Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with a focus on ADHD and creatives
Virtual psychotherapy that is holistic, exploratory, and in-depth. Based out of Toronto, Ontario, and Victoria, British Columbia.
Hi, I’m Lucy
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist practicing remotely out of Toronto, Ontario, and Victoria, British Columbia. I specialize in working with teens and adults who are navigating the symptoms and emotional side effects of ADHD, struggling with the pressures of artistic labour and creative expression, or both. But my practice is also expansive and diverse, extending to any individual looking for deeply rooted, lasting change to their mental well-being.
I approach psychotherapy through an existential and psychodynamic lens. At your pace, we carefully weave the past and present together, uncovering harmful patterns––and their causes––in order to meaningfully address them. In a world that’s oriented toward quick fixes and immediate payoffs, it’s all the more important to slow down and thoroughly investigate the hidden mind. My treatments work toward alleviating the deeper, existential angst that puts strain on your mental health at the everyday level.
Some of my clients have been to therapy before, where they found temporary relief through structured treatments like CBT or EMDR, but seek to enhance and supplement this work with further exploration. A psychodynamic therapist can be the ideal counterpart to cognitive-based, coaching-style techniques if unwelcome thought patterns persist.
Clients have described my presence as grounded and authentic. I’m friendly yet direct in sessions, bringing sincerity and focus to the important task at hand. I strive to cultivate a setting where people feel seen and supported by a caring professional, rather than coddled or condescended to. I also reserve some sliding scale spots to keep therapy as accessible as possible.
The journey towards understanding ourselves often begins with the understanding that others extend to us.
What Kind of Support I can Offer
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I have a special interest in teenage and adult ADHD, with a particular focus on women and girls. I use a combination of methods to hone in on the everyday hurdles and long-term complexities of life with ADHD. We’ll work together to explore everything from organizational function to navigating relationships.
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As someone who comes from a background in fine arts, I have a personal interest in helping creative individuals. This can include a wide range of artists and writers, but also anyone whose work and/or passions require an unconventional, imaginative outlook. I work with a lot of people who struggle with creative block, identity crises, and how to integrate their creative life into their day-to-day rhythms.
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A large focus of psychodynamic therapy is on human relationships and how they impact your current daily life. This will lead us to explore how your formative relationships impact your relating in the present, whether it be with your partner, boss, or friends.
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For many of us, anxiety can result in debilitating symptoms that can be difficult or feel impossible to manage. It can manifest as over-thinking, lower self-esteem, obsessive thoughts, or perfectionism. In working together, one of the goals will be to get underneath these symptoms to better understand how to disrupt the difficult cycle.
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I work with preteens and teens aged 12 and up. We move at a pace that’s determined by their sense of comfort and safety. It’s common for teens to feel some hesitation or reluctance during the initial stages, but my job is to make sure they feel secure and supported from the get-go.
As a Registered Psychotherapist, I’m trained in a large variety of mental health concerns, but my personal experiences have shaped my specialities. Within the categories outlined below, certain symptoms and stressors often ripple into other aspects of people’s lives––like their efforts to maintain healthy social, familial, and romantic lives––or compound broader issues, such as anxiety. If you’re struggling with something outside these areas of interest, get in touch so we can discuss how I might be able to support you.
How can psychodynamic therapy help?
A crucial aspect of the psychodynamic method is that it includes, but goes beyond, symptom management. Treatment won’t just focus on immediate relief and reduction, but will prioritize the big picture. Our work can lessen your symptoms, but it also seeks to uncover why they’re present in the first place.
Depending on the individual, the larger goals and outcomes of therapy might include:
Flexibility and freedom in your mind’s responses to adversity
Improved relationships with deeper fulfillment, and a greater ability to navigate familial, platonic, and romantic connections
An enriched, unclouded sense of self-worth and self-esteem
Unlocked potential to harness your personal talents and skills
A more sophisticated and nuanced way to understand yourself and others
An increased capacity to navigate a wider range of emotions
The security, honesty, and curiosity of the therapeutic dynamic will guide you toward discovery and reflection, exploring the parts of your mind that might be too daunting to face alone.
My Virtual Office
I use a secure online platform to see clients across Ontario and British Columbia.
Log in from your couch, your favourite chair, or wherever you feel most comfortable. Pets are welcome!
Learn more about my fees here.
Get in Touch
Location Virtual services across Ontario and British Columbia
Hours
Monday–Thursday
10am–6pm
Phone
(647) 952-1552
Email
alguiretherapy@gmail.com
The relationship you have with your therapist matters.
Compatibility is a crucial investment in your long-term health and well-being. Finding the right fit may take time, but it all starts with a conversation.