Find a Strength-Based Therapist

Browse therapists who take a strength-based approach. Watch their intro videos to find the right fit before booking.

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Strength-based therapy focuses on identifying and building upon your existing strengths, resources, and resilience rather than focusing primarily on deficits or pathology. This approach recognizes that you already possess capabilities that can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. By amplifying what's working, you can create meaningful change from a foundation of empowerment.

On First Session, you can browse therapists who take a strength-based approach and watch their intro videos to get a sense of their style. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding. Whether you prefer online or in-person sessions, you can book directly or request a free consultation to find the right match.

Crystal Soares

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Woodbridge, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Crystal Soares

Crystal Soares

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$160/session
Attachment wounds, Intergenerational trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Relationships, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Trauma, People pleasing, Self-esteem, LGBTQ2IA+, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Perfectionism, Overwhelm, Childhood trauma, Familial and social relationships, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Dating challenges, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Depression, Attachment, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Social anxiety, Sexuality
Attachment wounds, Intergenerational trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Relationships, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Trauma, People pleasing, Self-esteem, LGBTQ2IA+, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Perfectionism, Overwhelm, Childhood trauma, Familial and social relationships, Anger, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Dating challenges, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Depression, Attachment, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Social anxiety, Sexuality
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Stephanie Sideris

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Ajax, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Stephanie Sideris

Stephanie Sideris

Registered Social Worker
She/Her/Hers
$175/session
Children/Teens, Stress, Relationships, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Effective communication, Family issues, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Perfectionism
Children/Teens, Stress, Relationships, Anxiety, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Effective communication, Family issues, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Perfectionism
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Karla Rivera

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Offers In-Person (Waterloo, ON)
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
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Karla Rivera

Karla Rivera

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her/Hers
$145/session
Nervous system regulation, Parenting, Spirituality, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Intergenerational trauma, Mind-body connection, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling, Mindfulness
Nervous system regulation, Parenting, Spirituality, Self-esteem, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Intergenerational trauma, Mind-body connection, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling, Mindfulness
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Fawn MacInnis

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Orilla, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Fawn MacInnis

Fawn MacInnis

Registered Social Worker
Her/ She
$140/session
Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Break-up recovery, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Couples, Trauma processing, Thought Restructuring, Life transitions, Family Conflict, Insomnia, Goal Setting, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Vulnerability, Anger Management, Stress, Grief and Loss
Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Break-up recovery, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Couples, Trauma processing, Thought Restructuring, Life transitions, Family Conflict, Insomnia, Goal Setting, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Vulnerability, Anger Management, Stress, Grief and Loss
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Lauren Robertson

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Uxbridge, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Lauren Robertson

Lauren Robertson

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
$160/session
OCD, Relationships, Trauma, Depression, Boundaries and boundary setting, Navigating challenging relationships, Perfectionism, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Conflict resolution, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, People pleasing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Infertility, Infidelity, Parenting, Fertility, Pregnancy, Imposter syndrome, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
OCD, Relationships, Trauma, Depression, Boundaries and boundary setting, Navigating challenging relationships, Perfectionism, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Conflict resolution, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, People pleasing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Infertility, Infidelity, Parenting, Fertility, Pregnancy, Imposter syndrome, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
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Grace Johner

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

Grace Johner

Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
$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
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Joe Gentile

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Bolton, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Joe Gentile

Joe Gentile

Registered Social Worker
$125/session
Problematic video gaming, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger Management, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Competitive anxiety, Couples, Depression, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Men's issues, Negative body image, OCD, School challenges, Sports Performance, Stress, Grief and Loss
Problematic video gaming, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger Management, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Competitive anxiety, Couples, Depression, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Men's issues, Negative body image, OCD, School challenges, Sports Performance, Stress, Grief and Loss
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Amanda Warr

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Bowmanville, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Amanda Warr

Amanda Warr

Registered Social Worker
She/Her/Hers
$150/session
Self-esteem, Learning disabilities, ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Depression coping skills, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Pregnancy, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Neurodiversity, Parenting, Trauma, Grief and Loss
Self-esteem, Learning disabilities, ADHD, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Depression coping skills, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Pregnancy, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Neurodiversity, Parenting, Trauma, Grief and Loss
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Andrew Goldstein

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (North York, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Andrew Goldstein

Andrew Goldstein

Registered Social Worker
He/Him
$170/session
Depression, Anxiety, Separation and divorce, Boundaries and boundary setting, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Creativity, Family Conflict, Break-up recovery, Familial and social relationships, Vulnerability, Trauma processing, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Depression, Anxiety, Separation and divorce, Boundaries and boundary setting, Chronic and acute illness, Aging, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Creativity, Family Conflict, Break-up recovery, Familial and social relationships, Vulnerability, Trauma processing, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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Halyna Polityka

Registered Psychotherapist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, AB, SK, MB, NL, YT, NT, and NU.
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Halyna Polityka

Halyna Polityka

Registered Psychotherapist
$190/session
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Couples, Decision making, Early childhood, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Nervous system regulation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Supervising qualifying therapists, Stress, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Relationships, Goal Setting, Emotional regulation, Career Performance, Work-Life Balance, Substance Use, Somatic Therapy, Sleeping difficulties
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Couples, Decision making, Early childhood, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative thinking and ruminating, Nervous system regulation, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Supervising qualifying therapists, Stress, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration, Break-up recovery, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Relationships, Goal Setting, Emotional regulation, Career Performance, Work-Life Balance, Substance Use, Somatic Therapy, Sleeping difficulties
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Paula Fernández

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Paula Fernández

Paula Fernández

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$175/session
Wellness Counselling, Dating challenges, Identity and Self-Exploration, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Family issues, Mindfulness Practices, Life transitions, People pleasing, Self-esteem, Relationships, Transformative dream work, Spirituality, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Women's Health, Grief and Loss
Wellness Counselling, Dating challenges, Identity and Self-Exploration, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Family issues, Mindfulness Practices, Life transitions, People pleasing, Self-esteem, Relationships, Transformative dream work, Spirituality, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Women's Health, Grief and Loss
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Gwyneth Hodgins

Registered Social Worker
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Gwyneth Hodgins

Gwyneth Hodgins

Registered Social Worker
she/her
$175/session
Mind-body connection, Childhood trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Familial and social relationships, Intergenerational trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Nervous system regulation, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Dissociation, Self-Criticism, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Boundaries and boundary setting, Attachment wounds, Grief and Loss
Mind-body connection, Childhood trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Familial and social relationships, Intergenerational trauma, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Emotional regulation, Nervous system regulation, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Dissociation, Self-Criticism, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Boundaries and boundary setting, Attachment wounds, Grief and Loss
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Therapy is hard work.

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About First Session
What is strength-based therapy?

Strength-based therapy is an approach that emphasizes your inherent strengths, capabilities, and resilience. Rather than focusing primarily on problems or what's wrong, it helps you identify the resources you already have and leverage them to create change. This perspective sees you as the expert on your own life and trusts in your capacity for growth.

How can strength-based therapy help?

Many people find strength-based therapy helpful for building confidence, recognizing their own resilience, and approaching challenges from a place of empowerment. It can support you in reframing difficulties as opportunities for growth, identifying resources you may have overlooked, and developing a more balanced view of yourself that includes your capabilities.

What happens in a strength-based session?

In strength-based sessions, your therapist will help you identify your strengths, past successes, and existing resources. You might explore times you've overcome challenges, recognize skills you take for granted, and consider how to apply these strengths to current difficulties. Sessions are typically collaborative, affirming, and focused on building momentum.

How do I find a strength-based therapist?

On First Session, you can filter by specialty to find therapists who take a strength-based approach. Each therapist has a profile with an intro video so you can get a sense of their style. You can book a session directly online or request a free consultation first. All therapists on the platform have their credentials verified during onboarding.

Is strength-based therapy right for me?

Strength-based therapy may be a good fit if you want an empowering approach that recognizes your capabilities alongside your challenges. It's helpful if you're tired of focusing only on problems and want to build on what's working. Consider booking a consultation with a therapist to discuss whether this approach resonates with you.

How do I get started?

Getting started is simple. Browse strength-based therapists on First Session and watch their intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates with you. Once you've found a match, you can book your first session directly online. Many therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation if you'd like to connect first. Learn more about how to find a therapist in Canada.