Ellen is a registered psychotherapist working virtually and in person, located in Toronto ON
Relational Psychotherapy
Relational Psychotherapy operates on the foundation that our lives are shaped by the many relationships we have. Who you are and how you operate within your world is part of what makes your sense of self. Whether they are the relationships with our family of origin, partners, friends, and even yourself. No one exists in a vacuum.
Together we will embark on a journey to understand what is happening for you and work to make sense of it together. I enter our relationship not as an “all knowing expert”, but a co-pilot, eager to navigate, understand and explore how you experience the world. Through this process of discovery, we can begin to understand and know ourselves more deeply, which can in turn allow us to navigate the world from a more confident and empowered place.
As a relational Psychotherapist, the relationship between client and therapist is also a relationship we might explore in session. Together as our relationship deepens, we can begin to get curious about patterns and beliefs we might hold. How do we make sense of things and what are the origins of these stories? As queer writer, and performer Peggy Shaw touches on in her manifesto:
“There is no such thing as a solo”
About Me
I am a white settler who is a fat, neurodivergent, queer femme. These are some of the many identities I hold, which shape my experience in the world. I have experience and interest in working with folks share similar identities/experiences to me as well as across difference.
I welcome all the different parts of yourself you might bring to therapy (even the ones you might not be so fond of). My aim is to build enough trust to hold space to honour all the complexities, contradictions and nuance that exist within you. I strive to work from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, class conscious and trauma-informed place.
I have spent much of my working life in roles where relationship building was the foundation. I have worked with children and youth in various capacities, both within the walls of a classroom and beyond and as an outdoor educator and teacher. Curiosity has always been a driving force in my work and I bring this wondering with me into my work as a therapist. As we begin to explore and look at ourselves and our experiences, we might see things we weren't able to before. I come to the table with an openness to whatever unfolds.
During our work together there might be grief, sadness, anger and fear, but there will also be space for joy and laughter. It is an honour and privilege to be invited into your world.
As a therapist, I am engaged in my own personal therapy, supervision, and professional development in an effort to be able to show up fully in my work with clients.
Education and Credentials
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). I have completed three years of class work at the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy (TIRP), a graduate psychotherapy program accredited by the CRPO and will graduate in April 2024.
I have a B.PHE and a B.Ed (Outdoor and Experiential Education track) from Queen's University and am a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).
At this time I see clients for both in-person and virtual work. My office is a quiet and welcoming space, conveniently accessed by TTC. It is my belief that the connection one feels to a practitioner is a good indication of potential success. For this reason, I offer all prospective clients a 20 minute no-cost consultation over the phone.
Services and Fees
Individual Session, 50 minutes: $150 + HST (virtual or in person)
Couples/Relationship Session, 60 minutes: $200 + HST (in person only)
Extended, pro-rated sessions as needed discussed on a case by case basis.
Accessibility
My office is located on the 5th floor in a building equipped with an elevator. There are two gendered washrooms available on the same floor and a single stalled accessible washroom on the 4th floor. The couch available for clients has a weight capacity of 750 lbs.
A CO2 monitor is visible in an effort to assess ventilation in the office space. The aim is to keep CO2 below 600ppm. An appropriately sized HEPA filter is being run and a window can be opened to allow in outdoor air to increase ventilation.
If you require additional accommodations to participate fully in sessions, reach out and we can collaborate on finding ways to make that happen.
