Katarina Santos MCP

As a child and adolescent, I was privileged with the opportunity to live in multiple countries, including the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Canada. In immersing myself in various cultures and encountering people from all walks of life, I have gained an understanding of the nuances of intersectionality and the importance of addressing concerns around identity, diversity, and inclusion within my counselling work. 

My personal experience with mental health has heavily shaped my approach and commitment to my practice. I had a challenging time with the frequent changes associated with my particular upbringing and with navigating adolescence generally. Therapy has been and continues to be essential to my well-being and growth; I have seen firsthand the impact therapy can have, and I intend to provide others with a therapeutic experience that can enact lasting change through the following modalities: 

  • Play Therapy 
  • Art Therapy 
  • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) 
  • Attachment Theory 
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) 
  • Somatic Therapy 
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

I aim to build collaborative therapeutic relationships through a holistic, strengths-based, trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach in which the client feels secure and seen. My experience is primarily with children, teens, young adults, and families; as a younger clinician, I feel I am able to offer a presence that connects with these populations and allows for the rapport necessary to build trust. Transitory life stages and events can be difficult to maneuver for both the child or teen and their families; my intention is to help the individual and family along their journey. 

Whether you are a child, teen, young adult, or parent, I work with the following presenting issues:

  • Challenges associated with neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, ADD, FAS, etc) 
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Suicide, suicidality and self-harm 
  • Challenges with anger and reactivity/impulsivity 
  • Gender identity and sexuality 
  • Shame 
  • Self-esteem and self-perception (identity)
  • Oppression, marginalization and colonization 
  • School-related challenges 
  • Grief and loss
  • Disordered eating 
  • Sexual assault/abuse
  • Domestic violence