Nice to meet you!

I’m Atara, MSW RSW, Psychotherapist

I am a clinical social worker who is passionate about giving you the space to be authentic. I’m passionate about creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can let go, be yourself, and work through what’s going on in your mind and your life. My approach is thoughtful, introspective, and down-to-earth, combining warmth, humor, and practical tools to help you feel more confident and in control of your life. This is your space to be heard, to explore, and to tell your story. My commitment to each of my clients is to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to be.

My goal is for every client to feel more empowered, grounded, and in control as they move through their healing journey. I specialize in working with teens (16-18), young adults (18-21), and new adults (21+) who are navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, self-doubt, relationship issues, and life transitions. Whether you're feeling stuck, confused, or overwhelmed with your emotions, therapy can help you gain clarity, confidence, and relief.

I have a Master’s in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work in New York. I am a Registered Social Worker in Ontario, in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, as well as a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

My Approach to Connection and Healing

  • By exploring past experiences and unconscious patterns, we work together to gain deeper insight and create lasting change

  • We’ll build practical skills to help you regulate emotions, improve relationships, and manage stress more effectively

  • We’ll explore the ways you interact and create relationships with others, focusing on empowering you to creating healthy relationships with yourself and others

  • I prioritize building a strong, trusting relationship where you feel comfortable and understood. I’m friendly, warm, and love sharing a laugh, creating a space that’s both supportive and approachable for real growth

  • In my practice, I understand that every has a story, and we are only meeting you in one chapter of your book. A trauma-informed approach means understanding that you are layered and multifaceted, and we take the time to look beyond the surface to truly understand you

  • I combine various therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs, creating a flexible and holistic path to healing

What I Specialize In

    • Clinical depression

    • Seasonal Depression

    • High functioning depression

    • Depressive episode

    • Social Anxiety

    • GAD

    • Panic Attacks

    • Childhood trauma

    • Relational trauma

    • Complex trauma

    • Romantic Relationships & Dating

    • Boundaries

    • Communication

    • Intimacy and Vulnerability

    • People-Pleasing

    • Codependency

    • Betrayal Trauma

    • Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

    • Internet addiction

    • Doom Scrolling

    • Codependency

    • Relationship & Love

    • Emotional eating

    • Sexual compulsions

    • Perfectionism

    • Imposter Syndrome

    • Self-Worth & Confidence

    • Body Image & Self-Perception

    • Values clarification

    • Emotional Dysregulation

    • Overwhelm & Emotional Flooding

    • Distress Tolerance Skills

    • Mindfulness & Grounding Techniques

    • Impulse Control & Decision-Making

    • Navigating Independence

    • University & Academic Pressures

    • Career direction

    • Work/Life Balance

    • Changing environments

    • Dating, Marriage, & Commitment Fears

    • Coping with Failure & Setbacks

    • Developing Self-Compassion

    • Overcoming Fear of Judgment

    • Building Healthy Habits & Routines

    • Navigating Uncertainty & Change

What to Expect in Therapy

  • First Session

    Throughout our first session together, we will discuss what brings you to therapy and any goals you may have. This is where we’ll get to know a bit of your story, at your pace. Each session may look different, but all with the goal of giving you the space to share and develop.

  • Conversations That Matter

    In each session, we engage in a meaningful back-and-forth. We'll explore your story, uncover things you might be holding back, and discuss your feelings. Sometimes, the conversations can be intense or emotional, and other times, we’ll share a laugh

  • Building Trust

    In our first session, we’ll focus on building trust so you feel comfortable. This is a space for you to share what’s on your mind, at your own pace. It’s all about creating a safe, supportive environment where you can talk openly without fear of judgment.

  • Exploring Together

    Each session is a chance for us to explore what’s going on for you. We’ll talk through your experiences, thoughts, and emotions—whether it’s the big stuff or the day-to-day. Together, we’ll make sense of things and see what stands out.

  • Insight & Growth

    You may begin to notice patterns, connect dots, and see things in new ways. Therapy helps you understand your thoughts and behaviors, so you can make sense of your experiences and start making changes that feel right for you.

  • Practical Tools

    Therapy isn’t just about talking; it’s about finding tools you can use in real life. Whether it’s managing stress or improving relationships, we’ll work on strategies that help you feel more confident and in control outside of our sessions.

  • Meeting Your Needs

    There will be times when you need more guidance, want me to ask different questions, or feel we’re heading in a direction that doesn’t feel right. That's completely normal! Sharing your thoughts on what’s working—and what’s not—helps us keep the sessions productive and focused on your needs.

What You Should Know: FAQs and Facts

  • Each session is typically $130-200, depending on the service - and therapy with a Registered Social Worker (RSW) is a service that is exempt from tax in Ontario. For those that do not have insurance coverage, or those that do not have the means for therapy, we offer sliding scale prices. We hope to make this as accessible as possible for our clients.

  • While we cannot direct-bill to your insurance provider, you can submit your invoice for reimbursement, depending on your provider. After each session, we will provide you with an invoice that includes Atara’s Ontario registration number, which can be used for this purpose. Just make sure your provider covers therapy with a RSW!

  • You are able to access therapy without a referral or diagnosis. With us, the only prerequisite needed is to have a 10-15 minute free consultation. Once that is complete, you can book in your first session and begin your journey!

  • Therapy is a relationship, and it’s important that it feels like the right fit for you. If at any point it doesn’t feel right, that’s completely okay! We can either discuss ways to make it work, or you can move on—just remember to say goodbye before you go! Your comfort and healing are the priority.

  • Our virtual therapy sessions will be conducted on our telehealth platform, Jane. You will be able to access your client profile at any time, once you book your first session. We are located in the Greater Toronto Area, but therapy can be access virtually throughout Ontario.

  • Private practice offers a more personalized experience where you are not just another client. You get flexible scheduling, a direct connection with your therapist, and care that’s shaped around you, rather than a system.