Are you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that are difficult to understand or change? You may be experiencing intense emotions, intrusive thoughts, memory gaps, sleep difficulties, anxiety, grief, or a persistent sense of unease. These experiences can be difficult to make sense of, and therapy can provide a supportive space to explore them with curiosity, compassion, and greater understanding.

I work with children, teens, adults, couples and families supporting concerns such as trauma, CPTSD, PTSD, dissociation, anxiety, grief, suicidal thoughts, disability-related challenges, emotional overwhelm, insomnia and sports performance related concerns.

My approach is trauma-informed, through the lens of structural dissociation, collaborative, and mind-body oriented. I draw from Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to support healing, growth, and self-understanding. I strive to create an inclusive and accessible therapeutic space tailored to each client’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

I offer a complimentary 15-minute Phone or video consultation to explore your concerns and determine whether we are a good fit.

Looking forward to supporting you on your journey of wellbeing!

Are you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that are difficult to understand ... Read More

Richard Utama is a compassionate and dynamic therapist with over 15 years of experience providing progressive and innovative mental health counselling across social services, clinical, and community-based settings. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto is dedicated to delivering anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and client-centred care. Richard specializes in supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and self-esteem challenges, grief and loss, ADHD, and substance use. His therapeutic approach is eclectic, integrating Emotionally Focused, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Existential, and Motivational Interviewing modalities to meet the unique needs of each client. As a proud, racialized, cis-gay man deeply connected to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Richard provides queer-affirming support on issues related to sexuality, gender identity and expression, non-monogamous relationships, body image, and sexual health. Additionally, he is trained as a psychedelic therapist, offering preparation and integration sessions for Individuals exploring psychedelic-assisted healing. Richard fosters a safe and inclusive space for self-discovery, healing, and growth. He is committed to empowering clients to embrace their authenticity, cultivate inner strengths, and Nurture a sense of belonging as they work toward mental health and holistic well-being.

Richard Utama is a compassionate and dynamic therapist with over 15 years of experience providin... Read More

Therapy starts with a safe space where a therapist is fully present for a client. A safe space is a stepping stone for change. We humans have an innate capacity for overcoming adversity, even if our traumas and fears of the future sometimes temporarily hinder us from moving forward. At those moments, we seek a compassionate and competent partner to be there with us. I offer a safe space to work on anxiety, depression, men’s mental health, substance use, grief, loss and life transitions. Together we can begin to refocus your life towards a more realistic and better future.

I grew up in Europe, lived in China for years and finally settled in Toronto twenty years ago. I integrate Western evidence-based psychotherapy with an interest in East Asian inspired existential philosophy and mindfulness approaches. Being an immigrant myself, I have a special affinity for working with people from minority groups and immigrants. I have worked with adults and older adults in personal care settings, palliative care and hospitals. This has given me a first-hand understanding of the exposure and vulnerability of individuals from minority groups, and how many people are often shamed, overlooked or ignored by our society and our health care system.

I start from a Person-Centred approach and use evidence-based techniques as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Narrative Therapy. These types of therapy have the benefit of combining acceptance of the past with mindfulness to ground us in the present, and a strengths-based focus. We investigate what blocks you from experiencing the spark and positive direction in your life, and identify a path to regain your freedom of choice.

If you experience intense emotions or trauma, we can work on reducing the intensity of the emotions. If you feel paralyzed by fear, we will use evidence-based techniques to investigate, challenge and reduce your fears. If you feel discouraged or lost and void for meaning, we look at your values, what matters to you, to step by step rediscover your direction in life.

The solutions are already in you. Together, we can create the safety needed to process the past and redirect your life towards a better future. I offer a hand on your shoulder, supporting you at every step on your path towards a realistic version of your best life.

Therapy starts with a safe space where a therapist is fully present for a client. A safe space is... Read More