Applied Polyvagal Theory Therapists

Applied Polyvagal Theory explores the connection between your nervous system and emotional wellbeing. First Session can help you find a therapist who uses this approach.

Applied Polyvagal Theory is grounded in Dr. Stephen Porges' research on the autonomic nervous system and how it shapes our responses to safety and perceived threat. This approach may help people understand their body's natural reactions to stress, trauma, and connection. Therapists using this framework often focus on expanding the "window of tolerance"—the zone where you can process emotions and experiences without feeling overwhelmed or shut down.

On First Session, you can browse therapists who incorporate Applied Polyvagal Theory into their practice. Each therapist has an intro video so you can get a sense of their style before reaching out. Find a therapist in Canada who can support your journey toward greater nervous system regulation and emotional balance.

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Tanya Lerra

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Newmarket, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Tanya Lerra

Tanya Lerra

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$150/session
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Nervous system regulation, Anger Management, Attachment, Depression, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Perfectionism, Relationships, Attachment trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Family issues, Identity and Self-Exploration, Interpersonal dynamics, Trauma
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Nervous system regulation, Anger Management, Attachment, Depression, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Perfectionism, Relationships, Attachment trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Family issues, Identity and Self-Exploration, Interpersonal dynamics, Trauma
Ontario
Ontario

Melissa Servello

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Woodbridge, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Melissa Servello

Melissa Servello

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$140/session
Anxiety, Depression, Negative body image, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Decision making, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Effective communication, Fears and phobia, General Mental Health, Stress, Self-Regulation, Perfectionism, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Depression, Negative body image, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Decision making, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Effective communication, Fears and phobia, General Mental Health, Stress, Self-Regulation, Perfectionism, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Grief and Loss
Ontario
Ontario

Melissa Melnychuk

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Halifax, NS)
Virtual Sessions in AB, BC, MB, NL, NB, ON, NU, NS, NT, SK, PE, and YT.
Waitlist
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Melissa Melnychuk

Melissa Melnychuk

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offers Free Consultation
$175/session
Neurodiversity, Trauma, Women's Health, ADHD, Anger, Attachment trauma, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Depression, Life transitions, Work-Life Balance, Burnout, Workplace stress, College or University Coaching, General Mental Health, People pleasing, Grief and Loss, Men's issues
Neurodiversity, Trauma, Women's Health, ADHD, Anger, Attachment trauma, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Depression, Life transitions, Work-Life Balance, Burnout, Workplace stress, College or University Coaching, General Mental Health, People pleasing, Grief and Loss, Men's issues
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Ontario, Nunavut, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Yukon
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
Newfoundland and Labrador
New Brunswick
Ontario
Nunavut
Nova Scotia
Northwest Territories
Saskatchewan

Andrew Fawcett

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Pender Island, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC, MB, SK, YT, and NT.
Waitlist
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Andrew Fawcett

Andrew Fawcett

Registered Clinical Counsellor
he/him
Offers Free Consultation
$130/session
Befriending the Nervous System, Ecopsychotherapy, Attachment wounds, Brain injury, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Mental Decolonization, Nature-Based Spirituality, Parenting, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Sex therapy, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dreams, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Neurodiversity, Cultural Challenges, Chronic Illness
Befriending the Nervous System, Ecopsychotherapy, Attachment wounds, Brain injury, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Mental Decolonization, Nature-Based Spirituality, Parenting, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Sex therapy, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dreams, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Neurodiversity, Cultural Challenges, Chronic Illness
British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories
British Columbia
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Northwest Territories

Diane Brussell

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Cortes Island, BC)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Diane Brussell

Diane Brussell

Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her, We/Us
Offers Free Consultation
$180/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Transformative dream work, Somatic Therapy, Personal Growth, Trauma processing
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Transformative dream work, Somatic Therapy, Personal Growth, Trauma processing
British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
British Columbia
Alberta
Manitoba
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Newfoundland and Labrador
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Ontario
New Brunswick

Anna Loch

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Anna Loch

Anna Loch

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Offers Free Consultation
$155/session
Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Christian counselling, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Early childhood, Cultural Challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Stress, Neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Infertility
Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Christian counselling, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Early childhood, Cultural Challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Stress, Neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Infertility
Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, New Brunswick
United States of America
Manitoba
Ontario
British Columbia
Yukon
Alberta
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Prince Edward Island
Northwest Territories
Newfoundland and Labrador

Alexandra Walcott

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC.
Waitlist
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Alexandra Walcott

Alexandra Walcott

Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$160/session
Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, Children/Teens, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Family issues, Attachment, Early childhood, Giftedness Issues, Disability, School challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Self-esteem, Highly Sensitive Person, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Body Dysmorphia, Learning disabilities, Parenting
Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, Children/Teens, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Family issues, Attachment, Early childhood, Giftedness Issues, Disability, School challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Self-esteem, Highly Sensitive Person, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Body Dysmorphia, Learning disabilities, Parenting
British Columbia
British Columbia

Eda Mucaj

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Eda Mucaj

Eda Mucaj

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$185/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment wounds, Childhood trauma, Transformative dream work, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Addiction, Depression, Dissociation, Anger, Anxiety, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Chronic and acute illness, Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating disorders, Emotional Numbness, Life transitions, Intergenerational trauma, Interpersonal dynamics, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Personal Growth, Intimacy concerns, Perfectionism, Sleeping difficulties, Sexual issues, Grief and Loss
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment wounds, Childhood trauma, Transformative dream work, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Addiction, Depression, Dissociation, Anger, Anxiety, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Chronic and acute illness, Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating disorders, Emotional Numbness, Life transitions, Intergenerational trauma, Interpersonal dynamics, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Personal Growth, Intimacy concerns, Perfectionism, Sleeping difficulties, Sexual issues, Grief and Loss
Ontario
Ontario

Michael Wassef

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Burlington, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, and AB.
Waitlist
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Michael Wassef

Michael Wassef

Registered Psychotherapist
Offers Free Consultation
$180/session
Relationships, Couples Therapy, Attachment trauma, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Childhood trauma, Depression, Family issues, Effective communication, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Parenting, Conflict resolution, Habits, Infidelity, Navigating challenging relationships, Trauma, Stress, Social anxiety, Self-Regulation, Relationship anxiety, Overwhelm, Negative thinking and ruminating, Motivation, Life transitions, Intimacy concerns, Highly Sensitive Person, Emotional regulation, Christian counselling, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Break-up recovery, Grief and Loss
Relationships, Couples Therapy, Attachment trauma, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Childhood trauma, Depression, Family issues, Effective communication, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Parenting, Conflict resolution, Habits, Infidelity, Navigating challenging relationships, Trauma, Stress, Social anxiety, Self-Regulation, Relationship anxiety, Overwhelm, Negative thinking and ruminating, Motivation, Life transitions, Intimacy concerns, Highly Sensitive Person, Emotional regulation, Christian counselling, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Break-up recovery, Grief and Loss
Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta
Ontario
British Columbia
Alberta

Melissa Milligan

Canadian Certified Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Nipawin, SK)
Virtual Sessions in MB, AB, BC, and SK.
Waitlist
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Melissa Milligan

Melissa Milligan

Canadian Certified Counsellor
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$160/session
Anger, Attachment, Building Meaningful Connections, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behaviour, Burnout, Deep connections, Childhood trauma, Chronic Illness, Dating challenges, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Sexuality, Self-Development, Mindfulness
Anger, Attachment, Building Meaningful Connections, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behaviour, Burnout, Deep connections, Childhood trauma, Chronic Illness, Dating challenges, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Sexuality, Self-Development, Mindfulness
Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan

Anastasia Sutulova

Pre-Licensed Professional
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in MB, ON, YT, NU, NT, AB, BC, NL, and SK.
Waitlist
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Anastasia Sutulova

Anastasia Sutulova

Pre-Licensed Professional
She/her
Offers Free Consultation
$75/session
Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Borderline Personality Disorder, Break-up recovery, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career guidance, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Decision making, PTSD, Trauma, Emotional regulation, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Fears and phobia, Panic attacks, Psychedelic therapy, Separation anxiety, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Borderline Personality Disorder, Break-up recovery, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career guidance, Childhood trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Decision making, PTSD, Trauma, Emotional regulation, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Fears and phobia, Panic attacks, Psychedelic therapy, Separation anxiety, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan
Central & South America
Manitoba
Ontario
Yukon
Nunavut
Northwest Territories
Alberta
British Columbia
Newfoundland and Labrador
Saskatchewan

Sheema Khan

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, and MB.
Waitlist
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Sheema Khan

Sheema Khan

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$160/session
ADHD, Attention and Impulsivity, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Attachment wounds, Borderline Personality Disorder, Caregiver burnout, College or University Coaching, Burnout, Career guidance, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Boundaries and boundary setting, Assertiveness, Cultural Challenges, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
ADHD, Attention and Impulsivity, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Attachment wounds, Borderline Personality Disorder, Caregiver burnout, College or University Coaching, Burnout, Career guidance, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Boundaries and boundary setting, Assertiveness, Cultural Challenges, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba
Ontario
Alberta
Manitoba

Elena Serra

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, MB, NL, NT, NU, PE, QC, SK, and YT.
Waitlist
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Elena Serra

Elena Serra

Registered Psychotherapist
Offers Free Consultation
$150/session
Anger Management, Anxiety, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression, Emotional regulation, Empowerment, Existential questions, Family Conflict, Life transitions, Fears and phobia, Intergenerational trauma, Court Mandated Counselling, Meaning and purpose, Workplace stress, Trauma, Separation and divorce, Sexuality, Relationships, PTSD, Parenting, Maternal mental health
Anger Management, Anxiety, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression, Emotional regulation, Empowerment, Existential questions, Family Conflict, Life transitions, Fears and phobia, Intergenerational trauma, Court Mandated Counselling, Meaning and purpose, Workplace stress, Trauma, Separation and divorce, Sexuality, Relationships, PTSD, Parenting, Maternal mental health
Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Europe
Ontario
Manitoba
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon

Julianna Harry

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, and BC.
Waitlist
Show More
Julianna Harry

Julianna Harry

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her/Hers
Offers Free Consultation
$180/session
Anxiety, Depression, Transitioning into Adulthood, Life transitions, Break-up recovery, Financial Stress, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Self-Regulation, Stress, Empowerment, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety, Depression, Transitioning into Adulthood, Life transitions, Break-up recovery, Financial Stress, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Self-Regulation, Stress, Empowerment, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia
Ontario
Alberta
British Columbia

Grace Johner

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON and BC.
Waitlist
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Grace Johner

Grace Johner

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$160/session
ADHD, Workplace stress, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Emotional regulation, Depression, Familial and social relationships, Giftedness Issues, Imposter syndrome, Interpersonal dynamics, Life transitions, Mindfulness, Nervous system regulation, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Identity and Self-Exploration
ADHD, Workplace stress, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Emotional regulation, Depression, Familial and social relationships, Giftedness Issues, Imposter syndrome, Interpersonal dynamics, Life transitions, Mindfulness, Nervous system regulation, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Identity and Self-Exploration
Ontario, British Columbia
Ontario
British Columbia

Ahilia Singh Morales

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Ahilia Singh Morales

Ahilia Singh Morales

Registered Social Worker
she/her
Offers Free Consultation
$225/session
BIPOC, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Nervous system regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Childhood trauma, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, Highly Sensitive Person, Maternal mental health, Pain management, PTSD, Trauma, Spirituality
BIPOC, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Nervous system regulation, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Childhood trauma, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, Highly Sensitive Person, Maternal mental health, Pain management, PTSD, Trauma, Spirituality
Ontario
Ontario

Sasha Lizárraga

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Sasha Lizárraga
Ontario
Ontario

Amanda Webster-Singh

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Kitchener, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Amanda Webster-Singh

Amanda Webster-Singh

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offers Free Consultation
$165/session
ADHD, Anxiety, Neurodiversity, Anger, Negative thinking and ruminating, Imposter syndrome, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Stress, Confidence, People pleasing, Burnout, Cultural Challenges, Identity and Self-Exploration, Depression
ADHD, Anxiety, Neurodiversity, Anger, Negative thinking and ruminating, Imposter syndrome, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Stress, Confidence, People pleasing, Burnout, Cultural Challenges, Identity and Self-Exploration, Depression
Ontario
Ontario

Rebekkah Stainton

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Vancouver, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC.
Waitlist
Show More
Rebekkah Stainton

Rebekkah Stainton

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Offers Free Consultation
$175/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Attachment trauma, Building Self-Care Routines, Childhood trauma, Dissociation, Familial and social relationships, Giftedness Issues, Goal Setting, Imposter syndrome, Interpersonal dynamics, Intergenerational trauma
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Attachment trauma, Building Self-Care Routines, Childhood trauma, Dissociation, Familial and social relationships, Giftedness Issues, Goal Setting, Imposter syndrome, Interpersonal dynamics, Intergenerational trauma
British Columbia
Europe
British Columbia
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A man and woman sitting at a table looking at a phone

Therapy is hard work.

Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be. Over 10,000 Canadians found their new therapist with First Session.
What is Applied Polyvagal Theory?

Applied Polyvagal Theory is a therapeutic approach based on research about how the autonomic nervous system influences our emotional and physical responses. It focuses on understanding the body's natural reactions to safety, connection, and perceived danger. Therapists using this approach help clients recognize and work with their nervous system states to support emotional regulation and wellbeing.

Who might benefit from Applied Polyvagal Theory?

This approach may be helpful for people experiencing anxiety, trauma responses, difficulty with emotional regulation, or challenges feeling safe in relationships. It can also support those who notice physical symptoms connected to stress, such as tension, fatigue, or feeling disconnected from their body. Because it emphasizes the mind-body connection, it often appeals to people interested in somatic or body-based approaches to therapy.

What does Applied Polyvagal Theory involve in therapy sessions?

Sessions often involve learning about your nervous system and how it responds to different situations. Your therapist may guide you through exercises to help recognize when you feel safe, stressed, or disconnected. Techniques might include breathwork, movement, mindfulness practices, or exploring how past experiences have shaped your current responses. The goal is often to expand your capacity to stay grounded during challenging emotions.

How long does therapy using this approach typically take?

The length of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Some people find value in shorter-term work focused on specific skills, while others benefit from longer-term exploration. Your therapist can discuss a timeframe that makes sense for your situation during your initial sessions. Progress often depends on factors like what you're working through and how frequently you attend.

How do I know if a therapist is right for me?

Finding the right fit matters. On First Session, you can watch therapist intro videos to get a sense of their personality and approach before booking. Consider whether you feel comfortable with their style and whether their areas of focus align with what you're looking for. Many therapists offer initial consultations to help you determine if working together feels like a good match. Credentials are verified during onboarding.

How do I book a session with an Applied Polyvagal Theory therapist?

You can browse therapist profiles on First Session and filter by approach or area of focus. Once you find someone who seems like a good fit, watch their intro video and review their availability. You can book directly online at a time that works for you. Many therapists offer both online and in-person sessions, giving you flexibility in how you connect.