Toronto Team

Yvanna Zakrzewski, B.Comm.


As you begin your therapeutic journey, you might feel a range of emotions—curiosity, uncertainty, excitement, or perhaps a blend of all three. The first step is to find the right therapist at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships. Feeling supported, understood, and safe is crucial, and I would be privileged to join you on your journey of self-discovery. Together, we can explore a path that leads to greater understanding.

With over a decade of international experience, I have had the privilege of living and working in diverse cultural settings. This exposure has deeply influenced my therapeutic approach, rooted in a holistic understanding of different cultural perspectives. I am deeply committed to acknowledging the impact of trauma and understanding your unique experiences, which can make potential clients from various cultural backgrounds feel more valued and respected.

In my therapy practice, I assist clients with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to relationship problems and workplace stress. I also help those struggling with existential dilemmas. My approach is comprehensive, drawing from psychodynamic, emotionally focused, cognitive-behavioural, and existential frameworks. I use evidence-based practices like Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), tailored to each client’s needs. This commitment to evidence-based practices is designed to reassure potential clients and instil confidence in the therapeutic process.

I invite you to share your struggles and stresses in our first visit. Together, we will identify your core challenges and set therapeutic goals. I aim to understand the origins of your concerns and help you clarify the values and personal qualities you wish to cultivate. I aim to foster a genuine connection rooted in empathy, sincerity, and respect for your unique experiences so you can feel truly understood and cared for. Furthermore, I use a general battery assessment, a cutting-edge and evidence-based measure, to aid treatment planning.

I am in the final phase of completing a master’s degree in clinical and counselling psychology at the Adler Graduate Professional School and completing a practicum at the Centre for Interpersonal Relationships under the supervision of Dr. Lila Hakim, C.Psych. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. My professional background spans over 15 years in the Toronto and global finance community, including roles in stakeholder management, conflict resolution, executive coaching and support for C-Suite members. I am a Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) member and the Society for Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI).

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Assessment

Therapies