Addiction Therapists in East York, ON
Toula Kourgiantakis
Registered Social Worker, PhD, MSW, CFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
East York, ON M4G (Online Only)
I also support families of youth and young adults with mental health challenges, such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder, as well as substance use issues and behavioural addictions.
I am a social worker and a couple and family therapist with 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. In couple therapy, my approach often involves helping couples repair and strengthen their relationships, reduce conflict, improve communication, and enhance emotional and physical intimacy. For families supporting a loved one with mental health and/or addiction-related concerns, I can help strengthen coping skills, self-care, communication, and boundaries.
I also support families of youth and young adults with mental health challenges, such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder, as well as substance use issues and behavioural addictions.
I am a social worker and a couple and family therapist with 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. In couple therapy, my approach often involves helping couples repair and strengthen their relationships, reduce conflict, improve communication, and enhance emotional and physical intimacy. For families supporting a loved one with mental health and/or addiction-related concerns, I can help strengthen coping skills, self-care, communication, and boundaries.
As a counsellor with 15 years experience, I offer compassionate and non-judgemental counselling to those dealing with a number of life issues, including counselling for life transitions, those dealing with addiction and mental health concerns, and caretakers suffering from compassion fatigue.
Stress and anxiety are a daily part of many people's lives. After all, we live in a fast-paced culture where expectations, from ourselves and others, is ever-increasing. It is understandable to feel strained by your responsibilities, but are they weighing you down more than they are bringing you joy? Perhaps you want to make a life change but don't know how? Through counselling, also known as "talk therapy", I can help put you on the path to reaching your goals and taking control of your life.
As a counsellor with 15 years experience, I offer compassionate and non-judgemental counselling to those dealing with a number of life issues, including counselling for life transitions, those dealing with addiction and mental health concerns, and caretakers suffering from compassion fatigue.
Stress and anxiety are a daily part of many people's lives. After all, we live in a fast-paced culture where expectations, from ourselves and others, is ever-increasing. It is understandable to feel strained by your responsibilities, but are they weighing you down more than they are bringing you joy? Perhaps you want to make a life change but don't know how? Through counselling, also known as "talk therapy", I can help put you on the path to reaching your goals and taking control of your life.
Julie Zikman Toporoski
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
East York, ON M4K
Stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger management and partner conflict and/or violence.
My empathic, non-judgmental approach to clients seeking support for a broad range of difficulties has lead to effective therapeutic partnerships for over twenty years. I have extensive experience conducting assessments and providing personalized therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups dealing with complex difficulties.
Stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger management and partner conflict and/or violence.
My empathic, non-judgmental approach to clients seeking support for a broad range of difficulties has lead to effective therapeutic partnerships for over twenty years. I have extensive experience conducting assessments and providing personalized therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups dealing with complex difficulties.
I offer brief and long-term individual counseling, to pre-teens, adolescents, adults, and families. I especially welcome queer, trans and gender-diverse clients and those who support them; neurodivergent folks; those wanting to improve their mental health and those wanting to address substance use and/or addiction.
I offer brief and long-term individual counseling, to pre-teens, adolescents, adults, and families. I especially welcome queer, trans and gender-diverse clients and those who support them; neurodivergent folks; those wanting to improve their mental health and those wanting to address substance use and/or addiction.
Cristobal Lopez
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East York, ON M4J (Online Only)
My name is Cristobal (Cris) and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), offering online services in English and Spanish for adults. I have 18 years of counselling experience in a Toronto hospital setting, with a specialty in substance use and trauma. My typical client is usually seeking support with issues like anxiety, self-esteem, drugs and alcohol, trust of self and others, self-criticism, and difficulty managing emotions and relationships. I run my own private practice, called Build Me Up Therapy Service, and my guiding philosophy is to build up the client's skills, self-understanding, and confidence in themselves.
My name is Cristobal (Cris) and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), offering online services in English and Spanish for adults. I have 18 years of counselling experience in a Toronto hospital setting, with a specialty in substance use and trauma. My typical client is usually seeking support with issues like anxiety, self-esteem, drugs and alcohol, trust of self and others, self-criticism, and difficulty managing emotions and relationships. I run my own private practice, called Build Me Up Therapy Service, and my guiding philosophy is to build up the client's skills, self-understanding, and confidence in themselves.
Danielle Phegan
Registered Psychotherapist, AAMFT, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East York, ON M4C
Waitlist for new clients
I believe in the innate ability of every individual to grow and heal, sometimes we need help. For twenty five years I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families and groups on their healing journeys. I work with an anti-oppression and client-centered perspective, which celebrates the unique needs of every client I see. Therapy is an evolving collaboration that needs a safe space to explore challenging feelings, thoughts and relationships in support of new insights, repair, and connection.
I believe in the innate ability of every individual to grow and heal, sometimes we need help. For twenty five years I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families and groups on their healing journeys. I work with an anti-oppression and client-centered perspective, which celebrates the unique needs of every client I see. Therapy is an evolving collaboration that needs a safe space to explore challenging feelings, thoughts and relationships in support of new insights, repair, and connection.
Andreea Brabete
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East York, ON M4C
Life frequently confronts us with moments of overwhelming uncertainty, leaving us feeling stuck, anxious, and unsure about our next moves. The decision to embark on a therapeutic journey often arises from such encounters with life’s challenges. These challenges may manifest as obstacles in our daily lives or when interacting with people, and make us feel persistent anxiety or depression or perhaps just a vague sense of unease, the contemplation of something still taking form – a lingering, unarticulated question residing in our minds.
Life frequently confronts us with moments of overwhelming uncertainty, leaving us feeling stuck, anxious, and unsure about our next moves. The decision to embark on a therapeutic journey often arises from such encounters with life’s challenges. These challenges may manifest as obstacles in our daily lives or when interacting with people, and make us feel persistent anxiety or depression or perhaps just a vague sense of unease, the contemplation of something still taking form – a lingering, unarticulated question residing in our minds.
Michaela Anghel
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East York, ON M4C (Online Only)
You have a dream for your life- create something special, make more money, start a family, live amazing experiences. Yet, despite wishing for these things, you can’t seem to make much progress. You write your goals down but that does not magically move you into action. You read self help books but the good feelings do not last long. You tried manifesting and you’re still waiting for that Bentley to come around the corner…Heck, you might have even tried therapy but week after week after week you just vent and rant and you might be starting to feel even worse...
You have a dream for your life- create something special, make more money, start a family, live amazing experiences. Yet, despite wishing for these things, you can’t seem to make much progress. You write your goals down but that does not magically move you into action. You read self help books but the good feelings do not last long. You tried manifesting and you’re still waiting for that Bentley to come around the corner…Heck, you might have even tried therapy but week after week after week you just vent and rant and you might be starting to feel even worse...
You may be at a point in your life when you want to look at the barriers that are getting in your way or envision a different situation than you have now. Whether you are sorting through an overwhelming life event, or are wondering why you feel a certain way, I want to understand your experience and what is important to you. It is key that you feel supported to bring forward what you want to talk about so that together we can begin to make sense of what is going on for you.
You may be at a point in your life when you want to look at the barriers that are getting in your way or envision a different situation than you have now. Whether you are sorting through an overwhelming life event, or are wondering why you feel a certain way, I want to understand your experience and what is important to you. It is key that you feel supported to bring forward what you want to talk about so that together we can begin to make sense of what is going on for you.
Alejandra Lindan
Registered Psychotherapist, MMT, RP
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
East York, ON M3C (Online Only)
Hi! Thanks for visiting. Maybe it’s like you’re about to drown in overwhelm, and you wish you could catch your breath. Maybe that out-of-control urge exploded again, and you wish you could find that kind of relief without all the mess afterward. Maybe it exploded in one or more of your relationships, and you don’t know what to do, but you feel unspeakably lost or lonely about it. Maybe at times you’ve given up on life being worth living. Maybe other times you do everything you can think of to survive. Or maybe it’s your teen or someone else you love who’s going through things like this, and you need support. I’d love to help.
Hi! Thanks for visiting. Maybe it’s like you’re about to drown in overwhelm, and you wish you could catch your breath. Maybe that out-of-control urge exploded again, and you wish you could find that kind of relief without all the mess afterward. Maybe it exploded in one or more of your relationships, and you don’t know what to do, but you feel unspeakably lost or lonely about it. Maybe at times you’ve given up on life being worth living. Maybe other times you do everything you can think of to survive. Or maybe it’s your teen or someone else you love who’s going through things like this, and you need support. I’d love to help.
Mia Sheard
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BA, CAPT, Gestalt
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
East York, ON M4K
Change is possible. You might be looking here because you've tried everything else, and you're still struggling. We all need support. You don't need to struggle alone. I provide a space where you can explore your feelings, be heard and supported with compassion. I work in the present moment, and include all aspects of what it means to be human: your body, mind and spirit. I'll provide you with feedback, so you can gain new awareness. My approach is creative, relational, and I bring humour into my sessions. I offer a free 15-20 initial phone session.
Change is possible. You might be looking here because you've tried everything else, and you're still struggling. We all need support. You don't need to struggle alone. I provide a space where you can explore your feelings, be heard and supported with compassion. I work in the present moment, and include all aspects of what it means to be human: your body, mind and spirit. I'll provide you with feedback, so you can gain new awareness. My approach is creative, relational, and I bring humour into my sessions. I offer a free 15-20 initial phone session.
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Alejandra Lindan
Dara Klug
Kathy Vance
Brendan McLarty
Dara Klug
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
East York, ON M4A (Online Only)
Life is beautiful but it is also hard, exhausting, sad, messy and temperamental. Coping with the intense pressures and stress we face can be very challenging and isolating. I believe therapy is about having a relationship where we can safely and authentically explore and discover where we tend to hide parts of ourselves, run away, and hold back our truth from the world. Together we will explore this in a manner that welcomes and supports your whole being to foster an ongoing process of self-awareness, healing and self development - and towards you moving in the world with greater resiliency, authenticity and a deeper sense of self.
Life is beautiful but it is also hard, exhausting, sad, messy and temperamental. Coping with the intense pressures and stress we face can be very challenging and isolating. I believe therapy is about having a relationship where we can safely and authentically explore and discover where we tend to hide parts of ourselves, run away, and hold back our truth from the world. Together we will explore this in a manner that welcomes and supports your whole being to foster an ongoing process of self-awareness, healing and self development - and towards you moving in the world with greater resiliency, authenticity and a deeper sense of self.
Many things affect us deeply in our busy lives. Yet we find ourselves unable, unwilling, or reluctant to talk our issues through with family, friends or physician. Psychotherapy sessions with me by Zoom, are focused, strategic, and personalized to your needs. I have provided individual and family psychotherapy/counseling in Toronto for over twenty years. Book one session a series, or intermittently: yours to design. Everyone wants change, but how? I will listen to you. "and the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” Anais Nin
Many things affect us deeply in our busy lives. Yet we find ourselves unable, unwilling, or reluctant to talk our issues through with family, friends or physician. Psychotherapy sessions with me by Zoom, are focused, strategic, and personalized to your needs. I have provided individual and family psychotherapy/counseling in Toronto for over twenty years. Book one session a series, or intermittently: yours to design. Everyone wants change, but how? I will listen to you. "and the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” Anais Nin
Starling Psychological Services is a multidisciplinary mental health clinic offering therapy services to adults in Ontario. Our goal is to provide professional and ethical psychotherapy for a range of mental health concerns and everyday problems. Our team of psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists has extensive training and experience helping our clients to improve symptoms and develop the skills and strategies needed to make positive changes in their lives. We take a collaborative approach to counselling and work with our clients to set therapy goals and create a treatment plan to address them.
Starling Psychological Services is a multidisciplinary mental health clinic offering therapy services to adults in Ontario. Our goal is to provide professional and ethical psychotherapy for a range of mental health concerns and everyday problems. Our team of psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists has extensive training and experience helping our clients to improve symptoms and develop the skills and strategies needed to make positive changes in their lives. We take a collaborative approach to counselling and work with our clients to set therapy goals and create a treatment plan to address them.
Sepideh Saedi
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East York, ON M4G (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by present challenges or haunted by past pain, experiencing a sense of disconnection, or yearning for improved relationships with both yourself and others? Are you seeking effective ways to manage your emotions, break free from unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors? I am committed to aiding individuals in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to lead more fulfilling lives. Many of my clients face challenges with: anxiety, trauma, depression, body image concerns, intense emotions such as guilt, shame, and anger, issues with self-esteem, coping with grief, and fostering healthier relationships.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by present challenges or haunted by past pain, experiencing a sense of disconnection, or yearning for improved relationships with both yourself and others? Are you seeking effective ways to manage your emotions, break free from unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors? I am committed to aiding individuals in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to lead more fulfilling lives. Many of my clients face challenges with: anxiety, trauma, depression, body image concerns, intense emotions such as guilt, shame, and anger, issues with self-esteem, coping with grief, and fostering healthier relationships.
With over 20 years of experience working as a Social Worker in mental health and addictions, we will explore where you feel stuck and I will help you become aware of possible barriers to your personal growth and happiness.
Whether you have been in therapy at different points in your life or are considering therapy for the first time, we will work collaboratively for you to gain a better sense of overall well-being. Working together we can identify unhelpful patterns and learn more effective ways of coping as you may find yourself experiencing challenges in life including managing relationships, regulating difficult emotions, dealing with family conflict/issues, struggling with self worth, and adapting to change.
With over 20 years of experience working as a Social Worker in mental health and addictions, we will explore where you feel stuck and I will help you become aware of possible barriers to your personal growth and happiness.
Whether you have been in therapy at different points in your life or are considering therapy for the first time, we will work collaboratively for you to gain a better sense of overall well-being. Working together we can identify unhelpful patterns and learn more effective ways of coping as you may find yourself experiencing challenges in life including managing relationships, regulating difficult emotions, dealing with family conflict/issues, struggling with self worth, and adapting to change.
Katie Pula - Relational Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
East York, ON M4K (Online Only)
Symptoms of anxiety, depression, loss, grief, big life changes, burn-out and mood disorders can be relieved greatly through emotional exploration, mindfulness techniques, and self-compassion. My approach is based on the belief that a deeper understanding of ‘self’ ultimately instills a stronger sense of peace and health in our day to day lives. Honing our natural ability to self-regulate and heal often begins with naming our struggles and traumas in the presence of a supportive other. From here we gain greater clarity on how to take care of ourselves, create boundaries and self-care patterns that instigate lasting change.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression, loss, grief, big life changes, burn-out and mood disorders can be relieved greatly through emotional exploration, mindfulness techniques, and self-compassion. My approach is based on the belief that a deeper understanding of ‘self’ ultimately instills a stronger sense of peace and health in our day to day lives. Honing our natural ability to self-regulate and heal often begins with naming our struggles and traumas in the presence of a supportive other. From here we gain greater clarity on how to take care of ourselves, create boundaries and self-care patterns that instigate lasting change.
Jessica Brunino (Currently Accepting New Clients) -Sana Therapy And Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
East York, ON M3C (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or struggling with feelings of sadness? If you've experienced trauma—whether from family violence, abuse, relationship issues, grief, or loss—you're not alone. As a trauma-informed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, I recognize how deeply these experiences can affect your mental health and overall well-being. I work with both adults and adolescents, and I’m dedicated to helping you navigate your unique healing journey. Together, we can create a personalized approach that resonates with you and supports your wellness.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or struggling with feelings of sadness? If you've experienced trauma—whether from family violence, abuse, relationship issues, grief, or loss—you're not alone. As a trauma-informed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, I recognize how deeply these experiences can affect your mental health and overall well-being. I work with both adults and adolescents, and I’m dedicated to helping you navigate your unique healing journey. Together, we can create a personalized approach that resonates with you and supports your wellness.
Choosing the right therapist is an important step toward making positive life changes. To help you with this, I would be happy to meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation to assist you in deciding if therapy and my approach are what you are looking for. My areas of expertise include: stress management, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma recovery, family/couple relationships, work-related stress, parenting and sexual orientation/identity. I will help you focus and decide on what you want to change, and help you map a path to get there.
Choosing the right therapist is an important step toward making positive life changes. To help you with this, I would be happy to meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation to assist you in deciding if therapy and my approach are what you are looking for. My areas of expertise include: stress management, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma recovery, family/couple relationships, work-related stress, parenting and sexual orientation/identity. I will help you focus and decide on what you want to change, and help you map a path to get there.
Are you feeling stuck in life? Do you feel isolated? Are you having difficulty moving forward after a painful loss or life change? Are you looking for ways to better manage your emotions? It is my belief that our unique life experiences require a personalized approach to help us reach our goals in the face of pain. One size does not fit all. Sessions with me are experiential in nature, with a focus on developing present moment awareness of one’s inner and outer world. Through the cultivation of mindfulness and other skills, I aim to help individuals harness that self knowledge to find ways to engage in values-based living.
Are you feeling stuck in life? Do you feel isolated? Are you having difficulty moving forward after a painful loss or life change? Are you looking for ways to better manage your emotions? It is my belief that our unique life experiences require a personalized approach to help us reach our goals in the face of pain. One size does not fit all. Sessions with me are experiential in nature, with a focus on developing present moment awareness of one’s inner and outer world. Through the cultivation of mindfulness and other skills, I aim to help individuals harness that self knowledge to find ways to engage in values-based living.
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What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.