Experienced psychotherapist & CRPO-approved supervisor offering trauma-informed, Gestalt, psychodynamic, CBT & DBT-based therapy & supervision. English & Russian.
Hello, my name is Irina Petrova.
Before becoming a psychotherapist, I’d had many experiences, including motherhood, immigration, and a corporate career. I decided to become a therapist in my 40s after battling serious depression with the help of an amazing therapist. “It would be so wonderful to be able to help people the same way my therapist helped me” – I thought.
Also, I often emotionally supported friends and family members and was consistently told that I was a good listener. This experience was very fulfilling for me and became an additional argument in favor of changing professions and becoming a therapist.
So, when my daughter finished high school and left for university, I started my psychotherapy education and training at the Gestalt Institute of Toronto and never looked back!
I started practicing in 2008, and after 16 years of full-time practice, being a therapist is still very fulfilling. It feels like that is what I came to this planet to do; it feels like home.
I believe in the human spirit, in free will (research be damned!), compassion, creativity, resilience, personal response-ability, i.e., in the ability to respond to life challenges in a responsible way, and everyone’s potential for healing and growth.
I am passionate about supporting my clients to do better in life and witnessing them flourish and accomplish new things.
I am proud of my clients' many personal and professional accomplishments while in treatment with me. Many relationships were started, saved, or improved, and a significant number of babies were born during or after the treatment; works of art were created, TED talks were given, businesses were started and expanded, lives were rebuilt after difficult struggles, and equanimity was found while in therapy with me.
My therapeutic style is rooted in Gestalt, Psychodynamic approach, and Mindfulness. In addition, I am trained in CBT and DBT approaches and widely use them in my therapy practice. I work from the anti-oppressive framework and create a safe healing space for my clients. My work is trauma-informed. I emphasize trust and warm relationships with my clients and support people in making lasting, meaningful changes through self-awareness. My style is respectful, honest, and compassionate.
I address issues such as mood disorders, chronic pain, trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, addiction, immigration, and culture shock. I also provide couples counseling using the psychodynamic approach, IMAGO, and Non-violent Communication. I particularly enjoy working with couples engaged in Ethical Non-monogamy lifestyles. Several years ago, after practicing for many years, I decided that it was time to share my knowledge and my passion with new therapists. I took a CRPO-approved supervision course and became a supervisor. I find supervising qualifying therapists to be a very interesting and fulfilling experience. I provide support and share my knowledge in all areas of psychotherapeutic practice, including client work and all CRPO-compliant practices, such as professional ethics and safe use of self, marketing, and collaboration with other professionals. In return, I also learn from my supervisees, who share their perspectives and life experiences with me. I offer one-on-one, couples therapy, groups, supervision, and workshops for professionals and the general public. I deliver psychotherapeutic services in English and Russian. Please check this website's Groups and Workshops section to learn about groups and workshops I have run alone or with my colleagues. Thank you for considering me as your therapist or supervisor. I hope to hear from you soon, and if not – my best wishes on your journey!
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