You can get a better sense of my approach by checking out the resource page of my website – I keep it updated and I use those resources regularly!
training
I graduated from the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at University of Toronto in 2008. I am a Registered Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
Prior to my MSW, I completed the three-year Expressive Arts Therapy (EXAT) training program at CREATE Institute in Toronto. Expressive Arts is about connecting to your innate creativity through writing, visual arts or other artistic forms to support increased self-awareness and growth. Though I don’t tend to incorporate the arts in sessions, this training informs the ways I work with people and shows up in my use of metaphors, visuals and creativity in general.
models of therapy
I have found it really helpful to learn about interpersonal neurobiology to better understand the brain/nervous system and how we navigate relationships, react to stress, and can work on regrounding. I enjoy using this information to help people understand how experiences impact us, both in the moment and in the ways we carry them with us.
Some of the therapy models and mental health theories that inform my practice include aspects of: narrative therapy, trauma-focused therapies (including cognitive processing therapy and trauma-focused CBT), internal family systems (IFS), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Health At Every Size (HAES) anti-diet culture approaches, mindfulness approaches, harm-reduction, family systems theories, expressive arts therapy, and positive psychology.
I am committed to principles of equity, anti-oppressive practice, intersectional feminism, anti-diet culture, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. My intention is to create an inclusive space that is experienced as safe, supportive, non-judgmental, pro-choice, sex-positive, poly-positive, and body-affirming. I attempt to be conscious of ways that my social location, educational and positional privilege might impact your experience of therapy. You can expect that we will regularly discuss how I can best support you and that I will welcome feedback about your experience of therapy, and about felt power differentials including those related to race, cultural background, and gender identity.
queer and trans affirming therapy
I work regularly with queer, gender queer and trans-identified people and with people who are exploring or questioning their sexuality and/or their gender.
I also support parents whose kids are exploring or questioning their sexuality or gender.
I have professional experience and training in supporting people navigating the impacts of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and working through traumas connected to experiences of oppression and marginalization.
if it’s not a fit
If at any point in counselling you or I find that your needs are not a fit with my approach and my scope of practice, I will support you by providing referrals to other private practice therapists, group supports, or other support services that might better meet your needs. For example, I do not have training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), or in Addictions counselling, so needs in either of these areas require me to refer you to supports that can better meet your needs. Please note that as a Social Worker, I cannot diagnose mental health issues.
practice limitations
I do not have capacity to provide crisis support outside of sessions. See the distress lines and crisis support page of this website for resources and further information.
Visit my contact page and get in touch to find out more or to book a session.
katarina maatta-hebdon 