Self-Compassion Therapists in Canada

Specializing in LGBTQIA*, ENM, Kink, Sex Workers, and Psychedelic Integration. I launched Nested Heart Counselling in 2013 in response to calls from within the local polyamorous community for mental health support that didn’t require further education about unconventional identities. It’s always been important to me to shout my acceptance for unconventionality from the rooftops, rather than hope word would travel underground in a way that perpetuates stigma. Even with this philosophy, it took time for me to proudly display my body modifications - now clients tell me all the time that this kind of bravery is part of the reason they show up in the first place! It would be hypocritical of me to encourage you to live authentically and not arrive in session doing so myself. We have a whole team available for you, check out our website to learn more.

Hi! Thanks for being here and taking the time to find someone to support you on your counselling journey. I know how difficult it can be to reach out for support, regardless of whether or not you’ve accessed counselling before. To give you a better idea of what to expect when working with me, allow me to share a bit about my approach. In my work with clients, I endeavour to create a space in which you can talk about topics and concerns that are difficult or have felt taboo. I am a big proponent of accepting and experiencing the whole spectrum of emotions and developing more compassion towards ourselves. Counselling is a collaborative process where maintaining your autonomy is the most important part of our work. We go at whatever pace feels most comfortable for you, and you will never have to try an intervention or share something that you do not feel comfortable with or ready for. I help my clients accept themselves and their emotions and connect with their values and what matters to them. On a more personal level: I am a non-disabled, cis-het, South-Asian woman. I was born in BC and currently live and work in Vancouver on the unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. Outside of my work as a counsellor, I am an avid reader and TV binge-watcher, I love baking, and try to soak in the sun whenever I can. I like spending time hanging out with friends and family, but also cherish times when I can unwind on my own. I also engage in my own counselling sessions and have lived experience with anxiety and panic attacks, body image concerns, and grief and loss. From my own experiences as a client, I know how much of a difference it can make to find a counsellor that feels like the right fit. I invite you to book a free consultation with me to see if I’m the right counsellor for you. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Hi, I’m Lauren (she/her). Sometimes life can be hard, and we can struggle to navigate our current challenges. I know that taking the step into therapy can feel overwhelming, however, remember that you are not alone in this and you and you are capable of doing hard things. Together we can create a safe space where you feel comfortable to share, explore and begin your healing journey. I encourage you to bring all parts of yourself - the hurt, the messy, the unseen - into this process. Honouring each client’s unique story, I work closely with them to meet their specific needs and goals to ensure clients feel validated, understood, and supported. As someone who has lived experience of anxiety and divorce, I understand the importance of practical self-support strategies and the value of a non-judgmental space to discuss vulnerable issues. I believe establishing a positive, empathetic and compassionate environment is essential for fostering personal growth. I guide clients in reconnecting to themselves, rediscovering their authentic self, and living a life that feels genuinely aligned with who they are. I draw on various therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), nervous system regulation, body practices, mindfulness, family systems, attachment and nature-based practices. I have experience supporting individuals, youth, and families in navigating various challenges including anxiety, depression, divorce/separation, grief/loss, self-esteem, relationship challenges, dating and new relationships, deepening intuition, personal growth/emotional awareness, and life transitions. At the moment, I provide online sessions using the secure video platform Jane and offer supports to individuals located in beautiful British Columbia. I have availability Monday - Fridays (day/evenings). I offer a discounted rate to students. I look forward to connecting with you and hearing your story!

Hi, I'm Nicole (she/they). You might wonder what therapy can offer you, and that is a fair question. I used to ask the same thing and I remember my first therapy session as a client, I was so nervous I got in a car accident on my way to the appointment. Being vulnerable and sharing a piece of yourself can be so intimidating. It makes sense to feel nervous. Reaching out for support is challenging, and can also be empowering, I commend you for considering it. I am committed to providing as safe a space as is possible to those who would choose to trust me with their story. Part of that includes an understanding of how systemic power and inequity impacts us all. I navigate the world as a white, settler woman. I also have lived experience with chronic illness, and a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. These, among other pieces of my identity, impact my lived experiences of the world as your identity impacts yours. Because of this, I use an intersectional, systemic approach in my work, leaning on Feminist Theory and utilize AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and Narrative techniques. I believe you have resources and answers within yourself, and I am honoured to support you as you discover and grow in your own strength. I take a collaborative approach, meaning you get to play an active role in deciding how our time together is spent. Ultimately, I am committed to your healing and will use all of the tools at my disposal to support you on your journey. My hope for you is that you flourish in your life, and are able to feel all of the joy and delight that comes from that.

Hello! I'm glad you're here. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#11949) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (#11249171) and am able to support clients who reside in within Canada. My aim in any therapy session is to support you in a way that you find helpful, while holding a safe enough space to challenge beliefs and behaviours you deem unhelpful. I have varied work experience in the field of mental health, including several years working alongside individuals who live with the lasting impacts of trauma, substance use, mental health diagnoses, poverty, and homelessness. I am Canadian born and Indian, and part of my work is rooted in my lived experience existing between cultures to support clients who face similar struggles. My Masters of Counselling Psychology degree is supplemented by additional postgraduate training in cognitive behaviour therapy, mindful self-compassion, anti-oppressive psychotherapy, narrative therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and strengths-based listening. I incorporate an intersectional feminist lens in my work, and am continually learning to be a more effective ally to multiple communities (including Black, Indigenous, people with racialized identities, and LGBTQ2SIA+). Outside of Counselling work, I enjoy spending time with friends, animals, and my niece and nephews. I see clients in person or virtually at my Vancouver office on Monday evenings and Fridays, and offer virtual only sessions on Thursday evenings. If you would like to know more about how we could work together or know more about what the counselling process could look like in general, I invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation session (virtual or over the phone). My hope is that I can offer support that is helpful to you! Areas of Practice: - Depression - Anxiety - Stress Management -Identity and Cultural Concerns - Mental Health Diagnoses - Difficult Life Transitions - Grief and Loss - Trauma - Substance use Approaches Used: - Strengths based listening - CBT - Mindful Self-Compassion - Anti-Oppression Psychotherapy - Narrative Therapy - Dialectical Behavioural Therapy -Intersectional Feminist Lens The land I work, live and play on is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and the Stó:lō Nations.

Hi! My name is Mila Loskutova and I'm a registered clinical counsellor. I am a queer, immigrant settler woman. I am passionate about supporting folks healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues and OCD. I use a mix of gentle talk therapy that helps individuals dive deeper into self-exploration and more structured approaches for specific concerns, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I am mindful and curious about how our identities and the systems we live in shape the way we move through the world. My approach is humanistic, anti-oppressive and sometimes irreverent. I enjoy helping people create and deepen meaning in their lives. I am available online and in person at my office at 315, 2083 Alma Street, Vancouver.

Starting therapy is daunting. Existing in this world is not easy! There is much uncertainty and hurt. I congratulate you for taking the initial steps to find the right fit for you. I believe that everyone has the right to healing and community. We heal in community. The work I do with my clients in essence is relational. The work you will do in therapy is a radical act of self-advocacy in a world that often demands from us productivity and perfectionism. As a social justice activist, yogi, and post-modernist my approach to healing work is holistic. I aspire to go beyond the medical model and do not conform to what the norm demands from us. As your therapist, I engage with you curiously to go deeper, exploring many aspects as you unpack the layers of your narratives. Healing can only begin when we separate who we are from our problems. Coming from a bi-cultural background, I believe the narratives we have to speak to our individualistic and collective experience of events. It is vital to look within and around the communities to which we belong. I can provide services in Hindi, Punjabi, and English. My goal as a therapist is to facilitate mindful exploration of your trauma in a safe, collaborative, and open space. I want to hear your stories. Revisiting painful, challenging, and stressful stories can be a complex process. You are not alone! We work at your pace to restore your agency so that you can reclaim the narratives that serve your interpersonal growth and well-being. Through a trauma-informed lens, together, we can unpack: Anxiety and Low Moods Addictions Abuse Sexuality Social Anxiety Self-esteem and self-worth Burnout Challenges around social justice advocacy and activism Fear and hopelessness Body Image Self-Care Chronic Illness Ableism Navigating bi-cultural reality and expectations Relationships Perfectionism ADHD Feelings of isolation My approach is multi-faceted, and I will be combining traditional talk therapy with somatic psychology practices. I believe movement is essential for our healing and self-regulation. With virtual sessions, I want us to acknowledge that we are present with each other in our whole bodies and not just our floating heads. Therefore, I invite you to get in touch with your senses and body through practices such as tapping exercises or body scans. I will also lean on my mindfulness philosophy to help guide a process through which you can access inner wisdom, be present in the here and now, to release your traumas, and narratives which no longer serve you. My mental health work background is grounded in traditional Vedic-Yoga practices, Buddhist psychology, and Western psychology. Over the last decade, I have strived to do collective healing work through my activism and mental health aid for community members. I am committed to supporting you on your healing journey with great compassion. At this time, I can only see clients that are currently residing in Canada. I wish to express gratitude, and acknowledgment that I currently live, work and play in the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Tsleil-waututh Nations.

Julie has Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Counselling and is currently finishing her doctorate’s degree in clinical psychology. In addition to professional training and experiences in psychotherapy and treatment, clinical counselling, behavioural intervention, and neuropsychological assessments, Julie also has a background in psychological research at the doctoral level and uses the empirical insights gained from previous studies to supplement her current clinical practice, making her unique as a practitioner of both clinical-scientist and scientist-practitioner models. Julie has worked with BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA), Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV), Chimo Community Services, and local medical clinics and healthcare centres. She has provided individual and couple/family therapy, treatments, and assessments to individuals for disorders and issues including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, feeding and eating disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, neurocognitive disorders, affect management, self-regulation, stress management, sexual/physical abuse and violence, crisis intervention and stabilization, couple/marital/parenting conflicts, academic/work stress, identity crisis/exploration, self-introspective needs, loneliness, and relationship difficulties. She identifies as a cisgender female who is open to clients belonging to the LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Julie applies an integrated theoretical framework informed by trauma theory, understanding of behavioral and neuropsychology, and multicultural sensitivity to her eclectic therapeutic approach. As an advocate of positive psychology who understands that mental health is more than the absence of illness, she focuses on building success and helping clients flourish rather than merely reducing distress. Her clinical repertoire includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CASE Approach for Risk/Suicide Assessment, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Experiencing/Body Awareness Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Clinical Hypnosis. Owning to her mixed ethnic heritage, she is a native speaker of English, Mandarin, and Hokkien, and has conversational-level skills in Japanese and Cantonese.

My name is Micah, and I identify as a female first-generation immigrant. s a Filipino-Canadian, I am motivated to create a safe space for other people of colour individuals to feel fully seen and heard. Concurrently over the last 16 years, I have spent 5 years working with the elderly community (specifically those with dementia and Alzheimer’s), 5 years in healthcare helping families work through grief and loss, 11 years working with adults with acquired brain injury, and 10 years working under a social service capacity with youth across Bangladesh, Africa, India, and Nepal. In my professional identity thus far, I have gained valuable insights and skills that have contributed to my therapeutic journey. As a result, I have developed a holistic and person-centered approach to therapy that integrates evidence-based, strength-based, mindfulness, and somatic-based practices. I believe this approach best equips me to meet your specific concerns and needs. To me, therapy is a space where we can explore, discover, and tackle distressing thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that may be holding you back. In our sessions, you can expect me to provide you with tangible tools and strategies to foster meaningful change, and to create opportunities to experience vulnerability in a safe space. Our work together will focus on raising awareness in the present moment so that you may accept and live a life full of clarity and authenticity.

I have a Masters degree in Counselling (MC) and work as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in the province of British Columbia offering online sessions. I have specialized training in trauma and AEDP therapy. As someone who has struggled with overwhelming emotions, self-confidence and anxiety in the past, I know that change happens when we are in the presence of empathetic and emotionally present other. Whatever life challenges you are navigating, my hope is to create a safe and non-judgemental space to experience the parts of you that want to be seen. I will always put your best interest in the forefront of my work. I base my approach on evidence-based, trauma-informed, and collaborative practice. My therapeutic orientation is Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), incorporating concepts from mindfulness-based, body-based, and internal parts work theories. I use an empathetic stance to understand my clients and work with them to develop perspective, resilience, healing, and skill development that can be utilized long after therapy is complete. Walking alongside another human to witness their deepest joys and sorrows is a privilege that I do not take lightly. I am honoured each time an individual chooses to develop a trusted relationship with me.

I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in the beautiful Vancouver, Canada. As someone who grew up with minimal exposure to mental health and living under the pressures of being "perfect," I've learned different ways to reframe, extend compassion, and embrace mistakes. Outside of counselling, I'm also an avid lover of video games, ultimate frisbee, and all things food.

Do you want to reduce the pain and suffering in your life? I have vast knowledge and experience working with people struggling with chronic pain, trauma, emotional neglect, grief and persistent depression/anxiety. This knowledge comes from lived experience, professional education and expertise, and continuous learning and research to help you overcome your unique challenges and improve your quality of life. I have an honest, empathetic, and collaborative style to explore, understand, and bring awareness to the underlying causes of your current challenges. I see my role as a compassionate witness and guide, helping you with your healing journey and building you towards a better future. I strive to ensure you feel understood and heard as we work together to bring healing to your life. I'll provide knowledge and skills to further your understanding of your struggles, promote healing, and get you to a better place. As we work together, I desire to see you achieve your goals and get the most out of your life. Some of the benefits my clients have received are: - Reduction in pain, pain flares, and pain intensity. - Improved coping and more in control of their lives. - Better boundaries, improved self-care, increased function, and better quality of life - Reduction of trauma triggers, trauma symptoms, and trauma's effect on their lives. - Increase in self-confidence, self-worth, self-esteem, and self-value. - Reduction in people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-critical tendencies. - Increased awareness and knowledge. - Fewer feelings of sadness, anger, emptiness, shame, and guilt. - Enhanced spiritual and social connections. - Improved sleep and ability to relax. - Reduced distress from grief and loss. When you're ready to get more out of life, I'm ready to help. Please book a free 15-minute consultation on my booking page (accessed through my website) or email me to find out how I can help you.

Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your relationships, work, or school? Do you feel exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed by everything you need to do, and don't feel good enough? Do you wonder if you'll ever feel like you used to? We often put our needs last, justifying this by telling ourselves we have too much to accomplish first. Not addressing your depression, anxiety, or past trauma can lead to isolation, ruin your self-esteem, and make day-to-day life harder than it needs to be. However, there are ways to navigate these personal burdens and make life hopeful again, and you don't have to do it alone. I believe in a trauma-focused, strength-based approach and utilizing evidence-based practice to help you learn how to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and heal from trauma. By creating a safe space where you are not only heard but truly understood, you can start your transformative path towards a more fulfilling life. Providing individual online psychotherapy and an individualized DBT skills program, you will learn how to change negative self-talk, manage emotions, navigate relationships. Getting started is often the hardest part, and therapy help you create a holistic toolkit to enjoy happier, more fulfilling relationships, prioritize yourself, and feel lighter overall. Book a free consultation to take the first step towards a brighter, hopeful future.

Warm Greetings! I am grateful that you are here and recognize your innate strength to choose to be here. I work with clients who are navigating through their relationships with self, others, and the world. This may show up in different ways and intensities, and/or in multiple areas of life, and I value the intersectionality, complexity and uniqueness that comes with addressing and exploring your life and experiences with you. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, or stress. Maybe you are wanting to rebuild trust and compassion towards yourself or navigate transitions in your life or changes in relationships. Or perhaps you want to work through some things from your past that are showing up in the present. My clinical philosophy when sitting with clients aligns with curiosity, recognition, collaboration, warmth, and space. The approach I take is based in a strong belief that you have the answers within and that our time together can be a space to explore and build. I joyfully honour your choice and your voice taking up the therapeutic space. You’ve got this, and I’m here with you. Some more about me: I am a cis, able-bodied, woman, born and raised in so-called Vancouver BC, with Indian ancestry. I am a second-gen, racialized settler living and working on the unceded and traditional lands of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō) nations. Outside of my counselling work, I enjoy laughing with loved ones and connecting to practices and activities that spark creativity and joy.

My work is grounded on the perspective that how we story our lives is incredibly powerful, and it is through these stories that we make sense of the world, ourselves, and our experiences. Some stories are helpful and empowering, and some stories can cause us to feel frustrated, and helpless. Part of the work is to examine the stories that we have told ourselves, and give ourselves permission and space to create a new story that better fits who we are and who we are becoming. I’m excited to meet you and hear the stories you will share. I would love nothing more than to walk with you on your journey towards transformative healing and discovery.

You’ve learned to hold it all together; for family, for culture, for survival. You’re insightful, but tired. Maybe it’s anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, or the quiet weight of not feeling fully seen. You want space to exhale and to feel understood. My clients seek clarity, regulation, and belonging. Together, we’ll explore the patterns you’ve inherited, the ones you’re ready to let go of, and the parts of you waiting to feel at home. I offer culturally responsive, neurodivergent-affirming therapy with a deep understanding of identity, belonging, and the impact of cultural and family systems on emotional well-being. My approach is integrative and person-centered, drawing from ACT, IFS, CBT, and mindfulness to support emotional regulation, self-trust, and meaningful change. Starting therapy is vulnerable, especially if you're used to managing on your own. You don’t have to carry everything alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of where to begin, I’m here to support you. Let’s work together to explore what healing, safety, and alignment might look like for you.

I work with LGBTQ2S+ adults who are tired of being "hooked" by their own minds—that loop of anxiety, the "not good enough" narrative, or that "stuck" feeling. Whether you’re navigating a life transition or just feeling "flat," I help you get your hands back on the steering wheel of your life.

If you landed on this page, you took the first step. As humans we have the capacity to adapt and discover more meaning & joy in life as we face and overcome obstacles in life. To me, happiness is the process of solving problems and developing more adaptive ways of being. I am excited to help you overcome challenges and achieve your wellness goals. Hi, my name is Ramona and welcome to my page! As a therapist, I take you seriously. Not just what you say, but what you’re bringing with you. My clients often tell me they feel genuinely understood, because I notice the weight you’re carrying, the patterns you’ve been sitting with, and the parts of your story that actually matter. I’m curious about who you are in the context of everything that shaped you: your culture, your relationships, your upbringing. I connect those threads with what’s happening with you now. I see individuals and couples across a wide range of experiences: mood disorders like depression and anxiety, identity work, ADHD, grief, and trauma. I’m equally comfortable supporting someone navigating a single difficult season or working through patterns that have persisted for years. I have particular experience with adolescents and young adults, as well as adults in midlife transitions. Whether you’re coming in with a specific crisis or just a sense that something needs to shift, I meet you where you are. Over my 10+ years as a therapist, I’ve developed an integrative approach. I draw on CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused therapy, Narrative therapy, and EFT for couples. For trauma, I use EMDR, inner child work, and attachment-based approaches. I trained in nervous system work and trauma-informed yoga in Indonesia. I understand how trauma lives in the body, not just the mind. More than the techniques, what ties them together is that I believe you already have the answers within you. My job is to create the conditions where those answers surface. Real trust and empathy. The safety to explore. The space to discover what change actually looks like for you. I’m a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and specialize in relational therapy. I work from a multicultural, anti-oppressive perspective, which means I’m attuned to the systems and contexts that shape your experience. With me, you get access to therapy from the comfort of your space!

Top Specialities: trauma, anxiety, attachment issues I believe our life events shape us into who we are today. We weren’t BORN with an inner critic, perfectionism, or people-pleasing tendencies! Something happened in our lives that taught us those behaviours. Maybe we learned that it’s less painful to avoid confrontation than to risk rejection or failure. Maybe we learned that to ensure safety, we must be hypervigilant, constantly looking out for threats. Those behaviours likely helped you survive at one time, but now, they might be causing chronic anxiety, difficulties in your relationships, and low self-esteem. I will help you understand your emotions and unlearn beliefs and coping behaviours that are no longer serving you. We’ll learn how your past and present experiences are contributing to the issues you want to let go of, and carve a path forward. Therapy can help you process your experiences and develop coping skills to manage your reactions and emotions. I have experience helping with anxiety/stress/burnout, trauma, relationship/attachment issues, self-esteem, depression, emotion regulation, and borderline personality disorder. I’m especially passionate about treating developmental/attachment trauma to improve self-esteem, foster safety and security, and move towards secure attachment patterns. My Approach/Style As a therapist, I have a friendly, authentic, and warm demeanour. I believe a strong connection with your therapist is of crucial importance, so I take extra care to ensure I’m understanding your needs and perspective. (This doesn’t mean I’ll never challenge you!). I’m also happy to share appropriate information about my own life if helpful and relevant. I believe everyone has inner wisdom and resilience. I respect your autonomy, so I will always support you in coming to your own conclusions and finding your own solutions. But I also don’t shy away from sharing different insights and perspectives, or giving guidance and advice if needed. Types of Therapy After spending some time getting to know you, I’ll apply the therapy techniques that best suit your concerns. I use techniques informed by schema therapy, inner child work, IFS, ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness, and attachment theory. I am also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy, which is an evidence-based and WHO-recommended treatment for trauma and PTSD. If you’d like to learn more, please reach out for a free consultation! *Please note, I am located in Toronto, and my working hours are as follows: Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am-7pm Eastern Time Thursday: 1pm-7pm Eastern time Friday: 10am-5pm Eastern Time

Hey there, I'm Jan! I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and unbiased space for therapy and counseling in an easy-going, relatable way. I have done my BSc in Psychology at the VU Amsterdam and finished my MSc in Clinical Psychology at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I have worked as a therapist/counselor in Cape Town, South Africa which exposed me to working with diverse groups of people. I have finished my Master's thesis on mindfulness practice and its effects on students in regards to burnout and fatigue. However, I am also trained in motivational interviewing, ACT, and CBT with a constant drive to keep learning. I believe that having a great therapeutic relationship is really important for a good outcome in therapy. I aim to be the therapist that doesn’t recite word for word what they learned in university textbooks but one that integrates therapeutic techniques into tailored sessions all while making it feel natural and comfortable for the client. The first intake session is always free! Ask me about my student rate!