You’ve wondered about what gives you meaning, what of all that lies ahead is genuinely freeing, and what is just the sequel to a painful past or a limiting present. The struggles and difficulties you’ve carried for so long are now the uniform that wears you down every day you show up for life. Then there are days when you can’t or don’t want to show up at all.

You tried the confidences with friends but there is only so much you’re comfortable sharing. Self-help hasn’t delivered on its promises and although medications may help numb the pain, by that same token, they tend to put pleasure even further out of reach.

Psychotherapy offers the support, patience, and curiosity that’ll help make more sense of what you’re going through, or make sense of it in a different way. As you tell your story in your own words and at your pace, you begin to make new connections; what you feel will make more sense and what you know will become more useful. You may become more aware of your strengths and more careful about your limitations. Your ability to meet life’s challenges may now grow.

How I Work

What got you to your present are feelings and events, relationships and memories—faint or strong, good or bad, no matter. You’re not the sole author of what’s led you here, but you carry it with you. Psychotherapy helps you know it better and gives you the tools to sort it out. It’s by sorting out what got you here in the first place that you may begin to cross a divide and move forward.

With that in mind, it may seem like there’s little that’s unusual about psychotherapy. You and I meet for 50 minutes once or twice a week; you talk; I listen; and together we try to make sense of what you’re struggling with and figure out how to deal with it.

In another respect, there’s even less to therapy that’s typical of your average encounter between two people. You get to say whatever is on your mind—nothing is off limits. Every now and again, I may ask a question or make an observation. In time, you’ll become comfortable enough to say things you’ve never said before, not only to others but perhaps even to yourself. You’ll also get to feel things you’ve never felt before. The novelty and surprise may be thrilling and unsettling all at once. We’re together in this. We’ll pay attention to the details and nuances. As we gather the threads that make up your history, your relationships, and dreams, a door may open onto new possibilities for being, for doing, for relating.

About Me

I’m a registered psychotherapist and a psychoanalyst in Toronto, and I’ve been in private practice since the late 90s. My experience and training have taught me not to assume too much and to always hold the utmost respect for what is unique and genuine about the other person in the room.

The First Step

Reach out if you want to know more. The initial consultation is on the house; it’ll give us a chance to get to know one another and to talk about what you’re going through and how I may be of help.

You can reach me via email (abourihan@gmail.com) or you can leave me a phone message (416-964-6357). In either case, I’ll make sure to respond within a business day.