Registered Psychotherapists and Social Workers in Toronto, Waterloo and Halton Hills

Irina Mirazizyan
Registered Psychotherapist
NLP and Hypnotherapy Coach

Welcome, 

You may be in search of help and support for an ongoing issue, a difficult period in your life, or perhaps you are looking to gain more clarity and understanding into the inner workings of your being. Whichever reason it may be, I commend you for taking action and exploring the next step! 

I believe any personal transformation begins with our willingness to commit to ourselves. It is that first step that can be the most defining moment of our life - the one that puts us on the path of self- awareness, acceptance and ultimately, fulfillment.

In my training as a therapist, an NLP coach and a yoga teacher, I have come to deeply respect the integrative nature of well-being, and work with my clients to facilitate the kind of change that can be felt in mind, body and spirit.  By creating shifts in our perception and allowing choice around our cognitive and emotional patterns, we can access our innate resilience and capacity for a joyful life. We all deserve to be seen and accepted for who we are, to be listened to and valued, and to feel safe to express all the parts of us that make us complicated, unique and human! My goal is to create the environment in which we can work together to overcome life's challenges through growth, insight and support. 

My therapeutic approach includes CBT,  Transpersonal / Psycho-dynamic, Emotionally Focused and Gestalt Therapy. I also practice Mindfulness-based CBT and offer meditation coaching to those interested in starting a practice. I offer a safe and non-judgemental space, conducive to deep inner work and exploration. 

I am currently seeing clients via virtual platform, though can accommodate in person therapy when necessary. I work alongside talented professionals, each fully dedicated in providing a specialized approach to their client base.

I look forward to working with you on your journey to a happier and healthier life! 
- Irina

Vanessa Bauer
Registered Social Worker

Do you feel you would benefit from additional support in navigating difficult life challenges, overcoming symptoms related to depression, anxiety, stress, emotional difficulties, healing from addiction or coping with work, relationships, or health issues? If so, you are not alone! At some point in our lives, we could all benefit from additional support as we don’t always have the answers or tools needed to overcome challenges or symptoms based on our experiences, resources, or circumstances. I believe therapy can be a useful resource which can equip us with the answers and tools we need to grow, thrive, and feel connected. I know I have certainly benefited from accessing therapy and want to support others in accessing these benefits as well.

I utilize principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectic Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. I also practice from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, non-judgemental, mindful, and somatic approach. I use an eclectic approach in my work, combining different therapeutic principles to ensure an individualized approach to care so that your needs or goals are met. My hope is that we can work collaboratively so that you can feel confident in your innate abilities to cope with and manage life challenges and overcome any symptoms you may be experiencing so that you can ultimately live your best and most authentic life.

I currently offer virtual and in-person appointments in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. I’m excited to meet you and be a helpful resource on your journey! When I am not at work you can often find me spending time outdoors, camping, hanging out with my family and friends, reading and doing some sort of self-development!

Vanessa Paterino
Registered Psychotherapist

Thank you for landing here. Life can certainly be difficult to navigate. It is filled with highs and lows, worries, fears, anxieties, and at times, confusion about our own part in the story that we have written. We may be left questioning who we are, what we truly value and why we keep finding ourselves often in the same patterns. My goal is to journey with you, to help you truly understand and know yourself, and come along as you courageously move into the changes you seek in your life. The famous Carl Rogers wrote “when I accept myself just as I am, then I change.”
I love connecting with people from all walks of life. My approach is varied but my goal is always to listen for the soul and create that heartfelt bond with my clients. To truly be present with you and unlock root causes of problems that may appear in your life.

In my practice I utilize various psychotherapeutic theories, including, Rogerian Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems, Logotherapy and more. I also offer spiritually integrated psychotherapy. My experience extends to various hospitals across the GTA where I have worked in clinical mental health units, assisting patients with bipolar, depression, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, and more. I have also worked in hospice and palliative care and offer bereavement support. I completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care from the University of Toronto. I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). It would be an honour to work with you and unpack life together. Feel free to reach out to me for a free consultation!

Sarah Frutti
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Thank you for your interest in my support. While the experience of pain is universal, each one of us has a relationship to it that is specific and unique. I believe that every one of us has the ability to alchemize that personal experience into growth, awareness and ultimately, positive change. My passion is working with people in that process, and helping them discover their inner resilience and strength, while offering a variety of tools that can last a lifetime. I take a collaborative, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to therapy services for individuals, couples and families.

I earned have an Honors degree in Psychology and Human Behaviour from McMaster University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology (MACP) from Yorkville University. I take a trauma-focused approach utilizing a variety of modalities and expertise in a diverse range of specialty areas including: Family Systems, the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalysis, Exposure Therapy and many more.

I have experience working with youth and adults alike in a variety of therapeutic settings including, in-patient hospitals, private clinics, employment counseling services, and schools. I have worked with a wide range of issues including; autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, neurodevelopmental disabilities, behavioral disorders, traumatic brain injury, obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.

Dorothy Tzimas
Registered Psychotherapist

(Currently not accepting clients)

Dorothy offers a client-centered and insight-oriented approach to psychotherapy. She has experience working with clients suffering from complex trauma, anxiety (i.e., generalized, and social), panic disorder, depression, interpersonal difficulties, and self-doubt, and sabotage.  She draws interventions from various theoretical orientations such as Psychodynamic Therapy,  Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. She aims to establish a safe therapeutic relationship where clients can explore vulnerable parts of themselves without judgment.