I work with teens and adults who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-criticism, low mood, anger, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, or behaviours they know are not helping them but struggle to change. Some people come to therapy because something has clearly gone wrong. Others are functioning well on the outside, yet privately feel overwhelmed, dissatisfied, emotionally exhausted, or unable to switch off.

My approach to therapy combines thoughtful exploration with practical change. I want to understand what is happening beneath the surface, including the beliefs, emotions, experiences, and patterns that may be shaping the way you respond to yourself, other people, and difficult situations. At the same time, I believe therapy should help you move forward.

Together, we work to identify what is maintaining the problem, challenge unhelpful ways of thinking, develop more effective emotional and behavioural skills, and put those insights into practice in everyday life. My work draws primarily from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, TEAM-CBT, mindfulness, and other evidence-informed approaches. I tend to be active and collaborative in therapy. Rather than simply giving advice or telling you what to think differently, I want us to understand your experience carefully and work together to test new perspectives and new ways of responding.

I particularly enjoy working with people who place high expectations on themselves or operate in demanding professional environments. My background in both counselling psychology and business gives me an appreciation for the pressures that can accompany leadership, responsibility, performance, competition, and career advancement. Executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, lawyers, accountants, healthcare professionals, managers, and other professionals may find themselves dealing with chronic stress, perfectionism, burnout, difficulty switching off, relationship strain, or a persistent sense that no level of achievement ever feels quite sufficient. Therapy can provide a place to understand these patterns while developing healthier and more sustainable ways of working and living.

Just as importantly, I believe effective therapy depends on a genuine therapeutic relationship. I aim to create an environment where you can speak openly, examine difficult thoughts and emotions without judgment, and be challenged when challenge is useful. My goal is not simply to help you feel better in the moment, but to help you understand yourself more clearly, develop skills you can continue using independently, and make meaningful changes in the areas of life that matter to you.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, perfectionism, anger, relationship difficulties, professional stress, or simply feel that something in your life needs to change, we can work together to understand what is keeping you stuck and find a constructive way forward.

I work with teens and adults who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-criticism, low mood, ang... Read More

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