Varshini Skantharajah (Elle/Homme)

In this space, I embrace and support the diversity of experiences clients bring, however 'big' or 'small', whether the present or past. This can look like anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, trauma (including intergenerational, racial, PTSD, etc.), navigating personal or professional relationships, reinforcing one’s sense of self (self-worth, self-love, self-esteem, inadequacy, etc.), life transitions, and loss.

As we work together, I believe in creating a safe, compassionate, open and supportive space with you for us to share, delve deeper and integrate your experience. First, we’ll briefly contextualize things, as it can be freeing to address the where and how things came to be. Then as we explore, I may use different approaches such as: relational therapy, emotion-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centered therapy and strengths-based therapy; within a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive framework. Alongside our conversations in-session, we may collaborate on incorporating coping skills, regulation skills and somatic techniques. I completed my training in these areas during my Masters in Counselling Psychology at OISE, University of Toronto, a certification program in Emotion-Focused Therapy Level II (Emotion Focused Therapy Clinic), in obtaining a Certificate in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies (Collectively Rooted), as well as ongoing supervision and learning.

You are already the expert of yourself and hold inherent wisdom. I honour this as we collaborate to support and empower you in counselling. Reaching out is a courageous act. I thank you for considering me to share this with you, and encourage you to reach out for a free consultation should you want to explore the possibility of working together.