Joanna is a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) as a Registered Psychotherapist as well as a member of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
I have specialized training in working with couples and individuals from an emotionally focused perspective. I work with individual clients whose fear or worry shows up at the worst possible times, and support couples who are both leaning in, want to stay together, and want to believe their relationship still has hope, as well as couples who are struggling to figure out what their direction is in their relationship. I support people to form loving connections and improve their relationships with their partner(s) as well as themselves. I meet them where they’re at and support them as well as their relationship. My training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) allows me to provide evidence-based interventions to support both individual clients and couples to create lasting change in their lives.
Clients say I’m not like other therapists. They appreciate that I show up authentically and with humour; I’m not stuffy and I won’t just smile and nod! I create a space where you will feel heard, valued and understood. I have relationship training in EFT to Core Skills level however good rapport with your therapist is critical beyond the type the therapy your therapist is trained in.
I work with individuals and couples, but also continue to stay connected to working with youth, tweens and teens as I did in the beginning of my career and have a particular passion for working with women to rediscover themselves after major life changes. I use an integrative approach to customize therapy to you: including self-compassion, mindfulness, attachment, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).
Catherine was introduced to counselling at a young age after she started to struggle with anxiety. She learned the value of providing safe spaces for others to support them in their challenges from the bond she had with her therapist. Fast-forward to Catherine’s teenage and undergraduate years. She decided to pursue therapy as a career because she saw the value of providing safe spaces for others.
Catherine grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. She worked as a nutrition counsellor for several years after graduating from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Food Science. During this period, she discovered her true passion for guiding her patients to wellness, frequently discussing the mind-body connection. Catherine opted to further her study by enrolling in the Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology program at Yorkville University.
Catherine has completed her Masters program and is now balancing her role as a psychotherapy associate, with both individual and couple clients, along with her other love…animals! Catherine works in an animal hospital and assists clients and their furry family members during difficult moments of sadness and grief.
When she is not working, you can find her hiking with her pooch, Ahsoka, playing video games, reading a good book, or spending time with family and friends. And, as a new therapist, her free time is filled with self-care and self-compassion!
Catherine sees clients who are looking for support with grief, depression, self-love and compassion, anxiety, stress management, and relationships. Catherine welcomes clients of all ages and backgrounds to work together to improve their health and wellness. She practices online or by phone to create and maintain a workspace that is accessible throughout Ontario. Catherine is not afraid of trauma or strong emotions. Creating a safe space for clients to feel or process is her goal.
If you think you and Catherine might be a good fit, please reach out to set up an appointment.
Catherine is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (#13670), and a Non-Certified Professional Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
