Elif Gokce (She/Her)

Elif has over 20 years of leadership and counselling experience in the field of education and has provided support through nonprofit organizations in several countries. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Education Management and Leadership, and she completed a Master’s in Pastoral Studies with Spiritual Care and a Psychotherapy certificate from Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto. She also completed two basic and two advanced Clinical Psychospiritual Education placements in hospitals across the Greater Toronto Area. Through these experiences, her psycho-spiritual clinical practice has expanded to include a wide range of areas, including mental health, palliative care, oncology, nephrology, and rehabilitation. Elif is dedicated to supporting people from multicultural and multifaith backgrounds, as well as those with diverse spiritual practices and worldviews. She has extensive experience working with adolescents, couples, families, seniors, students, newcomers, and first responders. Driven by a strong commitment to community service, she has held various leadership roles supporting youth and women and continues to assist individuals navigating immigration challenges and adapting to new cultural environments. Elif’s practice is grounded in a profound respect for human dignity, recognizing the inherent worth and uniqueness of every person. She embraces a holistic perspective that acknowledges the dynamic connection between body, mind, and spirit, understanding that healing and growth arise when all aspects of a person’s being are recognized and supported. With humility and compassion, she creates a calm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where people feel seen and heard, meeting them where they are, honoring their experiences, and believing in their potential for growth. Guided by individual values, she integrates person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive care to build trusting and supportive relationships. She accompanies individuals on their journeys, gently supporting them as they explore their personal sense of meaning, resilience, and inner peace. By incorporating each person's unique spiritual perspective, whether religious or non-religious, into therapy, she helps them identify sources of strength and meaning and develop practical coping strategies. Her approach also addresses existential concerns, encouraging thoughtful reflection on life’s deeper dimensions and fostering resilience and self-awareness. Elif creates a calm and supportive environment where people feel safe to explore their emotions, thoughts, and actions. She integrates Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, with a person-centered approach, fostering trust and collaboration. Her practice also draws on Relational/Attachment Therapy, Internal Family Systems Theory, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Mindfulness-Integrated Therapeutic Approaches to address the unique needs of each client. She is currently completing certification in Narrative Therapy to further enhance her practice. Committed to holistic care, Elif incorporates Spiritual Care, supporting individuals in their psycho-spiritual development, personal growth, and overall well-being. Her vision is to live with joy by acknowledging the brokenness and healing by setting intentions.