Pamela Giarrizzo
With Therapy, We Begin With Where You Are Today
When you come to see me as a counsellor, individually, or as a couple, you can be just as you are. Whatever mood or situation that you are in is an opportunity for healing and growth. I am a registered psychotherapist, and I offer support for individuals and couples ages 14 years and older. I work with folks who are struggling with anger, anxiety, depression, codependency, grief, relationship issues, sexuality, trauma, or spirituality.
To be really heard can be not only supportive, but deeply motivating
These days, with all of the distractions available to us, sitting with someone for an hour, who is actively listening to you and interested in what you have to say can take some getting used to! But this hour is yours, and once you lean into that, it can feel fantastic to have time dedicated just to you (or to your relationship if we are doing couples therapy). I meet you where you are at and we work together on what is needed in your sessions. I am curious, and I do ask questions, which can help you to self-reflect, and you have time and space to explore your thoughts during therapy.
I’ve Experienced Many Life Roles Before Settling As A Therapist
As a child, psychotherapy was not on my radar for a career. In fact, for a long time I wanted to be a performer (I was a singer in high school and even had a few songs on the radio!) Before pursuing mental health, I worked in business marketing, insurance, and even the manufacturing sector. It was during my time working as a supervisor within manufacturing, that I began hearing from employees that they could see me being a great therapist. I would listen to what their problems were and tried to help them achieve better results by focusing on their strengths or improving on their weaknesses (later I learned that sometimes our weaknesses are actually our strengths or there to protect us).
A turning point came when I experienced a deep personal loss in my life. I’m someone who often has to “do” during times of pain, to manage the hurt and to get through. I decided to begin volunteering at a hospice, and also sought out the support of a therapist.
Seeing A Therapist At This Time In My Life Helped To Clarify So Much
I began questioning almost everything in my life, and in many ways that whole period of time was one long dark night of the soul. Seeking therapy along with volunteering at a hospice shined a light towards the next steps I needed to take to move forward. After some time working as a bereavement facilitator at hospice, my path became clear, and I decided to go back to school to become a psychotherapist.
Mental Health Support Offers A Means To Connect With Yourself And Others
As a psychotherapist, I’m trained to support both individuals and couples. One thing has become clear in my work as a mental health professional; knowing yourself more deeply can have a profound effect on the relationships you have with others. I have seen this impact in my own life, as well as the lives of my clients. When you are able to connect with your inner wisdom, you also gain the confidence to speak your truth to others, which builds more meaningful relationships.
Relationship Therapy Can Be About Rebuilding Or Renewing, Or It Can Be A Way To Let Go With Love
Not all relationships are meant to last forever. Sometimes a successful relationship is one that has been released at the right time, with love and respect. I am here to facilitate both the reconnection between those who are dedicated to continuing with a long term relationship as well as for those who wish to peacefully part ways.
Support Can Make All The Difference
If you’ve been struggling, spinning your wheels, knowing that there must be a better way to live, getting a new perspective may be helpful. I am here to offer acceptance, curiosity, and a different view on what feels stuck in your life. If what I’ve shared resonates with you, please reach out.
Areas of Practice and Approach
Individual Counselling
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Psychodynamic
- Trauma Informed Therapy
- Existential Psychotherapy
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
- Family Systems Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Couples Counselling
- Gottmann Method Couples Therapy
- Couples when one partner is seriously struggling
- Couples Facing a Scary or Terminal Diagnosis
Support For
- Couples in difficult situations
- Couples Facing a Scary or Terminal Diagnosis
- Marital & Premarital Concerns
- Relationship Issues (individual or couples)
- Infidelity
- Grief & Loss
- Depression
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Trauma & PTSD
- Chronic Pain
- Self-Esteem
- Domestic Abuse/Violence
- Men’s Issues- School Issues
- Self-Harming
- LGBTQ2S+ Concerns
- Perfectionism & Imposter Syndrome
- Life Transitions
Age Group I Work With
- 14 and older
Professional Qualifications and Experience
Masters of Counselling Psychology,
Yorkville University
Bachelor of Arts with minor in Psychology,
Wilfred Laurier University
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, CRPO
Professional Fees
Consultations
- Initial consultations are FREE
- All consultations are 20 minutes long
Individual Counselling
- $165
- 50 minute session
Couples Counselling
- $200 - 60 minute session
- $250 - 75 minute session
Crypto Payments
- Are available
- Email us for more information