Karen Liivoja
She/HerMACP, M Sc Ed
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
EnglishFrenchHello, and welcome. If you’re here, you might be carrying something heavy—whether it’s grief, trauma, or the kind of stress that feels like it never lets up. Taking this step toward support is an act of courage, and I want you to know you don’t have to navigate it alone. Wherever you are in your journey, I’ll meet you there—with patience, warmth, and a steady presence.
Background
I’m Karen, a Registered Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience supporting people through some of life’s hardest seasons. My background in education gave me a deep respect for each person’s unique story and pace of growth, and that continues to shape how I work today. My practice is grounded in compassion and practicality. I focus on grief, trauma, and anxiety because I’ve seen how profoundly these experiences can affect every part of life—and I believe healing is always possible. Whether we’re addressing the pain of loss, the echoes of trauma, or the exhaustion of constant worry, my role is to walk alongside you, helping you find steadier ground.
Your therapeutic experience with me
With me, therapy is steady, compassionate, and practical. You can expect a calm, supportive space where all parts of your story are welcome. We’ll explore what feels overwhelming, build skills to regulate emotions, and gently uncover the deeper patterns that need care. Some sessions focus on reflection, others on learning tools you can use right away. You won’t be asked to “get over it”—instead, we’ll work together so your experiences feel more manageable, and your path forward feels steadier and more hopeful.
Therapeutic approaches
These are the approaches at the heart of my work, and I use them often because they help create meaningful change:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Encourages a gentler relationship with difficult emotions, focusing on values and purposeful action. ACT supports clients in creating a more meaningful life, even in the presence of pain.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Brings in skills for managing intense emotions, building resilience, and strengthening relationships. DBT is especially helpful when feelings feel overwhelming or hard to regulate.
Prolonged Grief Therapy (PGT)
Grief can sometimes feel unending, leaving you stuck in pain or unable to re-engage with life. PGT provides a structured, compassionate process to help you work through intense loss, make sense of your story, and begin to reconnect with what gives life meaning.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Provides space to explore deeper patterns, past experiences, and the unconscious beliefs that may be shaping how you respond to the present. This approach helps create lasting insight and freedom.
I also draw on other evidence based approaches that can gently support you when they align with what you need:
Existential Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy
Focused populations and cultural backgrounds
These are the communities and cultural backgrounds I focus on, and I bring a sincere commitment to supporting you in a way that feels respectful and genuine:
Populations
Couples
Women's Issues
Menopausal Individuals
Professionals
Men
Cultural communities
2SLGBTQ+
Canadian
First Responders
Multi-faith
First And Second Generation Immigrants
Professional credentials
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- No.18551
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Educational background
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University, Canada
Master of Science in Education
Medaille University , Canada
Practice locations & services
FAQ
Immediate crisis support available
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available right now:
- 🚨 Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
- 💬 Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support and suicide prevention