Rachel Tolkin, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) (ON)

Hi, I’m Rachel. If you’re here, you may be carrying the weight of childhood or relational trauma, feeling stuck in old patterns that no longer serve you. My space is one where your story will be met with care, curiosity, and respect. Together, we can begin making sense of the past, gently untangling what’s holding you back, and reconnecting you with the parts of yourself that long to heal and feel whole.

Background

I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a focus on helping adults heal from complex PTSD, childhood trauma, and relational trauma. My training includes Psychodynamic, Existential, Narrative, Trauma-Focused approaches, and IFS, which allow me to integrate both depth and flexibility in therapy. My work is rooted in the belief that early emotional disconnection shapes how we experience stress, identity, and relationships as adults. I’m committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore these patterns, process their experiences, and move toward authentic self-connection and healing.

Your therapeutic experience with me

In our sessions, you can expect a calm, supportive space where we explore how past experiences continue to shape your present. My style is grounded, compassionate, and deeply curious—I’ll meet you where you are while gently inviting deeper reflection. Together, we’ll uncover old belief systems, survival strategies, and relational patterns that may no longer serve you. Using approaches like IFS, Psychodynamic, and Narrative therapy, I support clients in understanding their inner world, processing trauma, and finding new ways of living that feel aligned, empowered, and authentic.

Areas of expertise

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

Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Complex Trauma

Childhood Trauma

Relational Trauma

Trauma & PTSD

Addiction

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

Anxiety & Worry

Grief, Loss, And Bereavement

ADHD

Stress

Therapeutic approaches

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

Psychodynamic Therapy

This approach explores how early experiences and unconscious patterns shape emotions, relationships, and self-worth. It helps bring hidden dynamics into awareness so you can process the past and create new ways of relating in the present.

Existential Therapy

Existential therapy supports exploring life’s deeper questions—meaning, freedom, identity, and uncertainty. For those impacted by trauma, it can bring clarity and grounding when old belief systems no longer feel aligned with who you are becoming.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy invites you to re-examine and re-author the stories you carry about yourself and your past. It creates space to shift from limiting trauma-based narratives toward ones that reflect resilience, possibility, and authentic identity.

Trauma-informed Therapy

A trauma-informed approach prioritizes safety, choice, and empowerment. It recognizes the impact of trauma on mind and body, and creates a supportive space to process experiences at a pace that feels respectful and manageable.

I also incorporate these evidence-based approaches when clinically appropriate:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Internal Family Systems

Solution-focused Therapy

Client communities & cultural expertise

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

Client populations I serve

Adults

Neurodiverse Clients

2SLGBTQIA Community

Millenials

Professionals

Cultural expertise

First Responders

2SLGBTQ+

1st And 2nd Generation Immigrant

Cross Culture And Intercultural Relationships

Eastern European

Professional credentials

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- No.15505

College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

Educational background

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology

Yorkville University, Canada

Practice locations & services

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FAQ

How do I pay for sessions?

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. I offer a 20-minute FREE consultation video call to see about fit.

Are my sessions covered by my insurance?

If you have extended coverage (benefits) for Registered Psychotherapists, 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