Sometimes, life can become overwhelming, whether because of our inner (thoughts, emotions, behaviours) or outer (relationships, traumatic incidents) worlds. We try to cope with life’s challenges as best as we know, but occasionally, we might need additional help to feel better. Seeking psychotherapy is an admirable decision since it is a type of self-care, and self-care is essential for our wellness. Over the past nine years, I have had the privilege of working alongside clients as they develop a greater understanding of themselves and their relationships. I work with individuals and couples and look forward to meeting you and supporting and helping you through your life difficulties.

I completed my PhD in Clinical and Counselling Psychology at the University of Toronto. At the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships, under the supervision of Dr. Lila Hakim, C. Psych., I provide therapy for adults with a wide range of concerns. I welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. I believe in providing all my clients with a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and authentic space.

In terms of individual therapy, I see clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, eating issues, anger-associated difficulties, and past or present relationship difficulties. I also support clients dealing with trauma or PTSD and grief and loss, such as a relationship break-up, divorce, grief of a loved one, and the loss of a pet. I have extensive experience helping clients with life adjustment difficulties (e.g., starting college/university, relocation, retirement), occupational stress, and burnout.

Regarding couples therapy, I work with couples to address a diverse range of relationship issues, including improving their communication and physical/sexual intimacy, managing conflicts over parenting, extended family members and finances. I also support couples in managing challenging life situations in which one partner is afflicted with mental health difficulties or chronic illness.

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 systemically plan treatment and select interventions 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, dialectical-behavioural, 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 at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships (CFIR) and my practicum placements at the CFIR, an outpatient unit at Toronto General Hospital, and the University of Waterloo’s Health Services. I have worked in private practice in Aurora and Barrie for numerous

years under the supervision of registered psychologists. I collectively treated adults and adolescents at these sites and 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/or Counselling Psychology.

Publications: Mills, J. S., Vu, N., Manley, R., & Tse (Oosthuizen), S. (2017). Adolescent and young adult women’s opinions of common eating disorder prevention
messages. Eating Disorders, 25(3), 246-262.

I am a member of the Ontario Psychological Association.