About Me
Karyl (Ca-rill)
The person.
I’m a devoted mother, pet-spoiler and lover of the performing arts. My base is Toronto, Ontario, but I’m always dreaming of a warm, serene environment to live my best introverted life.
I bring my lived experience as a Black queer woman and first-generation immigrant to my practice. As a recovering self-saboteur, I know what it’s like to buckle under the pressures of family obligations and expectations, as well as, be burdened by negative societal stereotypes. I have felt the external and internal pressures to be perfect or, at the very least, above average. I have given up too many times, yet feel convicted that giving up isn't an option. As a therapist, I’ve learned some tricks to get things done without always taking the long way. With that, I may relate to challenges you can face — anxiety, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, isolation etc.
The philosophy.
My purpose as a Registered Psychotherapist is to share skills and resources to help my clients stand up and stand out more, in a world that often tells them they don’t belong. I work with high-performing clients towards a life they envision for themselves, created from their own values, guided by their own vision of mastery and joy. I believe the answers are within you.
A foundational aspect of our working together is building a secure therapeutic relationship between us. My belief is that humans are social creatures who are wired to connect and thrive in community. If we can also laugh and bond in session through mutual weirdness, that’s always a plus!
Using an anti-oppressive lens, my approach is culturally sensitive. When collaborating about your treatment plan, I welcome and consider the fullness of your being, with its layered nuances.
The paperwork.
I have worked for over twenty years in the social services sector with diverse youth and their families in community settings, government, and private practice.
I am knowledgeable about various challenges related to anxiety, executive functioning, mood, grief/loss, sexual and gender diversity, interpersonal relationships, race-based stressors, and settlement/life transitions.
Main Approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Relational, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy .
Here are some other things that you might like to know about me:
Registered Member in Good Standing, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Member, Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
Bachelor’s Degree in Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies, University of Waterloo
Social Services Certificate, College of New Caledonia
