Emotional Dysregulation Therapists in Kitchener, ON
Crystal Wiens
Psychotherapist
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.
Christine Nichols
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
You deserve the peace that comes with living authentically. On your journey to finding your purpose, you may be experiencing stress, anxiety, low-mood, or challenges with your self-worth. These experiences can make life feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel disconnected from the person you truly are. A better, more connected life is possible. As your therapist, I provide a genuine, compassion…
Stacey Sanderson
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Subject Matter Expert
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.
Tanja Ivic
Registered Social Worker
*Accepting new virtual clients across Ontario, supporting teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction patterns, identity and life transitions.
Samantha Duarte Alvarez
Registered Psychotherapist (RP)
New clients are welcome! I'm Sam, a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario specializing in trauma, grief, and work stress for adults navigating difficult experiences and life transitions. Together, we work to make sense of what you’re experiencing, gently connect with your nervous system and emotions, and support meaningful shifts that feel aligned with who you are.
Ashley Toogood
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MA, BA (she, her)
I enjoy holding space for my clients and engaging in individual therapy sessions with people aged 14+ of all genders and sexualities. I offer a place for individuals to discuss their emotions and grow from surviving to thriving. I take pride in walking with you down whatever path you are on. I have particular experience in working with stress, anxiety, and burnout, offering a listening ear.
Alli Ewacha
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Aida Retta
Registered Psychotherapist
You’ve always been the one others count on—the thoughtful one, the steady one. But under the surface, you might feel anxious, resentful, or quietly overwhelmed. You say yes when you want to say no. You shrink your needs to keep the peace. You care deeply, but sometimes feel like you’re disappearing in the process. These patterns often begin in relationships where love felt conditional, conflict w…
Audrey Kao
Registered Social Worker
I help people in their 20s and 30s who keep running into the same painful patterns in dating and relationships, whether that's anxious attachment, recurring conflict, or trouble moving on from an ex. Using an attachment lens, we trace where these patterns began and build the security to change them. In-person in Toronto (St. Lawrence & St. Andrew-Windfields) or online across Ontario.
Erika Szabo
Registered Social Service Worker, Psychotherapist
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.
Jennifer Bradley
Psychologist
Throughout the course of our lives, we are faced with difficult life experiences that disrupt our sense of self, our relationships with others, and sense of well-being. Through my practice and training as a psychologist, I have come to appreciate that the process of self-discovery and learning in a non-judgemental and collaborative therapeutic space can lead to deep healing and self-empowerment.
Shadan Mosavat
Clinical Counsellor, M.A, CCC.
I work with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and ADHD to help them understand and embrace the parts of themselves that are often hidden beneath these labels. I also support parents in discovering their most authentic and confident parenting style, free from the pressure of societal myths and expectations.
Jialin (Sherry) Yang
Intern Associate Therapist
Hi there! I'm Jialin Yang, or you can call me Sherry! An Associate Therapist offering low-cost virtual counselling services cross-Canada under the supervision, I support youth and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, stress, identity struggles, and perfectionism.
Niru Balasubramaniam
Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Social Worker
I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to explore life’s challenges and help you reconnect with your strengths. I work with adults, teens, and couples facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, and more. Using a client-centered, strengths-based approach, we’ll work together to create meaningful, lasting change.
Treena Peters MSW, RCSW (AB), RSW (ONT)
Registered Clinical Social Worker
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.
Khysandra Lee
Registered Psychotherapist
Roja Vivekanand
Registered Psychotherapist
Life events and experiences are ongoing, and sometimes we are in a position where things may not go as we planned. If you are looking for help in dealing with distressing, difficult or unavoidable frustrations, it is the best time for you to speak to someone to gain some insight into these challenges. I appreciate your courage and applaud you for taking this first step to reach out.
Anna Marson
Registered Psychotherapist
Anna Marson is a registered psychotherapist specializing in ADHD, trauma, neurodiversity, attachment, stress, and emotion regulation. She integrates evidence-based therapies, mindfulness, and ADHD coaching to help clients build resilience, regulate emotions, and develop practical skills for lasting, positive change. Her approach is compassionate, brain/body-informed, and strength-based.
Vanessa Fingland
Master Practitioner In Clinical Counselling-Prov
Counselling for Women. I know how tired you are of feeling overwhelmed, stressed and not being able to get your needs met. Imagine how life could be if you could control your emotions, ask for what you want, and not feel guilty! I help women who struggle with: relationships, setting boundaries, confidence, communicating their feelings, stress, burnout, anxiety, anger/resentment.
Kristina Founk
Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist, Counselling Therapist
Hi! I’m Kristina, and I specialize in guiding individuals through the challenges of anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks. I am an ARCH registered clinical hypnotherapist with specialized training in supporting individuals with PTSD/CPTSD. I would be honoured to help you achieve lasting relief through the transformative power of hypnotherapy. Together, we'll embark on a journey towards inner peac...
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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.