Jewish Therapists in Ontario
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.
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.
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.
Emeline Thermidor Pele Yo'etz Bible Counseling Life Coaching
Counsellor, MA, MSI, BA(Tra)
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K1N (Online Only)
Biblical Counseling with Jewish/Hebrew themes and perspectives. Seek Yeshua/Jesus: find love, peace, hope meaning. Read the Bible and talk to God every day. Repent to God of bitterness, hatred, rage, anger, self-esteem, addictions, anxiety, depression, fears, guilt, grief, loss, sadness, shame, stress, resentment, by welcoming your life to Jesus as your Savior. Forgive yourself and others. After one session, do encourage others who are suffering, to quicken your own healing and wellness. Yeshua/Jesus is the Way (to God, the Creator), the Truth and Eternal Life (beyond death) (John 3:16). 3 sessions maximum/client.
Biblical Counseling with Jewish/Hebrew themes and perspectives. Seek Yeshua/Jesus: find love, peace, hope meaning. Read the Bible and talk to God every day. Repent to God of bitterness, hatred, rage, anger, self-esteem, addictions, anxiety, depression, fears, guilt, grief, loss, sadness, shame, stress, resentment, by welcoming your life to Jesus as your Savior. Forgive yourself and others. After one session, do encourage others who are suffering, to quicken your own healing and wellness. Yeshua/Jesus is the Way (to God, the Creator), the Truth and Eternal Life (beyond death) (John 3:16). 3 sessions maximum/client.
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.
Do you feel like your thoughts and feelings are closing in on you? Having trouble seeing past your problems? Life can bring suffering, but you don't have to do it alone. Experience expertise and care to guide you to your well-being and purpose. Cross-certified as both a psychotherapist and specialist in spiritual care, I have a multifaceted approach which combines therapy and behavioral coaching. There is hope and meaning to be found after difficult changes. Benefit from my gentle but powerful approach that has helped hundreds of people find peace and real growth. Life is meant to be lived, and you have infinite possibilities.
Do you feel like your thoughts and feelings are closing in on you? Having trouble seeing past your problems? Life can bring suffering, but you don't have to do it alone. Experience expertise and care to guide you to your well-being and purpose. Cross-certified as both a psychotherapist and specialist in spiritual care, I have a multifaceted approach which combines therapy and behavioral coaching. There is hope and meaning to be found after difficult changes. Benefit from my gentle but powerful approach that has helped hundreds of people find peace and real growth. Life is meant to be lived, and you have infinite possibilities.
Annette Poizner
Registered Social Worker, MSW, EdD, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North York, ON M2N (Online Only)
I analyze your short essay/childhood memories/dreams you bring in - to figure you out FAST: personality style, intra-psychic function, core issues, growth edge, strengths, challenges. Step A: extensive feedback, this 360 also considers nutrition, lifestyle, cognitive style, a download re: you! Then, IF indicated, EMDR, NLP, IFS to architect change. I specialize in some (not all) problems that have been unresponsive to conventional psychotherapy (i.e. OCD). I use Jungian, Eastern, & TCM wisdom, Ericksonian methods to engineer change on an unconscious level. I don't work with substance or alcohol abuse, Borderline, risk of suicide.
I analyze your short essay/childhood memories/dreams you bring in - to figure you out FAST: personality style, intra-psychic function, core issues, growth edge, strengths, challenges. Step A: extensive feedback, this 360 also considers nutrition, lifestyle, cognitive style, a download re: you! Then, IF indicated, EMDR, NLP, IFS to architect change. I specialize in some (not all) problems that have been unresponsive to conventional psychotherapy (i.e. OCD). I use Jungian, Eastern, & TCM wisdom, Ericksonian methods to engineer change on an unconscious level. I don't work with substance or alcohol abuse, Borderline, risk of suicide.
My approach to therapy is practical, creative, humorous, and interactive. Engaging in therapy is a vulnerable and courageous step, and I aim to foster a comfortable, collaborative process. When the tools and skills that were previously helpful are no longer working, I support clients to cultivate new coping skills, and identify potential areas for change and/or acceptance. I am a seasoned therapist who is able to draw from a variety of modalities depending on what comes up for the client.
My approach to therapy is practical, creative, humorous, and interactive. Engaging in therapy is a vulnerable and courageous step, and I aim to foster a comfortable, collaborative process. When the tools and skills that were previously helpful are no longer working, I support clients to cultivate new coping skills, and identify potential areas for change and/or acceptance. I am a seasoned therapist who is able to draw from a variety of modalities depending on what comes up for the client.
Alicia Aquino-Mandel
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vaughan, ON L4J
Accepting clients! On the surface, you may be experiencing a variety of symptoms that are causing you to feel dysfunctional, unable to manage or cope with your every day life. These symptoms are not only impacting the way you feel, but in the way you’re functioning and interacting with everyone and everything else in your life. You are struggling to put words to the pain and unsure of where to begin. You want to have functionality, fulfillment and happiness but it feels so out of reach. You want to get to a place of deeper understanding to cope and regulate better, and go from surviving to living. Welcome to your journey.
Accepting clients! On the surface, you may be experiencing a variety of symptoms that are causing you to feel dysfunctional, unable to manage or cope with your every day life. These symptoms are not only impacting the way you feel, but in the way you’re functioning and interacting with everyone and everything else in your life. You are struggling to put words to the pain and unsure of where to begin. You want to have functionality, fulfillment and happiness but it feels so out of reach. You want to get to a place of deeper understanding to cope and regulate better, and go from surviving to living. Welcome to your journey.
Shawna Akerman
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BEd, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6A
Is your family environment off balance? Is parenting more difficult than you imagined? Have you lost control of yourself or your relationships? Are you are looking for a different feeling or ready to make a change? It takes one conversation to start change. What is standing in your way of starting? Book now and explore the simple steps to feeling okay every day. Start the journey of self-discovery. If you are looking to RESET, start here and make yourself a priority. If not now, when? We focus on skills and strategies for making better choices for yourself with experience In ADHD, ASD, Neurotypical, Anxiety, Family Dynamics.
Is your family environment off balance? Is parenting more difficult than you imagined? Have you lost control of yourself or your relationships? Are you are looking for a different feeling or ready to make a change? It takes one conversation to start change. What is standing in your way of starting? Book now and explore the simple steps to feeling okay every day. Start the journey of self-discovery. If you are looking to RESET, start here and make yourself a priority. If not now, when? We focus on skills and strategies for making better choices for yourself with experience In ADHD, ASD, Neurotypical, Anxiety, Family Dynamics.
As a social worker with more than 30 years experience, practicing individual and couples/psychotherapy and more recently life coaching, I work with people to address challenges, meet their life goals, and live more fully and in accordance with their values. I embrace the opportunity to work with clients to reach, grow, thrive and flourish in their personal and/or professional lives, and move more easily through life. I also utilize my training in Applied Positive Psychology, covering both theory and tools, to increase resilience and wellbeing.
As a social worker with more than 30 years experience, practicing individual and couples/psychotherapy and more recently life coaching, I work with people to address challenges, meet their life goals, and live more fully and in accordance with their values. I embrace the opportunity to work with clients to reach, grow, thrive and flourish in their personal and/or professional lives, and move more easily through life. I also utilize my training in Applied Positive Psychology, covering both theory and tools, to increase resilience and wellbeing.
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Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5S
Waitlist for new clients
What is blocking you from being present and fully experiencing joy? What patterns are you stuck repeating, and why? These are questions many of us need to explore at some point in our lives.
What is blocking you from being present and fully experiencing joy? What patterns are you stuck repeating, and why? These are questions many of us need to explore at some point in our lives.
Raquel Benlezrah
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RPQ, MPS, SIP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M3H
Are you feeling trapped in your pain, yearning for someone who truly understands you? Do you find yourself overwhelmed, lonely, and desperately searching for a way out? Or perhaps you are grappling with deep-seated insecurities and struggling with a lack of self-worth that debilitates you? Whether you are facing grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, faith detachment, relationship difficulties or family discord, I am here to guide and support you, helping you rediscover your inner-strength and resilience, reclaim your narrative, and find joy and fulfillment in your life.
Are you feeling trapped in your pain, yearning for someone who truly understands you? Do you find yourself overwhelmed, lonely, and desperately searching for a way out? Or perhaps you are grappling with deep-seated insecurities and struggling with a lack of self-worth that debilitates you? Whether you are facing grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, faith detachment, relationship difficulties or family discord, I am here to guide and support you, helping you rediscover your inner-strength and resilience, reclaim your narrative, and find joy and fulfillment in your life.
Dr. Arielle Buch-Frohlich, Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornhill, ON L4J (Online Only)
Over the years I have specialized in working with adults to help them thrive in relationships and social situations. My goal is to help individuals and couples achieve, and most importantly, sustain healthy relationships. Specializing in social anxiety and assertiveness, dating and relationships, as well as family planning and parenting. My number one objective is to provide you with the proper strategies to have successful interactions with the important people in your life. My practice includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Approaches, Young Schema Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Over the years I have specialized in working with adults to help them thrive in relationships and social situations. My goal is to help individuals and couples achieve, and most importantly, sustain healthy relationships. Specializing in social anxiety and assertiveness, dating and relationships, as well as family planning and parenting. My number one objective is to provide you with the proper strategies to have successful interactions with the important people in your life. My practice includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Approaches, Young Schema Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Neilia Sherman Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, Honours, BA, Psyc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Thornhill, ON L4J
Do you feel stuck? Relationship problems, lack of confidence, anxiety--these are just some of the reasons that people feel unhappy. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO STRUGGLE ALONE. I have many years of experience in the mental health field and I enjoy helping my clients to identify and work through their blocks to leading a happy and emotionally healthy life. I am down to earth, easy to talk to and I have a good sense of humour. I am open-minded and motivated to listen to your needs and and help you to formulate a plan for moving forward.
Do you feel stuck? Relationship problems, lack of confidence, anxiety--these are just some of the reasons that people feel unhappy. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO STRUGGLE ALONE. I have many years of experience in the mental health field and I enjoy helping my clients to identify and work through their blocks to leading a happy and emotionally healthy life. I am down to earth, easy to talk to and I have a good sense of humour. I am open-minded and motivated to listen to your needs and and help you to formulate a plan for moving forward.
Yael Greenberg
Registered Social Worker, HonsBA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8P
An intriguing fact: We are wired for emotional connection. Yet, do you find that you and your partner or family member always get into misunderstandings and conflict? Are you hurting from the wounds of betrayal, abandonment, abuse, leaving you feeling angry, lonely, and struggling to trust others? There is hope! I understand how individuals, families and couples fall into patterns that are hurtful, and feel stuck. I help clients gain an understanding of their patterns of communication; help them heal relational wounds; give them tools to shift into a more skilful, calm, satisfying feeling within themselves and their relationships.
An intriguing fact: We are wired for emotional connection. Yet, do you find that you and your partner or family member always get into misunderstandings and conflict? Are you hurting from the wounds of betrayal, abandonment, abuse, leaving you feeling angry, lonely, and struggling to trust others? There is hope! I understand how individuals, families and couples fall into patterns that are hurtful, and feel stuck. I help clients gain an understanding of their patterns of communication; help them heal relational wounds; give them tools to shift into a more skilful, calm, satisfying feeling within themselves and their relationships.
I enjoy adult clients of all ages. Couple therapy is a specialty; I have advanced training, and have taught couple therapy. Even in child issues, I find working with the parents may work best. Individuals who are committed to living more productively and fully and enhancing their relationships will find me supportive and encouraging. I have a particular passion for working with elderly clients who even in their 80s are interested in understanding / improving their lives. At the moment I am working with a woman in her mid-80s and helping another, 80-year old woman to get comfortable with her computer so that we can zoom.
I enjoy adult clients of all ages. Couple therapy is a specialty; I have advanced training, and have taught couple therapy. Even in child issues, I find working with the parents may work best. Individuals who are committed to living more productively and fully and enhancing their relationships will find me supportive and encouraging. I have a particular passion for working with elderly clients who even in their 80s are interested in understanding / improving their lives. At the moment I am working with a woman in her mid-80s and helping another, 80-year old woman to get comfortable with her computer so that we can zoom.
Nechama Drookman
Registered Psychotherapist, BEd, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vaughan, ON L4J (Online Only)
You may recognize that something in your life is not aligned with your hopes and dreams. You may feel stuck and are struggling - you don't need to do this alone! I'm here to provide you with the guidance and clarity you seek. You may be experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, stress, trauma, ineffective or damaging coping mechanisms such as substance misuse and other addictions, life-cycle crises such as divorce, empty nest, infertility, and marriage and/or parenting difficulties. Together we can uncover and understand the root causes that influence your circumstances and explore options for managing your presenting issues.
You may recognize that something in your life is not aligned with your hopes and dreams. You may feel stuck and are struggling - you don't need to do this alone! I'm here to provide you with the guidance and clarity you seek. You may be experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, stress, trauma, ineffective or damaging coping mechanisms such as substance misuse and other addictions, life-cycle crises such as divorce, empty nest, infertility, and marriage and/or parenting difficulties. Together we can uncover and understand the root causes that influence your circumstances and explore options for managing your presenting issues.
Collaborative Care Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, CCC, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G (Online Only)
Facing challenges with anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, or past trauma? You're not alone. Collaborative Care Therapy offers a safe and supportive virtual space to navigate these struggles and discover your path to personal growth. Based in Ontario, we specialize in trauma therapy, emotional regulation, and relationship counseling for adults and couples. We recognize the courage it takes to seek help and change, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Facing challenges with anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, or past trauma? You're not alone. Collaborative Care Therapy offers a safe and supportive virtual space to navigate these struggles and discover your path to personal growth. Based in Ontario, we specialize in trauma therapy, emotional regulation, and relationship counseling for adults and couples. We recognize the courage it takes to seek help and change, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
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.
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.