a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens to understanding, processing, and healing the roots of negative thoughts, feelings and experiences that may have been holding you back. Stepping into healing is an amazing act of courage. Working together, we can explore what is most meaningful for you today, as we navigate your journey towards mental health and well-being.

Do you ever feel like you don’t quite belong—like you’re putting on a mask just to make it through the day? Maybe life feels heavier than it should, or quietly exhausting. I work with people who are navigating anxiety, procrastination, imposter syndrome, and a lingering sense of disconnection. Together, we’ll gently explore what may be keeping you stuck and begin creating a life that feels more authentic and more your own. With a PhD in chemistry and a background outside of mental health, I understand the pressures of high performance, the weight of expectations, and the loneliness that can come with feeling different. I work relationally, offering a calm, curious space where you can begin to reconnect with yourself. I offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can get a sense of how I work and ask any questions. You don’t need to have it all figured out — just a willingness to take one step. If something in this profile resonates with you, I invite you to reach out and begin the conversation.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) under clinical supervision and an MA Counselling Psychology student. With over 5 years of experience supporting individuals on the spectrum, I bring both training and lived clinical practice to my work. I offer a warm space for growth and learning. As a first generation Canadian, I understand the work it takes to seek help. It can be stressful to take the steps to talk to someone about the difficulties going on around us, fearful of judgement or stereotypes. That's why I strive to make the environment as safe and inclusive as possible, let's joke about a meme and sip coffee, the session is your time to feel free and express your true authentic self. In our work together, I focus on creating a collaborative and compassionate environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace. My approach is grounded in empathy and curiosity, while also offering practical tools and strategies to help you move forward in tangible ways. I enjoy using interventions such as CBT, which allows us to understand the roots of problems and how it affects our emotions and behaviours. Though I am not limited to just CBT, I implement different theories to best fit your needs, making the process smooth and comfortable. Starting therapy can feel a bit intimidating, you might not know what to say or where to start. That’s okay. You can show up exactly as you are. If you’re ready to explore things and feel more like yourself again, when you’re ready, reaching out can be the first step forward.