Jewish Therapists in Ontario
![Photo of Melanie Katz, MSW, RSW, BEd, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5be76ea3-1d21-4214-a2d9-9d4e0d129737/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie Katz
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4S (Online Only)
With a special interest in youth and family mental health, Mel draws from her past experience at Kids Help Phone and Jewish Family & Child Service in Mental Health Day Treatment.
Mel offers tailored therapy for youth and adults tackling anxiety, ADHD, and relationship struggles. She passionately believes that overwhelming feelings should not restrict anyone from living a fulfilling life. Mel will be your ally, highlighting your inherent strengths, teaching you to set healthier boundaries, and enhancing your confidence. If you're having a hard time with personal, family, or friend relationships, Mel is here to help. She has the skills to assist you in making your relationships stronger and in building new positive connections with others.
With a special interest in youth and family mental health, Mel draws from her past experience at Kids Help Phone and Jewish Family & Child Service in Mental Health Day Treatment.
Mel offers tailored therapy for youth and adults tackling anxiety, ADHD, and relationship struggles. She passionately believes that overwhelming feelings should not restrict anyone from living a fulfilling life. Mel will be your ally, highlighting your inherent strengths, teaching you to set healthier boundaries, and enhancing your confidence. If you're having a hard time with personal, family, or friend relationships, Mel is here to help. She has the skills to assist you in making your relationships stronger and in building new positive connections with others.
![Photo of Samantha Richter, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70317b48-11d1-48e8-ad02-6128550fc99d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I identify as white, queer and Jewish.
We all have our own, beautiful, way of being in the world. At times, we feel our authenticity recede into the background. My goal is to join you in the depth of your sensation, and be with you in your experience of the world, in difficulty and in joy. Together, we can explore the truth of what it means to be you. We can stay with what is owned, pushed aside, shamed and beloved, and how that informs the ways we engage with ourselves, and the world around us. I work from a Gestalt perspective, which notices the patterns, the ways that we trip and ways we support ourselves in life, while being in the here and now of the current moment.
I identify as white, queer and Jewish.
We all have our own, beautiful, way of being in the world. At times, we feel our authenticity recede into the background. My goal is to join you in the depth of your sensation, and be with you in your experience of the world, in difficulty and in joy. Together, we can explore the truth of what it means to be you. We can stay with what is owned, pushed aside, shamed and beloved, and how that informs the ways we engage with ourselves, and the world around us. I work from a Gestalt perspective, which notices the patterns, the ways that we trip and ways we support ourselves in life, while being in the here and now of the current moment.
![Photo of Katie Bergin, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71565a00-522e-4fed-8243-029a0f948bd9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Bergin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North York, ON M2L
Waitlist for new clients
With kindness, humor, and authenticity, I support clients to uncover inner resources and strengths that can help identify effective ways to cope with and overcome challenges. I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist, who is skilled at building an environment that encourages safety and trust. My foundation in community mental health has allowed me to gain comfort in supporting complex clients to explore meaningful growth when struggling with mood and behavior challenges, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidality, and self-harm. As a Jewish Canadian, I am privileged to also offer a safe space to the community.
With kindness, humor, and authenticity, I support clients to uncover inner resources and strengths that can help identify effective ways to cope with and overcome challenges. I am a compassionate and collaborative therapist, who is skilled at building an environment that encourages safety and trust. My foundation in community mental health has allowed me to gain comfort in supporting complex clients to explore meaningful growth when struggling with mood and behavior challenges, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidality, and self-harm. As a Jewish Canadian, I am privileged to also offer a safe space to the community.
![Photo of Aysha Natsheh, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d055dec4-6029-4a78-a69c-756050fd2266/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I am a queer mixed Arab Palestinian and white settler with Muslim and Jewish roots. I have a background in community-based and social justice oriented work, and have been practicing psychotherapy since 2020. I primarily work with folks navigating legacies of complex trauma, including patterned relational struggles. I also support folks experiencing food, body, and self image struggles through trauma informed, harm reductionist, fat positive, anti diet frameworks. More and more I support those navigating non-monogamy, as well as those exploring gender identity and transition.
Hello and welcome! I am a queer mixed Arab Palestinian and white settler with Muslim and Jewish roots. I have a background in community-based and social justice oriented work, and have been practicing psychotherapy since 2020. I primarily work with folks navigating legacies of complex trauma, including patterned relational struggles. I also support folks experiencing food, body, and self image struggles through trauma informed, harm reductionist, fat positive, anti diet frameworks. More and more I support those navigating non-monogamy, as well as those exploring gender identity and transition.
![Photo of Weiting Pan - A Journey Inward Therapy, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbe66898-8ced-4b8f-adc7-41134227d9e4/1/320x400.png)
A Journey Inward Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y
No Waitlist - Next Day Appointments - Book at ajourneyinwardtherapy.janeapp.com and get matched with a psychotherapist - sessions start at $65 and are tax exempt. Our diverse team of psychotherapists are here to support you in your journey by bringing clarity, reducing overwhelm, and supplying you with the skills and tools needed to reconnect with your authentic self. We hold a safe space in which you can explore, heal and grow, without fear of judgement. We do this through practicing culturally-responsive, LGBTQ-affirming, and trauma-informed care to create a unique, tailored treatment plan with evidence-based therapies.
No Waitlist - Next Day Appointments - Book at ajourneyinwardtherapy.janeapp.com and get matched with a psychotherapist - sessions start at $65 and are tax exempt. Our diverse team of psychotherapists are here to support you in your journey by bringing clarity, reducing overwhelm, and supplying you with the skills and tools needed to reconnect with your authentic self. We hold a safe space in which you can explore, heal and grow, without fear of judgement. We do this through practicing culturally-responsive, LGBTQ-affirming, and trauma-informed care to create a unique, tailored treatment plan with evidence-based therapies.
![Photo of Samir Durrani, MA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36b6a53a-cbf8-413c-8880-528472568398/1/320x400.png)
Samir Durrani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z
Reaching out for support can be difficult—I commend you for the courage to see what therapy can offer! As a person of colour and member of the LGBTQ+ communities, I have lived experience and special insight into what it’s like to navigate the unique challenges that come with intersectionality. I have a background in working with sexual health, resilience, wellbeing and challenges that uniquely affect intersecting persons of colour, gender and sexuality. I’m grateful to have supported many folx who went through a difficult time in their life, dealt with a mental health concern, or wanted to explore more about themselves.
Reaching out for support can be difficult—I commend you for the courage to see what therapy can offer! As a person of colour and member of the LGBTQ+ communities, I have lived experience and special insight into what it’s like to navigate the unique challenges that come with intersectionality. I have a background in working with sexual health, resilience, wellbeing and challenges that uniquely affect intersecting persons of colour, gender and sexuality. I’m grateful to have supported many folx who went through a difficult time in their life, dealt with a mental health concern, or wanted to explore more about themselves.
![Photo of Daniel Cooper, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64f4de0d-83f7-4741-bbc6-0a465984289c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, disconnected from yourself, or struggling with life's challenges and transitions? You might be seeking a space for profound growth, connection, and healing. You deserve an empathic guide to support you in tapping into your inner wisdom, self-trust, and resilience on this journey. As the expert of your own experiences, you'll meet a genuine ally committed to empowering you through thought-provoking dialogue and gentle reflective questioning, helping you develop rich self-understanding and deep, true self-compassion.
Are you feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, disconnected from yourself, or struggling with life's challenges and transitions? You might be seeking a space for profound growth, connection, and healing. You deserve an empathic guide to support you in tapping into your inner wisdom, self-trust, and resilience on this journey. As the expert of your own experiences, you'll meet a genuine ally committed to empowering you through thought-provoking dialogue and gentle reflective questioning, helping you develop rich self-understanding and deep, true self-compassion.
![Photo of Michael B Waxman, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45937337-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The decision to begin therapy is one that takes courage. I want to commend you on taking this first step and searching for someone that can help. I am a registered Social Worker and have been working in Private Practice for 12 years. My practice is focused on individuals in the LGBTQ2S+ Community of all genders and cis-gender boys and men in all stages of life who are exploring their mental health and relationships. I work with clients that are dealing with: mental health, anxiety depression, coming out sexual and gender identity, ADHD, learning disabilities, life skills parenting issues, life stages and changes
The decision to begin therapy is one that takes courage. I want to commend you on taking this first step and searching for someone that can help. I am a registered Social Worker and have been working in Private Practice for 12 years. My practice is focused on individuals in the LGBTQ2S+ Community of all genders and cis-gender boys and men in all stages of life who are exploring their mental health and relationships. I work with clients that are dealing with: mental health, anxiety depression, coming out sexual and gender identity, ADHD, learning disabilities, life skills parenting issues, life stages and changes
![Photo of Elaine T Ash, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41905609-a752-4063-b838-19f74d27beeb/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an adoption competent social worker assisting families in post-adoption integration. Working from a trauma-informed and attachment bases I help families formed by adoption find success in meeting the needs of their adopted child(ren). I have specialized training in Watch, Wait and Wonder (an infant/toddler attachment tool), in addition to working with children and teens in the areas of anxiety, depression and self-harm. I work with couples to assist them in addressing the issues that are getting in the way of gaining fulfillment in their relationships and getting on the same page with respect to their parenting goals.
I am an adoption competent social worker assisting families in post-adoption integration. Working from a trauma-informed and attachment bases I help families formed by adoption find success in meeting the needs of their adopted child(ren). I have specialized training in Watch, Wait and Wonder (an infant/toddler attachment tool), in addition to working with children and teens in the areas of anxiety, depression and self-harm. I work with couples to assist them in addressing the issues that are getting in the way of gaining fulfillment in their relationships and getting on the same page with respect to their parenting goals.
![Photo of Jonathan Handel, MSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67b29560-bb41-4a95-8b69-4154b55d1157/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you struggle with racing thoughts and cannot turn your mind off? Do you put your needs last and feel emotionally drained as a result? Do you yearn to live a more fulfilling life? A happier life? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how to manage their busy lives, balance relationships, careers, family, and finances, and still have time for joy and meaning. Pushing away your needs and not making time for yourself will eventually burn you out and lead to other mental and physical health problems. You can live a better life!
Do you struggle with racing thoughts and cannot turn your mind off? Do you put your needs last and feel emotionally drained as a result? Do you yearn to live a more fulfilling life? A happier life? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how to manage their busy lives, balance relationships, careers, family, and finances, and still have time for joy and meaning. Pushing away your needs and not making time for yourself will eventually burn you out and lead to other mental and physical health problems. You can live a better life!
![Photo of Adela Gorodzinsky - Healing in Process, MEd, CCC, CBT, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43e251b0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healing in Process
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, CCC, CBT, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London, ON N5X
Waitlist for new clients
ANGER: Do you keep apologizing for anger outbursts and not know how to change this pattern? I can help you to look at the "anger causing" issues and to respond appropriately, not destructively. RELATIONSHIPS: Do you wish that you had a better relationship with your loved-ones and others you interact with? Working with me you can learn about healthy attachment and bonding. TRAUMA: Do you ever feel like "something" is scary or holding you back? Do you have memories getting in the way of life? Experience Traumatic Incident Reduction with me and release the "emotional charge" that controls you.
ANGER: Do you keep apologizing for anger outbursts and not know how to change this pattern? I can help you to look at the "anger causing" issues and to respond appropriately, not destructively. RELATIONSHIPS: Do you wish that you had a better relationship with your loved-ones and others you interact with? Working with me you can learn about healthy attachment and bonding. TRAUMA: Do you ever feel like "something" is scary or holding you back? Do you have memories getting in the way of life? Experience Traumatic Incident Reduction with me and release the "emotional charge" that controls you.
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Sandra Rotholc
![Photo of Camila Espana, BA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/137f6d1c-c7ee-4efb-90c0-116e39903bae/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling disconnected and lacking intimacy in your relationship(s)? Are you feeling stuck in past hurts and betrayals including infidelity/cheating? Do you crave connection, understanding, intimacy and harmony in your relationships? Do arguments escalate quickly and leave you feeling unheard, misunderstood, and emotionally drained? Do small disagreements spiral into major battles, creating a toxic atmosphere in your relationship? As a relational therapist, I support couples and families navigating these common relationship difficulties and many more. A thriving and fulfilling relationship is within reach!
Are you feeling disconnected and lacking intimacy in your relationship(s)? Are you feeling stuck in past hurts and betrayals including infidelity/cheating? Do you crave connection, understanding, intimacy and harmony in your relationships? Do arguments escalate quickly and leave you feeling unheard, misunderstood, and emotionally drained? Do small disagreements spiral into major battles, creating a toxic atmosphere in your relationship? As a relational therapist, I support couples and families navigating these common relationship difficulties and many more. A thriving and fulfilling relationship is within reach!
![Photo of Shaun Pekar, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17e501b9-d943-4e2c-ad30-cdffe9992e53/2/320x400.png)
Shaun Pekar
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2A
Hello and welcome, my name is Shaun and I work with my clients to understand their inner experience by creating a curious and non-judgmental environment that celebrates identity and addresses personal and collective needs. I may be a good fit if you are queer (or questioning), neurodiverse (or questioning), an athlete (or high-performer), or have members of your family who have these identities. I also enjoy working with those who feel othered or describe their life as unconventional or different than what society may expect.
Hello and welcome, my name is Shaun and I work with my clients to understand their inner experience by creating a curious and non-judgmental environment that celebrates identity and addresses personal and collective needs. I may be a good fit if you are queer (or questioning), neurodiverse (or questioning), an athlete (or high-performer), or have members of your family who have these identities. I also enjoy working with those who feel othered or describe their life as unconventional or different than what society may expect.
![Photo of Barbie Liss, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d6180a6-0358-4d6d-97b2-de6c8467a482/1/320x400.png)
Barbie Liss
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y
Imagine a space where you feel seen, heard, and believed. Where feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or uncertainty have their time to be felt, understood, and processed. Life can be a lot at times, and taking next steps can be challenging. The courage you bring to being here is your first! Welcome to my space. Here we create a welcoming, empathic, and supportive environment. I offer a mindful, trauma-informed, integrated approach to healing anxiety, trauma, and the challenge of life transitions. I walk alongside my clients to nurture self-awareness and acceptance of all aspects of Self.
Imagine a space where you feel seen, heard, and believed. Where feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, or uncertainty have their time to be felt, understood, and processed. Life can be a lot at times, and taking next steps can be challenging. The courage you bring to being here is your first! Welcome to my space. Here we create a welcoming, empathic, and supportive environment. I offer a mindful, trauma-informed, integrated approach to healing anxiety, trauma, and the challenge of life transitions. I walk alongside my clients to nurture self-awareness and acceptance of all aspects of Self.
![Photo of Alyse Nishimura, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d23f331-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyse Nishimura
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6M (Online Only)
Alyse offers children/adolescents and their families a therapeutic environment that fosters creativity. Alyse utilizes the client's unique skills, strengths and talents to encourage self-expression. Everyone has the ability to resolve his/her own struggles and therapy is about unlocking the unique potential to do so. Alyse's primary clinical goal is to improve family functioning through self-expression and improved communication.
Alyse offers children/adolescents and their families a therapeutic environment that fosters creativity. Alyse utilizes the client's unique skills, strengths and talents to encourage self-expression. Everyone has the ability to resolve his/her own struggles and therapy is about unlocking the unique potential to do so. Alyse's primary clinical goal is to improve family functioning through self-expression and improved communication.
![Photo of M. Jaro, MSW RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed49c714-58f1-43bb-a17b-abbd477d8a6d/1/320x400.png)
Anxiety has already consumed enough of your life. With 9 years of clinical practice, I've helped many overcome a wide variety of anxiety disorders and OCD subtypes- including my own. I know how easy it is to feel hopeless and overwhelmed by the fear, self-hatred, and exhaustion that comes with living that way. I also know you don't have to suffer this distress needlessly, there's real hope and progress available to you. With trauma-informed care from an educated and compassionate therapist, you can conquer your symptoms beside someone who can provide effective and evidence-based treatment methods tailored to suit your needs.
Anxiety has already consumed enough of your life. With 9 years of clinical practice, I've helped many overcome a wide variety of anxiety disorders and OCD subtypes- including my own. I know how easy it is to feel hopeless and overwhelmed by the fear, self-hatred, and exhaustion that comes with living that way. I also know you don't have to suffer this distress needlessly, there's real hope and progress available to you. With trauma-informed care from an educated and compassionate therapist, you can conquer your symptoms beside someone who can provide effective and evidence-based treatment methods tailored to suit your needs.
![Photo of Julia Friedman, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89b1f8c7-ab21-46cd-a951-45e5f419008c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that therapy should be tailored to an individual’s unique needs, lived experience, and personal goals. Compassion, trust, and empathy are paramount in the development of a strong therapeutic relationship that will guide our work together. I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach to therapy, working with my client to understand how current and past circumstances have contributed to the challenges that they are facing. I am passionate about providing LGBTQ2S+ affirming care and strive to weave the values of cultural-humility, equity, and accessibility into my practice.
I believe that therapy should be tailored to an individual’s unique needs, lived experience, and personal goals. Compassion, trust, and empathy are paramount in the development of a strong therapeutic relationship that will guide our work together. I take an integrative and trauma-informed approach to therapy, working with my client to understand how current and past circumstances have contributed to the challenges that they are facing. I am passionate about providing LGBTQ2S+ affirming care and strive to weave the values of cultural-humility, equity, and accessibility into my practice.
![Photo of Lauren Shaps, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ad624b1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We all go through challenging times in our lives. Many of us decide to seek counselling when we feel stuck, unsure how to move forward in a relationship with a spouse, child, sibling, or parent; or a colleague or co-worker. At these times, we can be anxious, depressed, angry, easily irritated, or simply depleted. Intense feelings or responses are often a sign that something important needs to be addressed.
We all go through challenging times in our lives. Many of us decide to seek counselling when we feel stuck, unsure how to move forward in a relationship with a spouse, child, sibling, or parent; or a colleague or co-worker. At these times, we can be anxious, depressed, angry, easily irritated, or simply depleted. Intense feelings or responses are often a sign that something important needs to be addressed.
![Photo of Amir Haimove, BA, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a5bd2dc-a889-494c-915d-040dd832f805/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with children, youth, and families who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, ODD, and learning disabilities. My clients often struggle with self-esteem, difficult family events, bullying, navigating peer relationships, social skill development, and emotional regulation. I also work with caregivers to help them manage their children’s behavior. My focus is on teaching caregivers skills that will create spaces and lifestyles geared towards fostering positive development.
I specialize in working with children, youth, and families who experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, ODD, and learning disabilities. My clients often struggle with self-esteem, difficult family events, bullying, navigating peer relationships, social skill development, and emotional regulation. I also work with caregivers to help them manage their children’s behavior. My focus is on teaching caregivers skills that will create spaces and lifestyles geared towards fostering positive development.
![Photo of Philip Greer, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b107951-2b01-4481-ba7f-b435e919e2c6/1/320x400.png)
I specialize in working with adults and teenagers who struggle to control anger. I also help couples looking to mend breakdown in communication, and experience healthier relationships in all aspects of their daily lives. I would love to work with someone wanting to gain back control of his or her life.
I specialize in working with adults and teenagers who struggle to control anger. I also help couples looking to mend breakdown in communication, and experience healthier relationships in all aspects of their daily lives. I would love to work with someone wanting to gain back control of his or her life.
See more therapy options for Ontario
Jewish Counsellors
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.
How can I recognise an effective Jewish therapist?
As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.
Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?
No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?
A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?
The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.