Liz Kalman

A psychotherapy session creates a space that is just for you. In this unique environment there are no distractions or interruptions, and you experience freedom from everyday constraints to explore the beliefs and assumptions that may affect the choices you make in daily life. In our work together, I help draw attention to things that you may not be listening to within yourself. With friends or family you may perceive expectations and may edit your speech to the point where you obscure your own voice. Your voice may become so muted that it becomes inaccessible even to yourself. In our sessions you have a space that is free of judgement or expectation — it’s like arriving to the peace and quiet of the countryside. You hear yourself more clearly without the clamour of noise that crowds everyday existence. Being still with someone listening can uncover what is beneath the clutter of the everyday. You are invited to hear yourself with more compassion and awareness. I listen attentively, without incessantly questioning, quietly alert and ready to draw attention to areas that call to be explored.

In contrast to those who medicalize suffering, I look at the struggles of the individual in a world where many of us lack support. We live in challenging times. It is implied that there is something wrong with us if we’re feeling stressed and anxious. Many people turn to medication to relieve the anxiety they’re plagued by or the depression they’re trying to keep at bay, with unsatisfactory results. There may be lip service to the importance of mental health, but little support for creating an environment that promotes it. Many of us lack a community that, in the past, might have sustained us.

So much in our world makes us feel insignificant by distancing us from ourselves and from each other. Our individual voices are overshadowed by a profusion of manufactured sounds imposing expectations and drowning us out. We are surrounded by enticements (phones, computers, television) that draw us away from deeper connections with other people or connection with our inner world. In myriad ways, large and small, we are confronted by situations that diminish our sense of agency in the world and the sense that our voice matters.

In therapy we honour the work it takes to remain connected and engaged. As your therapist I will hold what you are saying, sharing in your experience so you are not alone. As we listen together it will become safe to explore dark corners, to pay attention to your voice, and to reflect upon thoughts creatively. Through this process areas that were lying in darkness before, or were silenced and dismissed, are illuminated. Over time you will become more firmly rooted in your own reality and can live in the world more fully. As we grow stronger in our individuality we also become deeply aware of our shared humanity and how we belong in the world.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist, a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy.

I trained at the Centre for Training in Psychotherapy in Toronto. My work is deeply influenced by my study of existential psychotherapy and my work with dreams. My particular interests include blended families and consideration of our place in the world.

Clients have described me as “empathic”, “patient”, “warm”, “supportive”, “non-judgmental”, “sensitive” and “clear”.

I am a mother, married, with two daughters and two stepsons. My other language is Hungarian.

I would be happy to meet with you for a consultation session. I can be reached at liz@lizkalman.ca. We can also meet via Skype. My office is located close to the Broadview subway station, or, if you’re driving, there is parking available nearby. I look forward to hearing from you.