Karen Liivoja, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) (ON)

Hello, 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.

Areas of expertise

These represent my core areas of expertise, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

Grief, Loss, And Bereavement

Grief (non Death)

Trauma

Separation & Divorce Support

Relationship Issues

Anxiety & Worry

I also provide skilled support in these additional areas and welcome clients seeking help with these concerns.

Life Transitions And Identity Shifts

Work/life Balance

Depression

Couples With Trauma

Trauma & PTSD

Divorce & Intimacy

Interpersonal Relationships

Therapeutic approaches

These are my primary therapeutic approaches, backed by specialized training and extensive clinical experience.

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 incorporate these evidence-based approaches when clinically appropriate:

Existential Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy

Client communities & cultural expertise

These are the client communities and cultural backgrounds I have specialized experience supporting.

Client populations I serve

Couples

Women's Issues

Menopausal Individuals

Professionals

Men

Cultural expertise

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

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FAQ

How do I pay for my sessions?

Free 20-minute consultation! Upon booking your first session, you will complete a client intake form which stores your credit card information. After your session, the stored card will be automatically charged, and an insurance receipt will be sent to your email.

Are my sessions covered by my insurance?

If you have extended coverage (benefits) for Registered Psychotherapy, your sessions should be covered!

What can I expect in our first session?

Our first session is about getting to know each other. I’ll ask some questions to better understand what’s bringing you to therapy and what you’re hoping for. There’s no pressure to dive too deep right away—we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Do I need to have everything figured out?

Not at all. Many people come to therapy feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck. You don’t need to have the right words or a clear goal—we’ll figure things out together.

How long does therapy take?

It really depends on your goals and what you’re working through. Some people come for a few months, others stay longer. We’ll check in regularly to make sure therapy continues to feel useful and aligned with your needs.

How long are the sessions?

All sessions are 50-minutes.

Where do the sessions take place?

Sessions occur over secure HIPPA-compliant video. They are 100% confidential and privacy protected.

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