I want you to get the care you deserve.
Katharina (Kat) Garland
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Working with Kat
Developing a unique relationship with each client and providing you with a safe and supportive space is my number one priority. Your lived experience will be honoured. My philosophy is that you are paying for my time, not for me to care about you.
I believe in radical authenticity and show up as myself so that you can feel comfortable to do the same. I hope this fosters a space where it feels comfortable to un-mask and let your guard down, but I’ll meet you where ever you’re at in that process.
I have a casual, conversational style and I am direct communicator. I provide compassion and validation, but I’m also willing to gently challenge you and provide new perspectives. I’ll be there for you for any tears, but I also believe in the healing power of laughter. For any science nerds like myself, I’d love to enrich your experience by discussing some of the science behind our work together.
Working with me is a collaborative process. I understand that many clients do best when they know the answers to, “Why are we doing this?” or “How will this help?”. Your questions and input are welcomed. I am able to follow your lead or provide more direction if needed.
While we may incorporate some skills-based work, the focus of my practice is insight-based. This means going beyond the surface level to look at the root causes of any challenges in your life. I’d love to walk beside you as you work to make positive changes in your life.
Who do I work with?
While I work with anyone in the general public, my practice has a focus on working with neurodivergent and LGTBQIA+/queer clients. I have dedicated a separate page for these services. For more info click here.
I currently offer individual therapy, working with clients ages 16 and up.
I have worked with many straight cis-men and would love to provide you a space where vulnerability and emotional expression can be viewed as strengths, not weaknesses. My direct and down-to-earth style resonates with many men.
I have worked with many clients who live with a chronic illness and/or chronic pain. I understand the toll this experience can take.
Honouring diversity is one of my core values. I have worked with clients of all kinds of backgrounds. Cultural humility and intersectionality is always a part of my work with POC and racialized clients.
All types of people are welcome, no matter your skin colour, culture, disability, gender, orientation or size.
If you don’t see yourself represented here, but feel we might be a good fit, please feel free to reach out and inquire about whether I can meet your needs.
What can I help with?
Neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, OCD)
Anxiety
Depression and disconnection
Burnout/Stress-management
Identity exploration
Boundary Issues
Self-esteem and people pleasing
Perfectionism
Shifting from shame/self-criticism to self-compassion
Family of origin issues
Relational trauma
Kat’s therapeutic approach
I am an integrative, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive therapist and tailor therapy to the client in front of me. I do not believe therapy is one size fits all.
The foundation of my practice is using a relational approach. Research has shown that the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is a consistent predictor of better outcomes in therapy.
While I cannot provide a blueprint for how I work with all clients, the most common approaches I use include:
Somatic therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Inference Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Parts-work informed
Attachment-based
Strengths-based
Culturally sensitive
Kat’s Continuing Education
I make it my responsibility to stay up-to-date with developments in the field by regularly attending trainings, courses, and conferences.
BSc in Biology - Behaviour, Cognition, & Neuroscience
MA in Counselling Psychology
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Gender Sexuality Autism & Mental Health Certificate (2023)
Specialized Advanced Training for Autism Providers (2023)
Masking & Mental Health Certificate (2024)
Relational Skills Trauma Certificate Program (2024)
Certified in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Cognitive Behavioural Institute, 2025)
Certified in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (In process)