Catherine Carpenko BFA, MA Psychology, Member CAPT

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Congratulations on exploring the possibilities for creating change in your life through therapy. Whether you suffer from depression, anxiety, or multiple, complex and distressing emotions, the therapeutic process can provide tangible and practical ways to support a return to a more balanced and grounded way of being in the world.
My practice is client-driven, offering therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs of the client, holding central the potency of the therapist and patient working alliance. As a therapist, I work as an active advocate of change rather than a neutral observer and believe that the removal of symptoms and change in character traits is possible in a timely fashion.

Whether using the tools of Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), Formative Psychology or Dance Therapy, my clients have benefited from having a secure, compassionate environment to explore and discover new ways of being with themselves and others. I have always had a particular interest in understanding the layers and meaning of the multifaceted human experience. My own personal journey in psychotherapy and related somatic disciplines remains my foundation and compass for my practice and appreciation of the therapeutic process.

My training in psychodynamic psychotherapy began in 1972 at Therafields, a pioneering group-process oriented experiential centre that has influenced many currently practicing psychotherapists. Simultaneously I obtained B.F.A. in dance therapy at York University. I am currently a very active Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for Dance Ontario. Some of my continuing education includes: interning with the renowned American psychologist and educator Jean Houston, the creator of Social Artistry, exploring various learning and psychotherapeutic modalities.

I have also had the unique benefit experience of private consultation with the brilliant Scots psychiatrist R.D. Laing, whose work on psychoses, therapeutic ethics, and the pathogenesis within family systems has been a major influence since the 1970’s.

Besides extensive training in various schools of body psychology I have also availed myself to several years of ongoing instruction in wilderness survival with the remarkable tracker Tom Brown, Jr.. In 1993 I received an M.A. in Psychology and Education. This was followed with training in working with survivors of trauma and the differently-abled. In 2001, I began an intense therapeutic adventure which led to an intimate and ongoing interest in the short-term dynamic psychotherapeutic process.

More personally, my greatest learning has come through being the mother of three beautiful, very unique daughters, now at the beginning of their own adult journeys.

My clients are individuals from all walks of life, including children, teenagers and couples. They have benefited from my professional expertise and compassionate approach. With many years of alternative life-style choices both in the healing arts and the raising of children I have a unique perspective to offer from a "been there done that" point of view.

My therapeutic practice is a central expression of the creative healing path I have chosen and am privileged to walk. I am honoured to do this work, assisting and bearing witness to the unfolding of a client’s inner experience and the establishment of functional ways to cope with life's challenges. If my approach is of interest to you I welcome and encourage you contact me to discuss your needs and make an appointment.

Please feel free to contact me using email to set up a free consultation to discuss your needs.

I have offices located in Mansfield, Ontario (serving the greater Caledon, Orangeville, Shelburne, Alliston, and Collingwood areas) and in central Toronto at Christie and Bloor on the subway line.

Be well !!