Emotional Dysregulation Therapists in Kitchener, ON

Tanja Ivic

Tanja Ivic

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

*Accepting new virtual clients across Ontario, supporting teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction patterns, identity and life transitions.

Zeesy Halpern

Zeesy Halpern

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I offer low cost therapy, including one free session for adults who are struggling with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, life transitions and experiences of trauma. If you have been feeling like you are going through the motions, unable to change unhelpful patterns and overwhelmed with life's challenges, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself, your goals and what matters.

Mackenzie Fournier

Mackenzie Fournier

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Hi, I’m Mackenzie! I’m a Psychotherapist who loves keeping therapy real, down-to-earth, and practical. I help people untangle patterns around anxiety, food, and self-trust using tools grounded in science. In sessions, I bring my authentic self—you can expect a mix of support, guidance, and maybe a little humour when it feels right—so we can tackle challenges together without the extra pressure.

Stacey Sanderson

Stacey Sanderson

Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Subject Matter Expert

Virtual Not accepting new clients

I am Subject Matter Expert in complex, relational trauma, narcissism and high conflict divorce. If you are in a toxic relationship, I can help you navigate the process while learning the powerful boundaries and strategy you need to get to the next chapter in your life feeling confident and empowered. I will help you understand the attachment patterns that are keeping you stuck.

Treena Peters MSW, RCSW (AB), RSW (ONT)

Treena Peters MSW, RCSW (AB), RSW (ONT)

Registered Clinical Social Worker

Virtual

Welcome! If you are here, you are likely considering finding some support for what may seem like another one of life's never-ending challenges. I can support you with that. You have already taken the first step. All you need to do next is reach out and book a free consultation so we can discuss what it is you are looking for.

Crystal Wiens

Crystal Wiens

Psychotherapist

Virtual

As a therapist, I generally draw on an eclectic therapeutic approach grounded in evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy. I have an empathetic, genuine, non-judgmental approach. The therapeutic relationship and rapport are essential to the success of psychotherapy.

Alli Ewacha

Alli Ewacha

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

Navkiran Bajwa

Navkiran Bajwa

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

Hi! My name is Nav and I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ontario! I currently practice in Vaughan and offer in-person & virtual sessions! Feel free to contact me for a free 15 minute consultation to see if I'd be a good fit for your needs!

Erin Rehmann

Erin Rehmann

Therapist

Virtual

It takes strength to recognize when you need support and even more courage to take action. Choosing to enroll in therapy is a significant step toward nurturing your well-being and investing in your own growth and happiness. I aim to provide the guidance and unwavering support that you deserve as you navigate the challenges and obstacles that life throws at you.

Taylor van der Deen

Taylor van der Deen

Registered Social Worker

Virtual

I can work with you to help you uncover your innate curiosity, compassion and clarity, in order to feel a greater sense of peace, presence and purpose in your life. I support individuals who are experiencing emotional/relational challenges, perinatal mental health challenges, students, ADHD, anxiety, low self-esteem/identity, trauma and grief. You don't have to navigate this alone!

Emily Grunthal

Emily Grunthal

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

Emily is a Registered Psychotherapist who supports people through anxiety, people pleasing, perfectionism, health-related anxiety, attachment challenges, exploration of identity, and more. She is the owner of Noia Wellness—a group psychotherapy practice in Hamilton, ON. Emily offers in-person, virtual, and walk & talk nature therapy and is currently accepting new clients.

Erika Szabo

Erika Szabo

Registered Social Service Worker, Psychotherapist

Virtual

My name is Erika. I'm a white, cis-gender queer woman with lived experience of complex trauma. I work from a person-centered, relational, and anti-oppressive lens and embody this in the work I do! Whether you're interested in meditation, art making, somatics, or simply an empathic ear, I will hold space for you in whatever way you need. BOOKING OPEN in-person and online across Ontario.

Jenn Cardoso

Jenn Cardoso

Registered Psychotherapist & Relationship Coach

Virtual

Navigating the complexities of relationships can be challenging and feel exhausting, but you don’t have to face them alone. Recognizing that you need support is a courageous and essential step toward deeper connection and a more meaningful life. As a therapist who specializes in relational issues, I'll skillfully guide you through each stage of the process, honoring the uniqueness of your backgro…

Janalyn Dodds MSW, BSW, RSW

Janalyn Dodds MSW, BSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker/ Psychotherapist

Virtual

I am a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist with The Support Station, a Canadian-based, woman-owned organization that believes cost shouldn't be a barrier to accessing quality mental health and wellness support. Each client's session fees are adjusted according to not only their monthly income, but also any bills and debts paid out regularly get considered as well.

Laura Lockhart

Laura Lockhart

Registered Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist

Virtual

Laura is a trauma-focused psychotherapist using an integrative approach that blends psychodynamic, somatic, experiential, and parts work. She supports anxiety, depression, and attachment trauma. Neurodivergent affirming and 2SLGBTQIA+ allied, she offers direct, compassionate therapy and integrates psychedelic-informed care and equine-assisted psychotherapy when appropriate.

Simerpreet Ahuja

Simerpreet Ahuja

Ph.D in Psychology, Registered Psychotherapist- CRPO #13345

Virtual

Welcome to Soul Immersion Psychotherapy, a private practice based in Toronto, Ontario, offering a comprehensive range of therapy services, workshops and retreats.

Jay Hinton

Jay Hinton

Canadian Certified Counsellor and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

I am happy to offer virtual counselling in most places in Canada, and my services are covered by most insurance plans (please check your own policy for details!). I pride myself on being inclusive and accepting in my practice and life, and I genuinely love the work that I do. I treat every individual as unique, and work with a range of tools in helping to craft an approach that work for you.

Annie Szalkai

Annie Szalkai

Registered Psychotherapist

Virtual

I work with adults from diverse backgrounds, supporting those navigating anxiety, stress, and self-esteem challenges. My approach is client-centred and integrative, drawing from CBT, ACT, EFIT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and more to meet each person’s unique needs.

Arianne Nicole Palmares

Arianne Nicole Palmares

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Virtual

Hi, I’m Arianne. I’m glad you’re here. I believe everyone deserves therapy access, regardless of background or identity. As a first-generation immigrant, I combine lived experience with clinical training to create a safe and brave space where you can be seen, heard, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want.

Michael Peddle

Michael Peddle

Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Certified IFS Therapist

Virtual

Since 2011, I’ve supported clients through trauma and attachment wounds using IFS as my core approach. I integrate EMDR, SFBT, and evidence-based techniques to help people heal burdens, strengthen inner safety, and reconnect with their most grounded, empowered selves.

How do therapists in Kitchener, ON compare?

Number of therapists listed

79

Average years in practice

6.2 Years

Currently accepting new clients

96 %

Therapists in Kitchener, ON who prioritize treating:

100% Emotional Dysregulation
72% Anxiety
66% Trauma and PTSD
43% Depression
43% Relationship Issues
42% Self Esteem
23% ADHD
22% Stress

How therapists see their clients

1% In Person & Online
99% Online Only

Top therapy approaches used in Kitchener, ON:

46% Trauma Focused
34% Attachment-based
34% Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
33% Dialectical Behaviour (DBT)
32% Person-Centered
30% Internal Family Systems (IFS)
29% Strength-Based
29% Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Frequently Asked Questions About Emotional Dysregulation

What is emotional dysregulation?

Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty managing the intensity, duration, or expression of emotions in ways that are appropriate to the situation. This may look like emotions that feel overwhelming or unpredictable, rapid shifts in mood, explosive anger, prolonged despair, difficulty calming down after being upset, or the use of harmful coping strategies (such as self-harm or substance use) to manage emotional pain. It is not a character flaw but a learnable skill — the nervous system's ability to regulate can be developed at any age.

What conditions are associated with emotional dysregulation?

Emotional dysregulation is a central feature of several conditions: Borderline Personality Disorder (where it is often most intense), PTSD and complex trauma (where the nervous system is chronically dysregulated), ADHD (where impulsivity and emotional reactivity are core features), autism spectrum conditions, mood disorders, and anxiety. It also occurs independently of a diagnosable condition — many people with significant early adverse experiences develop dysregulation without meeting criteria for any formal diagnosis.

What therapy approaches help with emotional dysregulation?

DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) is the most specialized and evidence-based approach for emotional dysregulation — it explicitly teaches four modules of skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. ACT builds psychological flexibility — the ability to experience difficult emotions without being ruled by them. Trauma-focused therapies address the dysregulation that stems from unresolved trauma. Somatic approaches work with the body's role in emotional regulation. Many therapists integrate elements of all of these.

What is the connection between early trauma and emotional dysregulation?

Children develop the capacity to regulate emotions in large part through co-regulation with attuned caregivers — being soothed when distressed, having emotions named and validated, and experiencing a predictable, safe environment. When early caregiving was inconsistent, frightening, or absent, the nervous system does not fully develop these self-regulation capacities. This is not a permanent deficit: trauma-informed therapy, skills training, and the regulatory experience of a consistent therapeutic relationship can build regulatory capacity even decades after childhood.

How long does treatment for emotional dysregulation take?

Building emotional regulation capacity is often longer-term work, particularly when dysregulation is rooted in early trauma or characterizes a personality pattern. A full DBT program typically runs 6 months to a year with weekly individual therapy and a weekly skills group. More focused DBT-informed skills work can be shorter. Many people notice meaningful improvement within the first few months as they begin applying concrete skills, with deeper stabilization occurring over the following year or more.