
Dr. Shasha Oosthuizen, C. Psych. (Supervised Practice)
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether due to our inner worlds—such as thoughts and emotions—or outer circumstances like relationship challenges, loss, life transitions, or traumatic events. While we do our best to manage these difficulties, there are times when additional support can make a meaningful difference. Choosing to seek psychotherapy is a courageous and commendable act of self-care, and prioritizing your well-being is essential for a fulfilling life. Over the past nine years, I have supported clients in gaining deeper insight into both their internal experiences and external challenges, while equipping them with effective strategies to address their unique concerns. I work with individuals and couples and am here to offer compassionate support and guidance as you navigate life’s challenges.
I am a psychologist with a PhD in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto. At the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, I work under the supervision of Dr Dino Zuccarini, C.Psych , providing therapy for adults facing a wide range of concerns. I welcome individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. My practice is grounded in creating a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and authentic space where clients feel safe, respected, and empowered to explore their experiences and pursue meaningful change.
In individual therapy, I support clients navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I work with individuals coping with trauma or PTSD, as well as grief and loss—including relationship breakups, divorce, bereavement, and the loss of a loved one or pet. I have extensive experience assisting clients through life transitions, occupational stress, work-related trauma—including trauma experienced by first responders—and burnout.
Regarding couples therapy, I work with couples to address a wide range of relationship issues, including strengthening communication, deepening connection, and improving emotional, physical, and sexual intimacy, as well as managing conflict. I support couples facing difficult life circumstances, such as when one partner is experiencing mental health challenges or living with a chronic or terminal illness. Additionally, I assist couples who have experienced trauma or neglect—whether in childhood or adulthood—by helping them navigate the complex emotional dynamics that arise from those experiences.
During our initial sessions, I’ll ask you about your current life challenges and therapy goals. Next, I’ll ask you to complete self-report questionnaires and invite you to share your life history. This will help us understand what is causing and maintaining your difficulties. It will also allow me to plan treatment and select interventions systemically that address your presenting concerns, unique needs, and treatment goals.
In therapy, I use various treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioural, emotion-focused, psychodynamic, attachment-based, relational therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies. I believe in tailoring treatment to fit your unique goals and needs, ensuring a personalized approach to your therapy.
In my previous clinical positions, I have trained in various settings, including hospitals, universities, and private practice. Specifically, I completed my PhD residency, practicum placement at the CFIR, and additional practicum placements at an outpatient unit at Toronto General Hospital and the University of Waterloo’s Health Services. I have worked in private practice in Barrie and Aurora for numerous years under the supervision of registered psychologists. I collectively provided individual, couples and group therapy. I also conducted assessments for a wide range of mental health difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression, eating, post-traumatic stress, and personality disorders). In addition to my clinical work experience, I have had various research, teaching, and supervision responsibilities. Specifically, I have published a peer-reviewed manuscript on Eating Disorders. For my PhD dissertation, I investigated how people can manage personal and occupational stress proactively and adaptively via self-care. I have presented my findings at a national research conference. I have coached graduate students in various cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) certification courses and supervised PhD and Master’ s level students in Clinical and Counselling Psychology. I am a professional member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) and the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA).
Treatments
- Acute/Single-Event Trauma
- Anxiety & Stress
- Complex/Long-Term Trauma
- Couples Therapy
- Depression, Mood & Grief
- Eating, Weight & Body Image
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Multicultural
- Personality
- Sex Therapy
- Sexual Addiction
- Sexuality, Gender & Relationship Diversity