Sara Gilchrist

I love what happens in the consulting room: All the thoughts, dreams, fears, desires, and memories that are stirred become the pavestones that lay the path along which we journey. Together we move towards a deeper and more nuanced understanding of what it is to be you. There is risk, to be sure, but each new discovery, each new question, brings with it the potential for revelation and the possibility of change.

In the absence of sufficient support, enduring life’s struggles often means tuning out of ourselves. We shore up with whatever means possible, often to our own detriment, leaving us empty, hopeless, and misguided. Therapy helps us tune in. Good psychotherapy is rooted in powerful conversation – converse, meaning “to turn together”. It serves as a bridge between our internal and external worlds and strengthens our sense of self. When we are connected to our true self we feel alive and are open to spontaneous authentic experience. Our capacity to be with difficult feelings expands; thoughts become clearer, relationships gain deeper meaning, and decisions become easier to take.

How I Work

Ideally, we will meet once a week to talk freely and openly. As you speak, I listen and ask mindful questions, always in a climate of compassion and kindness.

The room in which I meet people for conversation is peaceful, comfy, and conveniently located. The sessions are entirely confidential. Though in-person sessions are preferable, I also offer phone and Skype/FaceTime sessions if necessary. As a psychodynamic therapist, I focus on medium-to-long-term therapy.

About Me

We all have many self-aspects from which to draw and I have always been fascinated by what makes us choose the roles we do in our lives.

As a young adult, I was faced with the onset of Lyme disease (and have fortunately, with time, regained my health). This was a disorienting and disruptive experience which threw a wrench into my emerging theatre career and led me to seek therapy. I was happily surprised to discover the roles of psychotherapist and artist are not so different as they might seem. Both require of me an effort—usually demanding, always rewarding—to remain firmly grounded in the present moment, in touch with my inner self and feelings, trusting in them and allowing them to inform me and light my way.

I decided to redirect my interest and enrolled at The Centre for Training in Psychotherapy (CTP), where I received rigorous academic and experiential training. I have been in private practice since 2012, and currently hold a Graduate Fellow position at the CTP. I also hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours). I am a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy (CAPT).

Further, having experienced the rewards of this therapeutic work first-hand, I have faith in the practice, which I believe gives my clients hope. Things can change, and things do change.

The First Step

I am currently offering in person sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. I offer phone and video sessions Monday through Friday.

Please note, I am available for in person sessions at two locations: On Tuesdays I am located in the west end of Toronto at 21 Randolph Avenue, a short walk from Dundas West Subway station; and on Thursdays I am located at 320 1/2 Bloor Street West, around the corner from Spadina Subway Station.

If you would like more information or to schedule a no-fee 30-minute consultation, please contact me at saragilchrist.psychotherapy@gmail.com, or call 416-988-9572.

If you decide we may be a good fit and would like to start working together, we will begin by meeting once a week for 50-minute sessions.

All communication is strictly confidential.

If you would like more information or to schedule a no-fee 30-minute initial consultation, please contact me by either phone or email: 416-988-9572, saragilchrist.psychotherapy@gmail.com.