Somatic Therapists in Chinatown, Toronto, ON
Natalie V. Bochenska Somatic Art Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, DTATI
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
I use IFS, somatic, art, and relational approaches.
You can outsmart any talk therapist just to end up suppressing even more of your emotions. You often feel stuck in your mind, wondering WHY you feel the way you feel and HOW to "fix it". You often go on autopilot for days or weeks before the emotional overwhelm catches up with you. The anxiety, perfectionism, uncertainty, negative body image, worries, and internal clutter spin like a washing machine in your head. It's too much, so you find comforting ways to numb out... Still, you want to understand your patterns and process your past. You are ready to put in the work to finally feel grounded. To actually feel stuff...
I use IFS, somatic, art, and relational approaches.
You can outsmart any talk therapist just to end up suppressing even more of your emotions. You often feel stuck in your mind, wondering WHY you feel the way you feel and HOW to "fix it". You often go on autopilot for days or weeks before the emotional overwhelm catches up with you. The anxiety, perfectionism, uncertainty, negative body image, worries, and internal clutter spin like a washing machine in your head. It's too much, so you find comforting ways to numb out... Still, you want to understand your patterns and process your past. You are ready to put in the work to finally feel grounded. To actually feel stuff...
Trees Can Dance Counselling
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BEd, SEP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
She integrates the practice of Somatic Experiencing, social justice, and feminism.
Imagine being in a place where you feel safe, supported and accepted, in a way that moves you to tell your story to someone who listens to you fully and really hears what you are saying. Most of us rarely experience this. However, this is the experience Gladys strives to create for each of her clients: a space of understanding, curiosity and hope, one that naturally leads to the uncovering of answers to life's difficulties, to the resolving of the anxieties that surround you.
She integrates the practice of Somatic Experiencing, social justice, and feminism.
Imagine being in a place where you feel safe, supported and accepted, in a way that moves you to tell your story to someone who listens to you fully and really hears what you are saying. Most of us rarely experience this. However, this is the experience Gladys strives to create for each of her clients: a space of understanding, curiosity and hope, one that naturally leads to the uncovering of answers to life's difficulties, to the resolving of the anxieties that surround you.
Sarah Karkanis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, GradDip
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
Are you someone who feels stuck in anxiety, overthinking, and relationship struggles, often caught in cycles of grappling for control, perfectionism or people-pleasing? Do you know your past trauma impacts your present but feel overwhelmed or disconnected? If you are seeking a compassionate space where you can explore their emotions and receive a blend of somatic, EMDR, and mindfulness-based therapy to heal deeply, we should connect. We can work towards managing anxiety, setting boundaries without guilt, building healthier connections, and creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Are you someone who feels stuck in anxiety, overthinking, and relationship struggles, often caught in cycles of grappling for control, perfectionism or people-pleasing? Do you know your past trauma impacts your present but feel overwhelmed or disconnected? If you are seeking a compassionate space where you can explore their emotions and receive a blend of somatic, EMDR, and mindfulness-based therapy to heal deeply, we should connect. We can work towards managing anxiety, setting boundaries without guilt, building healthier connections, and creating a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Kate McGee
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I take a trauma-aware, somatic approach with an anti-oppression, non-pathologizing lens.
With gentleness, curiosity and humour, I've walked with people at all ages and stages: facing mental illness or trauma, dealing with infertility or baby loss, embracing queer identity, wrestling with spirituality, living with disability. Your story is central, but talking isn't everything: some of our deepest wounds are held in realms beyond words. Because I often work with trauma and embodied pain, I use neurobiology-based somatic approaches. I use Internal Family Systems (inner parts work) and other approaches that engage clients’ creative, imaginative, and meditative sides in the service of healing.
I take a trauma-aware, somatic approach with an anti-oppression, non-pathologizing lens.
With gentleness, curiosity and humour, I've walked with people at all ages and stages: facing mental illness or trauma, dealing with infertility or baby loss, embracing queer identity, wrestling with spirituality, living with disability. Your story is central, but talking isn't everything: some of our deepest wounds are held in realms beyond words. Because I often work with trauma and embodied pain, I use neurobiology-based somatic approaches. I use Internal Family Systems (inner parts work) and other approaches that engage clients’ creative, imaginative, and meditative sides in the service of healing.
Avigal Willing
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CYC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
I use a combination of talk therapy and somatic therapy approaches.
Whether this is a new journey or a return - welcome! I am a registered Social Worker with a background in Child and Youth Care, working individually with children, youth and adults. Through a compassionate, non-judgemental approach to life's challenges we can work collaboratively to nurture self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and develop coping strategies that will best support you. I specifically offer support with gender & sexuality, depression and/or anxiety, trauma and PTSD, high performance dancers and athletes, family conflict, and suicide & self-harm.
I use a combination of talk therapy and somatic therapy approaches.
Whether this is a new journey or a return - welcome! I am a registered Social Worker with a background in Child and Youth Care, working individually with children, youth and adults. Through a compassionate, non-judgemental approach to life's challenges we can work collaboratively to nurture self-knowledge, self-acceptance, and develop coping strategies that will best support you. I specifically offer support with gender & sexuality, depression and/or anxiety, trauma and PTSD, high performance dancers and athletes, family conflict, and suicide & self-harm.
Olga Klimenkova
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, GIT Dip
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
The anchor of my work is Gestalt therapy, which has a strong relational, somatic and existential lens.
It takes courage to reach out for support when not knowing what to do. That can be quite a lonely and painful experience, together with feeling disconnected, stuck and overwhelmed. You can get a better understanding of your feelings and behaviors, see how you are entrenched in your own patterns or how you get in your own way, process past experiences and just talk about heavy stuff without feeling like a burden. This work can bring you closer to your authentic self.
The anchor of my work is Gestalt therapy, which has a strong relational, somatic and existential lens.
It takes courage to reach out for support when not knowing what to do. That can be quite a lonely and painful experience, together with feeling disconnected, stuck and overwhelmed. You can get a better understanding of your feelings and behaviors, see how you are entrenched in your own patterns or how you get in your own way, process past experiences and just talk about heavy stuff without feeling like a burden. This work can bring you closer to your authentic self.
Arshdeep Sandhu
Registered Social Worker, MCP, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
Growing up in a society and culture that can make it hard to open up about problems, we can miss how professional help can empower us to tackle our addictions, heal anxiety and anger, and create fulfilling relationships by overcoming our insecurities and learning how to argue better. I have always been interested in deeply exploring how to be a more confident man who I respect with healthier habits, being mentally stronger and well in my mind and heart, and being more capable of handling conflict within romantic or family relationships. Let's connect if you're looking to improve your life in these matters.
Growing up in a society and culture that can make it hard to open up about problems, we can miss how professional help can empower us to tackle our addictions, heal anxiety and anger, and create fulfilling relationships by overcoming our insecurities and learning how to argue better. I have always been interested in deeply exploring how to be a more confident man who I respect with healthier habits, being mentally stronger and well in my mind and heart, and being more capable of handling conflict within romantic or family relationships. Let's connect if you're looking to improve your life in these matters.
Arkadiy Volkov
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5S
Is anxiety undermining your ability to enjoy yourself and feel safe in your relationships, at work, even in your own thoughts? Are you tired of feeling alert and tense all the time, not being able to stop that voice that keeps warning you of dangers and criticising your every step? Do you fear failure, rejection and abandonment? Are constant fights and lack of trust making your relationship or marriage a source of pain and frustration? Are you struggling with the emotional stress of facing infertility?
Is anxiety undermining your ability to enjoy yourself and feel safe in your relationships, at work, even in your own thoughts? Are you tired of feeling alert and tense all the time, not being able to stop that voice that keeps warning you of dangers and criticising your every step? Do you fear failure, rejection and abandonment? Are constant fights and lack of trust making your relationship or marriage a source of pain and frustration? Are you struggling with the emotional stress of facing infertility?
Good People Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
Good People Therapy is an attachment-based online therapy clinic specialising in helping you feel more comfortable with who you are and what you want and support you in getting there. We work with people who seem like they have it all figured out on the outside, but are struggling on the inside. Sometimes this shows up as anxiety, work burnout, depression, over-achievement, attachment insecurity, perfectionism, addiction - along with the feeling that you're never quite good enough. You’re struggling but feel like you shouldn't be.
Good People Therapy is an attachment-based online therapy clinic specialising in helping you feel more comfortable with who you are and what you want and support you in getting there. We work with people who seem like they have it all figured out on the outside, but are struggling on the inside. Sometimes this shows up as anxiety, work burnout, depression, over-achievement, attachment insecurity, perfectionism, addiction - along with the feeling that you're never quite good enough. You’re struggling but feel like you shouldn't be.
Jessica Cassell
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
Being a human in this world is fucking HARD. From the many pressures and stressors of surviving under capitalism, living with the impacts of traumatic experiences and systemic oppression, balancing social and familial expectations and norms with your own needs and hopes, and navigating identity and relationships; all of these things exert significant pressures on our bodies and minds. If you are struggling, you are not alone. I know that being asked to "think more positively" about painful experiences isn't helpful for many and can be profoundly invalidating so I won't do that! What I will do is provide a space to process your pain.
Being a human in this world is fucking HARD. From the many pressures and stressors of surviving under capitalism, living with the impacts of traumatic experiences and systemic oppression, balancing social and familial expectations and norms with your own needs and hopes, and navigating identity and relationships; all of these things exert significant pressures on our bodies and minds. If you are struggling, you are not alone. I know that being asked to "think more positively" about painful experiences isn't helpful for many and can be profoundly invalidating so I won't do that! What I will do is provide a space to process your pain.
Dawn Nealon
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
I practice from a client-centred, strengths-based approach. I believe that you are the expert of your own lived experiences, and strive to create a safe supportive environment for you to explore and work toward your goals.
I practice from a client-centred, strengths-based approach. I believe that you are the expert of your own lived experiences, and strive to create a safe supportive environment for you to explore and work toward your goals.
15 Second Videos
Natalie V. Bochenska Somatic Art Psychotherapy
Sarah Karkanis
Kate McGee
Arkadiy Volkov
Imogen Chudyk-Barr
Harry Au | Asian Therapy
Alisa Serebro - Trauma Anxiety And Burnout Therapist
Cindy Stater-Drummond
If you are struggling and seeking support, you are not alone. Loss, trauma, conflict, life changes, and emotional and mental suffering do not discriminate. Any of us can go through difficult times—some more than others—but everyone has personal knowledge of suffering in their lives. Therapy is not easy, and there is no quick fix, but I am here to work with you, to hear and understand you, and to support your self-discovery process. I want to learn about your story, path, and beliefs, and together with you identify your strengths and explore areas where you might try new ways of being.
If you are struggling and seeking support, you are not alone. Loss, trauma, conflict, life changes, and emotional and mental suffering do not discriminate. Any of us can go through difficult times—some more than others—but everyone has personal knowledge of suffering in their lives. Therapy is not easy, and there is no quick fix, but I am here to work with you, to hear and understand you, and to support your self-discovery process. I want to learn about your story, path, and beliefs, and together with you identify your strengths and explore areas where you might try new ways of being.
You may come to therapy because you feel lost, alone, angry, confused, empty, fearful, betrayed, or hopeless. Or not. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, identity, relationships, unwanted thoughts and feelings, addictions, shame, or guilt. Or not. You may come to therapy because you want to understand how your early experiences are shaping your life. Or you may be curious about the therapeutic process, more generally. Or not.
You may come to therapy because you feel lost, alone, angry, confused, empty, fearful, betrayed, or hopeless. Or not. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, identity, relationships, unwanted thoughts and feelings, addictions, shame, or guilt. Or not. You may come to therapy because you want to understand how your early experiences are shaping your life. Or you may be curious about the therapeutic process, more generally. Or not.
To grow and to heal. This is a choice we can make. If you are reading this, you have already taken a step in that direction. Perhaps you are wondering if therapy can help you take some more steps. These steps can be in many directions – doing better, achieving goals, reducing distress, managing difficult emotions, understanding unhelpful patterns, dealing with relationship issues, coming to terms with the issues of the past, or seeking answers to life’s challenging questions. We arrive in therapy with our own unique expectations. My goal is to help you take the steps towards meeting those expectations.
To grow and to heal. This is a choice we can make. If you are reading this, you have already taken a step in that direction. Perhaps you are wondering if therapy can help you take some more steps. These steps can be in many directions – doing better, achieving goals, reducing distress, managing difficult emotions, understanding unhelpful patterns, dealing with relationship issues, coming to terms with the issues of the past, or seeking answers to life’s challenging questions. We arrive in therapy with our own unique expectations. My goal is to help you take the steps towards meeting those expectations.
Imogen Chudyk-Barr
Registered Social Worker, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
Strained relationships; overwhelming anxiety; existential loneliness; feeling inherently broken and unlovable: if you are neurodiverse, these experiences may be familiar to you. The good news? You don’t have to feel that way forever. You can have a life where you feel connected to the world around you, nurture happy and healthy relationships, and communicate through overwhelm and activation. I provide counselling for individuals and couples struggling with trauma and related conflict/communication issues, attachment/relational wounds, burnout, and grief. I specialize in working with queer and non-monogamous couples.
Strained relationships; overwhelming anxiety; existential loneliness; feeling inherently broken and unlovable: if you are neurodiverse, these experiences may be familiar to you. The good news? You don’t have to feel that way forever. You can have a life where you feel connected to the world around you, nurture happy and healthy relationships, and communicate through overwhelm and activation. I provide counselling for individuals and couples struggling with trauma and related conflict/communication issues, attachment/relational wounds, burnout, and grief. I specialize in working with queer and non-monogamous couples.
Harry Au | Asian Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
You’re a giver, and you put in 1000% to care for everyone around you. On the surface, everyone seems to love you, and you seem to have it all. But underneath all that, you feel a sense of loneliness. This is a common experience for many clients I help. Stuck in a web of family and friends, and a hurricane of obligations, you find yourself sacrificing your own needs for others. And the worst part is, sometimes, you don’t even know what you want for yourself! Then your Inner Critic sets in, and you beat yourself up for all the things you feel like you did wrong. And you wonder to yourself, "Will I ever be happy?"
You’re a giver, and you put in 1000% to care for everyone around you. On the surface, everyone seems to love you, and you seem to have it all. But underneath all that, you feel a sense of loneliness. This is a common experience for many clients I help. Stuck in a web of family and friends, and a hurricane of obligations, you find yourself sacrificing your own needs for others. And the worst part is, sometimes, you don’t even know what you want for yourself! Then your Inner Critic sets in, and you beat yourself up for all the things you feel like you did wrong. And you wonder to yourself, "Will I ever be happy?"
Sherel Griffiths Therapy & Mediation Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW, CFT, AFM, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Maneuvering through the different stages of "Life Journey" can be fulfilling as well as filled with periods of high stress, and emotional imbalance. Through the guiding principles of dignity, diversity, and self-determination, individual therapy brings growth by focusing on your strengths and resilience. Couple therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Through the process of couple therapy, I vow to help you understand and become unstuck from the repetitive cycle of miscommunication, stepping on each other's toes, and triggering unhealed wounds.
Maneuvering through the different stages of "Life Journey" can be fulfilling as well as filled with periods of high stress, and emotional imbalance. Through the guiding principles of dignity, diversity, and self-determination, individual therapy brings growth by focusing on your strengths and resilience. Couple therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Through the process of couple therapy, I vow to help you understand and become unstuck from the repetitive cycle of miscommunication, stepping on each other's toes, and triggering unhealed wounds.
Ally Florence
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CSAT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
Addiction, mental health, emotional difficulties, stress and trauma may affect each of us differently at different points throughout our lives. It is my privilege to be able to walk beside you throughout your journey to recovery. Through using different therapeutic approaches and techniques, I work from a primarily client centred approach, knowing that you are the expert on yourself and your needs. Together, we can work through substance use, sex and love addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma or other mental health concerns, to create a life of balance and happiness.
Addiction, mental health, emotional difficulties, stress and trauma may affect each of us differently at different points throughout our lives. It is my privilege to be able to walk beside you throughout your journey to recovery. Through using different therapeutic approaches and techniques, I work from a primarily client centred approach, knowing that you are the expert on yourself and your needs. Together, we can work through substance use, sex and love addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma or other mental health concerns, to create a life of balance and happiness.
Alisa Serebro - Trauma Anxiety And Burnout Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, BEd, MACP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
If you are just tired of giving and caring for everyone around you except for yourself, you’ve come to the right place. I come from a teaching background where students and duties came first. As a child of immigrant parents and currently a military spouse, I have also experienced increased stress due to frequent relocations and living far away from family and friends. A common block to getting much-needed help and support is the belief that self-care is selfish. The thing is by slowing down and taking care of your own emotional and mental needs you will be able to offer so much more to the world!
If you are just tired of giving and caring for everyone around you except for yourself, you’ve come to the right place. I come from a teaching background where students and duties came first. As a child of immigrant parents and currently a military spouse, I have also experienced increased stress due to frequent relocations and living far away from family and friends. A common block to getting much-needed help and support is the belief that self-care is selfish. The thing is by slowing down and taking care of your own emotional and mental needs you will be able to offer so much more to the world!
Cindy Stater-Drummond
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, MA, BHK, ERYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T
I believe affirming mental health and wellness for identifying Black women and women of colour can be achieved. We are committed to personalized therapy, empowering and amplifying your voice in your mental health journey. Working with you to explore your challenges and apply evidence-based techniques to help you navigate life's complex events.
I believe affirming mental health and wellness for identifying Black women and women of colour can be achieved. We are committed to personalized therapy, empowering and amplifying your voice in your mental health journey. Working with you to explore your challenges and apply evidence-based techniques to help you navigate life's complex events.
See more therapy options for Chinatown, Toronto
Nearby Somatic Counsellors Searches for Chinatown, Toronto
- Central Toronto
- Don Mills
- Downtown
- Leslieville
- Parkdale
- Summerhill
- West Toronto
- Weston-Mount Dennis
- Yorkville
Somatic Counsellors
How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.
Is EMDR a somatic therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.
What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.