Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Therapists in Canada

Hi there and welcome! I’m Yaroslav (or Y for short), a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the CRPO. Life can feel incredibly heavy when you're carrying the belief that you're somehow not good enough. You may find yourself constantly second-guessing your decisions, comparing yourself to others, struggling with self-criticism, or feeling overwhelmed by shame. Perhaps you've spent years trying to be what everyone else needs you to be, while quietly wondering why you still don't feel worthy, confident, or at peace. You are not alone. Many of the struggles we experience—whether it's self-doubt, shame, relationship conflict, or feeling disconnected from those we love—are deeply human responses to difficult life experiences, unmet emotional needs, and the challenges that come with navigating relationships, family life, and personal growth. These struggles do not mean there is something wrong with you. They often reflect the ways you've learned to cope, survive, and make sense of your experiences. As a therapist, I bring not only professional training but also a deep understanding of what it means to navigate life's challenges, uncertainty, and the ongoing work of self-discovery and growth. Like many people, I have experienced moments of self-doubt, vulnerability, and the complexities that come with balancing relationships, responsibilities, and personal well-being. These experiences have strengthened my belief that healing happens not through perfection, but through self-compassion, connection, and the courage to face our struggles with curiosity rather than judgment. I help individuals, youth, and couples create lasting change by addressing the deeper emotional patterns that drive distress and disconnection. I offer in-person therapy in Hawkesbury and virtual therapy across Ontario, providing a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. My work with individuals and youth focuses on overcoming feelings of inadequacy, shame, self-criticism, anxiety, and emotional pain through the evidence-based approaches of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Together, we explore the origins of painful beliefs such as "I'm not good enough," understand the emotions beneath the struggle, and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. As therapy progresses, many clients begin to experience greater self-acceptance, emotional resilience, confidence, and freedom from the patterns that have kept them stuck. For couples, I specialize in helping partners navigate parenting challenges, communication difficulties, recurring conflicts, and emotional disconnection. Parenting can place enormous pressure on even the strongest relationships, often leaving couples feeling more like teammates managing responsibilities than partners deeply connected to one another. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we identify the negative cycles that create distance and frustration, helping both partners better understand their own needs and each other's experiences. Through this process, couples often strengthen their emotional bond, improve communication, rebuild trust, and rediscover a sense of connection and partnership. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth and healing when they feel emotionally safe, understood, and supported. Therapy is not about fixing you—because you are not broken. It is about helping you better understand yourself, heal old wounds, and develop new ways of relating to yourself and the people who matter most. Whether you're struggling with shame, low self-worth, anxiety, relationship challenges, or the demands of parenting, you don't have to navigate it alone. Meaningful change is possible, and support is available. If you're ready to take the next step toward greater self-compassion, confidence, and connection, I invite you to reach out. Contact me today to book a consultation and discover how therapy can help you create the lasting changes you're looking for.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or struggling to balance different parts of yourself? Maybe you’ve felt misunderstood or like your needs aren’t being fully seen. You might also be dealing with relationship challenges or difficult emotions. Trying to meet the expectations of family, society, culture, work, and your own inner standards can add extra pressure. Holding multiple identities can make this even more complex. As a queer woman of colour, I can relate to how challenging this can be. I’m passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ and racialized individuals, as well as folks from all walks of life. Together, we’ll work to create a space where you can feel heard and supported as you navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re seeking understanding, practical tools, or a safe space to process difficult emotions, we’ll go at your pace to find what feels most helpful for you. Life can be tough, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If this resonates with you, let's connect for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we might be a good fit.

If you’re finding it hard to connect with others, feeling stuck in painful relationship patterns, or overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or sadness, you’re not alone. Many of the struggles we face are not flaws or signs of failure. They are often adaptations to past experiences where emotional needs, like being comforted, feeling safe, accepted, or truly heard, weren’t fully met. I work with adults navigating relationship challenges, low mood, overthinking, uncertainty about themselves, or difficulties with focus and restlessness. These experiences can be influenced by many factors, such as ADHD, burnout, identity-related stress, or difficult past experiences. You might notice patterns like shutting down, feeling easily overwhelmed, or being misunderstood in your closest relationships. These are often protective responses that once helped you cope, but are now getting in the way of the life and relationships you want. My approach is grounded in a trauma-informed lens and an understanding that mental health is shaped by many layers—our biology, environment, culture, and early relationships. I also pay close attention to how the nervous system responds to stress and safety, helping you make sense of your emotional reactions with more compassion and less shame. Clients often share that they feel relieved when their struggles finally start to make sense. I walk alongside you with warmth and respect as we explore your experiences with curiosity, not judgment. My hope is to help you reconnect with parts of yourself that feel lost, hurt, or misunderstood. Together, we’ll build healthier emotional responses, uncover strengths buried beneath survival patterns, and move toward a life and relationships that feel more secure, fulfilling, and aligned with who you are.

I (she/her) have been practicing therapy since 2016. Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador I’ve made the West End of Toronto home and St. Joseph’s Health Centre my primary workplace where I work as a Child and Family Therapist. I have countless trauma trainings, plus DBT, CBT, DDP, EFFT, Psychodrama for Traumatic Stress, and exposure to Gestalt Therapy. I participate in psychoanalysis and am a true believer in the healing relational aspect of therapy. I know the importance of an intersectional approach to personal growth, and I seek to help you discover wholeness versus the elusive permanent wellness. Relational dynamics are my expertise, they play important roles in how we see ourselves and live our lives.

Hi, I’m Clare. I’m a graduate student currently completing my Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. Before entering the counselling realm, I earned an honours degree in Anthropology from McMaster University, where my love for understanding what shapes us as human beings really developed. I believe everyone’s story is unique and worthy of being held with care. However you choose to arrive and whatever you’re navigating, I’m here to offer a non-judgemental space where you can show up exactly as you are, without pressure to be anyone but yourself. I draw from Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), adjusting to align with each client’s unique needs and lived experiences. I also enjoy incorporating mindfulness and whole‑person wellness when it supports the work we’re doing together. Above all, my priority is to create an environment where you feel heard, understood, and genuinely supported as we explore what matters most to you.

I support clients navigating anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, relational difficulties, burnout, and perfectionism. I work with clients to develop a more compassionate understanding of themselves and their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a life that reflects their authentic self and values. I offer low-cost sessions for individuals through the Full Circle Program at Design Your Life Centre as a student therapist working under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Thomas. This program is for individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford therapy. My approach is rooted in humanistic and person-centred principles, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I bring a warm, nonjudgmental, and grounded presence to my work. I am committed to creating a space where you feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences and emotions and to supporting you, with patience and genuine belief in your capacity to change, as you work toward the life you want to lead.

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.