Strength-Based Therapists in Toronto, ON
Nina Littman-Sharp
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4J (Online Only)
My strength-based approach includes cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing and brief solution-focused therapy.
I've spent 40 years helping people to address depression, anxiety, addiction to substances or behaviours, ADHD, procrastination, relationship problems, difficult life choices, and self-esteem concerns. I'm experienced in addressing problematic behaviours and their impacts on relationships. My services are accessible and affordable. I work via videoconferencing, phone and messaging. For my ADHD clients I run a monthly group, as well as weekly coworking groups to help with productivity.
My strength-based approach includes cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing and brief solution-focused therapy.
I've spent 40 years helping people to address depression, anxiety, addiction to substances or behaviours, ADHD, procrastination, relationship problems, difficult life choices, and self-esteem concerns. I'm experienced in addressing problematic behaviours and their impacts on relationships. My services are accessible and affordable. I work via videoconferencing, phone and messaging. For my ADHD clients I run a monthly group, as well as weekly coworking groups to help with productivity.
I use a compassion based approach to work with adults, adolescents and children experiencing a variety of difficulties. I have worked with children from aged 4 and adolescents for over a decade. Difficulties I have worked with include social anxiety, body dysmorphia, ADHD, domestic violence, PTSD, assertiveness, low mood, adjustment and self-esteem. I tailor a treatment plan to the individual client and utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities. I work with clients to maintain their positive choices and through strength-based approaches instill core self-belief and coping mechanisms which hold though challenging situations.
I use a compassion based approach to work with adults, adolescents and children experiencing a variety of difficulties. I have worked with children from aged 4 and adolescents for over a decade. Difficulties I have worked with include social anxiety, body dysmorphia, ADHD, domestic violence, PTSD, assertiveness, low mood, adjustment and self-esteem. I tailor a treatment plan to the individual client and utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities. I work with clients to maintain their positive choices and through strength-based approaches instill core self-belief and coping mechanisms which hold though challenging situations.
I am a compassionate and curious therapist, who encourages self-exploration, using a strength-based and trauma-informed approach.
My primary aim as a therapist is to create a warm, confidential space where my clients feel deeply heard and understood. I strive to support individuals to cultivate self-compassion, connect with their emotions, express their needs and live authentically. I specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and those coping with significant life or health related changes. My training includes a meaningful two-year psychotherapy internship at Mount Sinai Hospital, combined with over a decade of experience in outpatient mental health services.
I am a compassionate and curious therapist, who encourages self-exploration, using a strength-based and trauma-informed approach.
My primary aim as a therapist is to create a warm, confidential space where my clients feel deeply heard and understood. I strive to support individuals to cultivate self-compassion, connect with their emotions, express their needs and live authentically. I specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and those coping with significant life or health related changes. My training includes a meaningful two-year psychotherapy internship at Mount Sinai Hospital, combined with over a decade of experience in outpatient mental health services.
I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, inclusive and strength-based environment for my clients.
With years of experience, I provide individual counselling to youth, young adults, and adults experiencing intrapersonal challenges such as feelings of anxiety, low mood/depression, low self-worth, difficult life transitions, grief and loss, as well as interpersonal challenges with friends, family, partners, and peers. Using a supportive, exploratory, client-centered approach I support and guide the individual in exploring and connecting to their experiences and emotions in a safe space with a focus on positive and meaningful change.
I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, inclusive and strength-based environment for my clients.
With years of experience, I provide individual counselling to youth, young adults, and adults experiencing intrapersonal challenges such as feelings of anxiety, low mood/depression, low self-worth, difficult life transitions, grief and loss, as well as interpersonal challenges with friends, family, partners, and peers. Using a supportive, exploratory, client-centered approach I support and guide the individual in exploring and connecting to their experiences and emotions in a safe space with a focus on positive and meaningful change.
Paola Ostinelli
Registered Social Worker, CYW, CYC, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5S (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a Registered Social Worker and Child and Youth Care Practitioner with almost 20 years experience working with diverse children, youth, individuals and families in a variety of settings. Finding a therapist you connect with is one of the most important things in supporting mental wellness. I use a warm, empathetic eclectic and integrative approach, I'm strength-based and non-judgmental with a focus on building a professional relationship with you. I use humour (as appropriate!) and work alongside you to support with your goals.
I’m a Registered Social Worker and Child and Youth Care Practitioner with almost 20 years experience working with diverse children, youth, individuals and families in a variety of settings. Finding a therapist you connect with is one of the most important things in supporting mental wellness. I use a warm, empathetic eclectic and integrative approach, I'm strength-based and non-judgmental with a focus on building a professional relationship with you. I use humour (as appropriate!) and work alongside you to support with your goals.
Umesh Poopalarajah
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5M (Online Only)
As a passionate advocate for mental health and social justice, my goal is to provide psychotherapy services to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and underrepresented groups from a strength-based and empowering perspective. I firmly believe that every individual possesses innate resilience and unique strengths that can be harnessed to navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth..
As a passionate advocate for mental health and social justice, my goal is to provide psychotherapy services to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and underrepresented groups from a strength-based and empowering perspective. I firmly believe that every individual possesses innate resilience and unique strengths that can be harnessed to navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth..
Zlata Kovaltchouk
Counsellor, MA, RPC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5T (Online Only)
My approach is supportive, compassionate, strength-based, and client-centred. The course of therapy will unfold differently for every client. It will depend on you and your needs. Together we will work in a safe, genuine, and supportive environment, to begin to find solutions, navigate through challenges, and build the skills that will help you work through difficult obstacles and move towards positive change. My goal is to help clients get unstuck and moving in the direction of a rich and meaningful life, by cultivating a different type of relationship with their thoughts and feelings.
My approach is supportive, compassionate, strength-based, and client-centred. The course of therapy will unfold differently for every client. It will depend on you and your needs. Together we will work in a safe, genuine, and supportive environment, to begin to find solutions, navigate through challenges, and build the skills that will help you work through difficult obstacles and move towards positive change. My goal is to help clients get unstuck and moving in the direction of a rich and meaningful life, by cultivating a different type of relationship with their thoughts and feelings.
Tania Hernandez
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5R (Online Only)
Emotional pain is an inherent part of the human experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. In our sessions, we will work through your struggles and together create a clear path for you to feel in control and content with your life. You'll enter a non-judgmental space where you can truly be you, with the ability to express your innermost thoughts and feelings. I will meet you where you are in your journey with acceptance and compassion. I work with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, attachment issues and interpersonal concerns such as work, family, relationships and friendships.
Emotional pain is an inherent part of the human experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. In our sessions, we will work through your struggles and together create a clear path for you to feel in control and content with your life. You'll enter a non-judgmental space where you can truly be you, with the ability to express your innermost thoughts and feelings. I will meet you where you are in your journey with acceptance and compassion. I work with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, attachment issues and interpersonal concerns such as work, family, relationships and friendships.
Cassandra Francis - One Peace Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MCP, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3C
I primarily work with Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), cultural-sensitivity, Trauma-Informed, and strength-based approaches.
Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you constantly worrying about what you have to do next? Are you having difficulties believing in yourself? Do you feel like you are stuck in life? I have found that these are common concerns that clients experience before accessing psychotherapy. I am here to work with you, at your own pace, to increase your awareness and agency. I believe that the psychotherapy journey begins with being heard, seen, understood, and accepted. From here, self-acceptance, self-awareness, and self-growth are inevitable.
I primarily work with Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), cultural-sensitivity, Trauma-Informed, and strength-based approaches.
Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you constantly worrying about what you have to do next? Are you having difficulties believing in yourself? Do you feel like you are stuck in life? I have found that these are common concerns that clients experience before accessing psychotherapy. I am here to work with you, at your own pace, to increase your awareness and agency. I believe that the psychotherapy journey begins with being heard, seen, understood, and accepted. From here, self-acceptance, self-awareness, and self-growth are inevitable.
Chrissy Gallo-Nizic
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, CYC, SSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M9A (Online Only)
Sometimes our experiences can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and dysregulated. These emotions can impact our relationships with others and our relationships with ourselves. I encourage therapeutic growth by nurturing the inner child, making peace with the inner critic, and reconnecting clients with their authentic sense of self. I value the healing impact of our parts being seen, heard, validated, and accepted. I work with individuals, couples, parents, and youth. I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Person-Centered, Self-Compassion, Existential, Relational, Narrative, Strength-based, Attachment-based, and Polyvagal Theory.
Sometimes our experiences can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and dysregulated. These emotions can impact our relationships with others and our relationships with ourselves. I encourage therapeutic growth by nurturing the inner child, making peace with the inner critic, and reconnecting clients with their authentic sense of self. I value the healing impact of our parts being seen, heard, validated, and accepted. I work with individuals, couples, parents, and youth. I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Person-Centered, Self-Compassion, Existential, Relational, Narrative, Strength-based, Attachment-based, and Polyvagal Theory.
Rachel uses a caring, strength-based, and non-judgmental approach with clients and employs mindfulness strategies whenever she can, creating a calm, grounding environment.
“My therapist just gets me”… is exactly what wellbe social worker and therapist, Rachel strives to hear from her patients after every session. Rachel believes having a genuine connection to her clients is the most important part to any therapeutic relationship. Equipped with a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializing in children, teens, and their families, Rachel has supported patients from diverse walks of life and in various settings including schools, shelters, and children’s mental health agencies.
Rachel uses a caring, strength-based, and non-judgmental approach with clients and employs mindfulness strategies whenever she can, creating a calm, grounding environment.
“My therapist just gets me”… is exactly what wellbe social worker and therapist, Rachel strives to hear from her patients after every session. Rachel believes having a genuine connection to her clients is the most important part to any therapeutic relationship. Equipped with a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializing in children, teens, and their families, Rachel has supported patients from diverse walks of life and in various settings including schools, shelters, and children’s mental health agencies.
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Supportive Therapy - Dora Habashi
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6K (Online Only)
As a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of practical experience working with children and families, Dora adopts an integrative and holistic approach to providing client-centered support to meet the unique needs of each client. Utilizing a strength based, narrative therapy approach to create a safe space for clients, Dora endeavours to empower individuals to make sense of their situation, identify healthy goals and experience therapy that is supportive, solution focused and change oriented.
As a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of practical experience working with children and families, Dora adopts an integrative and holistic approach to providing client-centered support to meet the unique needs of each client. Utilizing a strength based, narrative therapy approach to create a safe space for clients, Dora endeavours to empower individuals to make sense of their situation, identify healthy goals and experience therapy that is supportive, solution focused and change oriented.
Khoshrooz Kazemi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5C (Online Only)
Embarking on the path to well-being is a courageous and transformative journey, and I am here to walk alongside you. I am deeply passionate about mental health, and my approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a commitment to your personal growth. With a person-centered foundation, I integrate techniques from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioural, Solution-Focused, and Strength-Based approaches.
Embarking on the path to well-being is a courageous and transformative journey, and I am here to walk alongside you. I am deeply passionate about mental health, and my approach is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a commitment to your personal growth. With a person-centered foundation, I integrate techniques from various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioural, Solution-Focused, and Strength-Based approaches.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches in my work, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Strength-based, Attachment Theory, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
Quick, close your eyes. Where do you expect to be in five years? When I was in my own despair, I never would have imagined that less than five years after living through such tumultuous times, my life would bring me to this incredible field. My work is now my calling and I am super passionate about supporting my clients through their growth and change. For over a decade, I have worked with a range of private clients and organizations. My years of experience has introduced me to clients and their families, experiencing highly diverse struggles including trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, substance abuse, and more.
I use a variety of therapeutic approaches in my work, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Strength-based, Attachment Theory, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation.
Quick, close your eyes. Where do you expect to be in five years? When I was in my own despair, I never would have imagined that less than five years after living through such tumultuous times, my life would bring me to this incredible field. My work is now my calling and I am super passionate about supporting my clients through their growth and change. For over a decade, I have worked with a range of private clients and organizations. My years of experience has introduced me to clients and their families, experiencing highly diverse struggles including trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, substance abuse, and more.
My holistic approach to practice draws on elements of Interpersonal, Strength-based, Compassion-focused, & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health supporting people with depression and anxiety. I help individuals develop skills to become more assertive, build self-esteem and manage emotions such as anxiety, low mood, anger, and cope with the ups and downs of loss.
My holistic approach to practice draws on elements of Interpersonal, Strength-based, Compassion-focused, & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health supporting people with depression and anxiety. I help individuals develop skills to become more assertive, build self-esteem and manage emotions such as anxiety, low mood, anger, and cope with the ups and downs of loss.
Caring for someone with an illness or disability is challenging. You don’t have to carry that weight alone. I want to help you feel confident and strengthened to navigate your caregiving journey. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT), as well as client-centered, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, I use individualized treatments to work collaboratively with you to tailor interventions that best support you along your caregiving journey. I look forward to helping you take care of yourself so that you can take care of those you love. All sessions are virtual.
Caring for someone with an illness or disability is challenging. You don’t have to carry that weight alone. I want to help you feel confident and strengthened to navigate your caregiving journey. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT), as well as client-centered, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, I use individualized treatments to work collaboratively with you to tailor interventions that best support you along your caregiving journey. I look forward to helping you take care of yourself so that you can take care of those you love. All sessions are virtual.
Emma Stafford-Coyte
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G
I take an approach that is client-centred, strength-based, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed.
I see you as the expert of your own experiences. I begin with meeting you where you are and work collaboratively with you to establish a strong therapeutic relationship. Foundational safety and trust is central to your healing process. My role is to bear witness, encourage you to look inward for insight and to explore patterns in your life. Together we can build internal resiliency for greater depth and richness.
I take an approach that is client-centred, strength-based, anti-oppressive and trauma-informed.
I see you as the expert of your own experiences. I begin with meeting you where you are and work collaboratively with you to establish a strong therapeutic relationship. Foundational safety and trust is central to your healing process. My role is to bear witness, encourage you to look inward for insight and to explore patterns in your life. Together we can build internal resiliency for greater depth and richness.
I am deeply committed to supporting clients through a strength-based approach with the client's goals in mind.
As a film and book lover, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of stories to shape our lives. Just like the characters we connect with on-screen or in a novel, the stories we tell about ourselves can have a profound impact on how we see the world and our place in it. In my practice, I bring this passion for storytelling into our work together, helping you explore and reshape your own story in a way that feels authentic and empowering. Whether it's finding new perspectives or rewriting old narratives, I believe that understanding and owning your story can be a powerful tool for change.
I am deeply committed to supporting clients through a strength-based approach with the client's goals in mind.
As a film and book lover, I’ve always been fascinated by the power of stories to shape our lives. Just like the characters we connect with on-screen or in a novel, the stories we tell about ourselves can have a profound impact on how we see the world and our place in it. In my practice, I bring this passion for storytelling into our work together, helping you explore and reshape your own story in a way that feels authentic and empowering. Whether it's finding new perspectives or rewriting old narratives, I believe that understanding and owning your story can be a powerful tool for change.
Rachael Fernandes
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, HBSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3C
Pulling from the narrative, client-directed, existential and strength-based cognitive-behavioural perspectives, I try meeting clients where they are in their journeys.
My name is Rachael, and I am a Registered Psychotherapist authorized to practise while working toward independent practice with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), supervised by Michèle Mani. When faced with challenging emotions, spiralling thoughts, or adverse events, it can make finding a way out seem impossible. Finding moments of light, reflecting on experiences, and deepening self-awareness can help us identify and define our preferred paths.
Pulling from the narrative, client-directed, existential and strength-based cognitive-behavioural perspectives, I try meeting clients where they are in their journeys.
My name is Rachael, and I am a Registered Psychotherapist authorized to practise while working toward independent practice with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), supervised by Michèle Mani. When faced with challenging emotions, spiralling thoughts, or adverse events, it can make finding a way out seem impossible. Finding moments of light, reflecting on experiences, and deepening self-awareness can help us identify and define our preferred paths.
I am passionate about supporting people in harnessing their inner strength and resilience to achieve whatever they set their mind to do. I believe in working collaboratively with my clients in order to provide the most effective and long-lasting support. I support my clients in developing goals and understanding the blocks that get in the way of achieving them. I commend my clients for their courage in wanting to make changes, grow and deepen their self-awareness. I work to empower clients to be able to tackle stressors and obstacles. I practice from a non-judgemental, client-centred, strength-based and anti-oppressive approach.
I am passionate about supporting people in harnessing their inner strength and resilience to achieve whatever they set their mind to do. I believe in working collaboratively with my clients in order to provide the most effective and long-lasting support. I support my clients in developing goals and understanding the blocks that get in the way of achieving them. I commend my clients for their courage in wanting to make changes, grow and deepen their self-awareness. I work to empower clients to be able to tackle stressors and obstacles. I practice from a non-judgemental, client-centred, strength-based and anti-oppressive approach.
See more therapy options for Toronto
Nearby Strength-Based Counsellors Searches for Toronto
- Concord
- East York
- Etobicoke
- Markham
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- Richmond Hill
- Scarborough
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- York
Strength-Based Counsellors
How does strength-based therapy work?
During strength-based therapy sessions, the therapist will ask about an individual’s experiences of stress, pain, or trauma with the goal of orienting the client to view themselves as a survivor rather than a victim, and focusing on their strengths rather than on their weaknesses. In framing a client’s personal narrative along these lines, the therapist and client work together to identify existing skills that can be harnessed.
Is strength-based therapy evidence-based?
Strength-based therapy is an evidence-based treatment that has been studied extensively and shown to be effective across domains. The treatment has been found to be particularly effective in helping individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. Strength-based therapy has been used by therapists to help clients for more than 60 years.
How long does strength-based therapy last?
There’s no precise timeline for strength-based therapy. The duration of treatment depends on the individual’s specific needs and goals and the severity of their concerns. Some individuals may find they achieve their therapeutic goals quickly, while others might benefit from ongoing support and guidance in order to continue progressing.
How effective is strength-based therapy?
Clinical research and decades of practice have shown strength-based therapy to be an effective treatment to improve mental health and well-being for many conditions. The treatment can engender a sense of connection and collaboration between the therapist and the individual, fostering a positive therapeutic relationship. For individuals with narcissistic tendencies, strength-based therapy may be less effective, as the focus on the individual’s strengths may undermine the work needed to honestly assess the challenges the individual faces.