Relational Psychotherapy

for individuals & couples

For many people, closeness brings both the promise of safety and security

and a threat to safety and security… In other words, as far as relationships go,

we are hurt by people and yet we can be healed only by people.

~ S. Tatkin

Deciding to start therapy isn't easy. It can be anxiety-inducing, whether you are new to the process or experienced. I understand that and will work with you at your own pace. It is also important that you feel a sense of connection with your therapist, and that you feel seen, understood, and valued. As we work together, we will build a safe therapeutic relationship for you to explore your patterns in relationship with others, and with yourself. I will listen with curiosity and compassion to your stories- the ones that are causing discomfort or pain in your life and the ones that bring you happiness.

My approach is client-led, which means that you decide what to talk about in our sessions. Together, we will illuminate and make sense of patterns in your life. We will create space for new understandings about yourself. This self-discovery will be handled with compassionate regard for you and the process that you are going through.

​In my work with couples, I see all types: queer, straight, monogamous, and polyamorous. I also work with many interracial and intercultural couples - addressing the various issues that come with different races, cultures, and religions in a relationship, in addition to the layer of difficult systemic issues at play. In our work, we will attend to patterns that you think are causing difficulty. We will look at improving your understanding of each other & accepting each other’s differences, improving communication, deepening connection and vulnerability, rebuilding trust, and any other issues that you think are impacting your feelings and relationship at this time.

I am a bi-racial woman living in Toronto and have always been interested in how our diverse backgrounds impact our various relationships. I approach my daily life and work with an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens. I am committed to creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive space for my clients.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. I am trained in Relational psychotherapy, DBT (Dialectical behaviour therapy) and EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).

I have worked in various capacities in the mental health field in Montreal and Toronto- with homeless youth, women’s settlement services, and at the Addictions Research Foundation before it became part of CAMH. Years later, I completed a Master's in Criminology from the University of Toronto and spent several years working in the mental health and criminal justice systems- running the mental health services for a Toronto courthouse. A change in career path led me to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Toronto in 2006. For the last 18 years, I was an educator with the TDSB, with the exception of three years from 2013 to 2016, when I lived and taught in Ghana, West Africa.

In my teaching career, it was important for me to create a safe and inclusive space for my students while encouraging them to adopt positive mental health habits.

I offer sessions in English and French and my pronouns are she/her.

It is also important for me to acknowledge that I am a grateful guest on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, including the lands protected by Treaty 13 and the Dish with One Spoon Wampum.

About Andrea

Individuals & couples

Sessions

Virtual: Mondays and Wednesdays

In-person: Tuesdays and Thursdays

1246 Yonge St., Suite 303 (at Summerhill station)

Accessible with elevator.

I work with adults 18 years of age and older.

Rates

Individuals: My rate is $140. for 50-minute sessions.

I offer a 15-minute consultation at no charge to get a sense of the therapy process with me.

Couples: My rate for couples is $170. for 75-minute sessions.

I offer a 20-minute consultation at no charge for couples to get a sense of the therapy process with me.

My work is supervised by a senior faculty member/Registered Psychotherapist of the Toronto Institute of Relational Psychotherapy.

I am a member of the Ontario Society of Registered Psychotherapists and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Payment

Fees are payable by e-transfer either right before or right after the session.

I provide a receipt for every session.

I require 24 hours’ notice of cancellation, without charge.

Contact Andrea

If you would like to book a free consultation, please email me at:

afaveritherapy@gmail.com

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