Therapy for Indigenous Clients
For First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people looking for a therapist who won't need the history explained, in Toronto, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario.
Reaching out for therapy can take a lot. For many Indigenous people, it also means wondering whether the person across from you will understand, or whether you'll spend the first few sessions explaining. We'd like that first conversation to feel easier. Come as you are, share as much or as little of your story as you like, and set the pace from there.
People come to us with the same things anyone brings to therapy: anxiety, stress, grief, burnout, relationships, and big life changes. Some also want room to work with intergenerational trauma, identity, or reconnecting with community and culture. Others simply want a place where none of that needs explaining. All of it is welcome.
We work from the idea that we have one nervous system, shaped in relationship, with family, community, land, and history. So therapy here is a conversation, and sometimes it also includes gentle, optional attention to the body: the breath, the shoulders, noticing what settles. EMDR may be explored when appropriate, with readiness assessed together.
Your culture leads. If teachings, ceremony, or practices matter to you, you're welcome to bring them in. If you'd rather keep the focus on what's happening right now, that's fine too. You're welcome to request an Indigenous therapist or a culturally attuned therapist if that feels important for your comfort or connection.
A psychotherapist of mixed Saulteaux and Red River Métis heritage from Treaty 2 in Manitoba. Heather sees clients in person in Toronto, on walk-and-talk sessions downtown, and virtually across Ontario. She practises under clinical supervision and offers a lower fee.
Meet Heather
Clinical Director. Amanda has worked alongside Indigenous clients and communities for 17 years, always by invitation, and serves on the leadership team of CCPA's Indigenous Circle chapter. She direct bills NIHB and IRS RHSP and sees clients in Toronto, Ottawa, and virtually.
Meet Amanda
Sandra's approach welcomes spirituality and meaning-making alongside somatic-informed work. She has completed University of Calgary coursework on Indigenous history, with Heather available for consultation. Sandra sees clients virtually across Ontario and direct bills NIHB and IRS RHSP.
Meet SandraCost shouldn't be what stands between you and support. Depending on your situation, you may be able to use direct billing through a federal program, a sliding-scale space, or a lower fee with Heather.
Amanda and Sandra are registered to direct bill Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) mental health counselling for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients, the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP) for Survivors and their family members, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) health support for eligible family members and survivors. That means less paperwork for you. If you think the Federal Indian Day Schools program might apply, we can help you check.
Each therapist also holds a limited number of sliding-scale spaces, at a reduced fee based on your circumstances. Extended health benefits and private pay are options too. You'll find current rates on Services and Fees and more about how we bill.
You can meet us in person at 120 Carlton St. in Toronto or 317 Catherine St. in Ottawa. If an office isn't your style, Heather offers walk-and-talk sessions in downtown Toronto, along the water or in a park. And if you live in a smaller or northern community, or travel is hard, virtual sessions mean we can meet wherever you are in Ontario.
No. Whether you're deeply connected, reconnecting, or not sure where you stand, you're welcome. We'll ask rather than assume.
NIHB covers eligible First Nations and Inuit clients, not Métis clients. Métis clients can use extended health benefits or private pay, ask about sliding-scale spaces or Heather's lower fee, and check with Métis community organizations for other supports.
It's a therapy session held outdoors while walking, along the water or in a park in downtown Toronto. Some people find it easier to talk side by side. Before your first walk, we'll talk through privacy, comfort, and what happens if we meet someone you know.
Yes. A free consultation lets you ask questions, check funding eligibility, and see whether we're a good fit, with no obligation.
No. If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people can also reach the Hope for Wellness Helpline 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310.
If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1. These free lines also offer support:
There's no wrong way to start. Book a free consultation to ask questions and get a feel for fit, see who might be a good fit, or contact us if you'd rather reach out by message first. Community referrals are welcome, and whenever you're ready, we're here.
We work on lands within the Dish with One Spoon and Treaty 13 in Toronto, and on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation in Ottawa.
This page offers general information for educational purposes. It is not therapy, does not replace individualized mental-health care, and does not establish a therapeutic relationship. If you're experiencing distress or need support, please connect with a qualified mental-health professional in your area. If you are in immediate distress or at risk of harm, in Canada you can call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or call 9-1-1, and internationally you can visit FindAHelpline.com to locate free, confidential support services available in your specific country and language.