Karen Wreford

In our sessions, we will spend time in a deep and careful exploration of your developmental experiences. We will reflect on your emotions, your dreams, and look at behaviours such as self-criticism, anger, substance use, perfectionism, over-work, and self-isolation. We do this without judgment or blame.

I practice psychodynamic psychotherapy, a therapeutic modality that emphasizes the role of early relational experiences in the formation of the adult self. This form of therapy is founded on the understanding that the source for many of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours is outside of our awareness. Psychodynamic psychotherapy offers an opportunity to identify and express feelings, particularly those that are difficult and not easily accessible. It can also bring to light aspects of feelings and experience that we may be avoiding. These insights help us live with more awareness, which can lead to better choices and even the capacity to live more authentically.

There is no one single or prescribed way to conduct psychotherapy. My approach is informed by several of the theorists I studied throughout my educational journey, and is influenced by many admired colleagues and contemporary thinkers in the field. These varied perspectives have helped me formulate a direction for my work as a therapist.

The direction of therapy is always conducted with your consent. Our work is based on your goals and is designed to help you live the life you want.

I came to the study of psychotherapy after nearly twenty-five years in branding and advertising. A liberal arts graduate, I found myself working in the communications field where I learned to listen, translate, and interpret not only what was being said around the boardroom table – but also what wasn’t. I observed people in conflict, under pressure or struggling to assert themselves. I came to realize that it was people, their motivations, behaviours, and relationships that most interested me in the workplace, and in life. This realization, combined with my own journey of self-discovery, brought me to study at Toronto’s Centre for Training in Psychotherapy (CTP) and ultimately to a career as a therapist.

My decades of experience in the agency world are part of who I am and, alongside my education and training at CTP, have deepened my understanding of the complexities of relationships, the effects of pressure and stress, and the ways in which our past can limit us from finding or fulfilling our potential.

If you are struggling, I welcome your inquiry.

I have a hybrid practice and offer both virtual/phone sessions as well as in-person sessions. Currently I am seeing clients from Monday-Friday, daytime and evenings.

A good starting point is to arrange a consultation so you can ask any questions you may have, and determine if my approach is what you are looking for. Consultations are free of charge, virtual, and approximately 20-30 minutes in length.

You can reach me at karen.wreford@gmail.com. I respond to emails within 24 hours.