Some people experience anxiety that is intense, frightening and accompanied by physical symptoms of chest pain, similar to a heart attack, and an inability to breathe normally. It can present suddenly when no apparent danger exists. This is an extreme form of anxiety called a panic attack. A person who experiences them recurrently to the point where they live in constant fear of them likely has a panic disorder.
School avoidance and back-to-school anxiety are growing trends in Canada. According to Anxiety Canada, more than 25% of youth will engage in some form of school avoidance during their education.
Psychotherapists often use the analogy of a three-legged stool to help clients dealing with anxiety understand the neuroscience. Each leg represents a separate aspect of anxiety: the thinking mind, the physical body, and the emotional system. Managing anxiety requires addressing all three. Consequently, understanding the interconnectedness of the legs can provide effective and empowering strategies for dealing with anxiety.
We have some exciting news! 💙
Shanti Psychotherapy has been selected as one of 100 Canadian small businesses to participate in the Backing Canadian Small Businesses program, funded by @amexcanada and administered by @dmzhq
With a $10,000 grant and 12 weeks of mentorship, we’ll continue expanding our community outreach and making culturally responsive mental health care more accessible.
Thank you to our clients, community partners, and everyone who has supported Shanti, we’re excited for what’s ahead! 🩵
#backingcanadiansmallbusinesses #shantipsychotherapy #communitymentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters
Meet Sonomi, Registered Psychotherapist at Shanti Psychotherapy. 🌿
Sonomi supports parents navigating stress, overwhelm, family challenges, and the everyday realities of raising children. She is passionate about helping parents build stronger connections with themselves and their families through compassionate, practical support.
📍 Virtual and in-person appointments available
📞 Book a free consultation to learn more
#MeetTheTherapist #Psychotherapy #ParentingSupport #mentalhealth
A wonderful day of learning, connection, and meaningful conversations at the OASDI Ontario K–12 International Education Symposium ✨
We were honoured to share our session, “What Do I Even Say? Scripts and Language for Mental Health Conversations with International Students,” and connect with so many educators dedicated to supporting student wellbeing.
Thank you to everyone who joined us—we left inspired by your commitment, compassion, and care for international students.
#internationalstudents #studentwellbeing #mentalhealthmatters #internationaleducation
As a second-generation South Asian kid growing up in Sarnia, Ontario, in the 1970s and early 80s, this production hit home in ways I wasn’t expecting.
From the music, to the vulnerability, to the beautiful and honest portrayal of family values, love, sacrifice, and struggle, it felt like watching pieces of my own story unfold on stage. The nuances of navigating multiple cultures, carrying expectations, finding belonging, and honoring the generations that came before us were captured with such authenticity and care. All in a one man show!
What moved me most was how thoughtfully the production normalized the mental health challenges that can exist across first-, second-, and third-generation immigrant families. These are conversations that so many of us have lived but haven’t always seen reflected in mainstream storytelling.
Thank you for creating art that helps people feel seen, understood, and connected. This is exactly the kind of storytelling Canada needs more of.
My hope is that this production receives the support and resources it deserves to travel across the country so more communities can experience its impact. The stories are universal, the message is timely, and the felt sense that comes from seeing ourselves represented is powerful.
Congratulations on an incredible production!! 🙌🏾 💗 #growingupbrown #mentalhealthawareness #bolbrownboybol #firstgeneration #canada🇨🇦
A warm welcome to Maheen Sayal, Registered Social Worker, who has joined the Shanti Psychotherapy team!
Maheen supports individuals (14+), couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, trauma, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. Her approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and grounded in creating a compassionate space where clients feel understood and supported 🫱🏽🫲🏾
📍 In-person & virtual sessions
🗣️ Therapy available in Urdu, English & Hindi
📅 Accepting new clients, book a free 20 minute consultation using our bio or website!
We’re grateful to have her expertise and care as part of our team. 🌿
#TraumaTherapy #EMDRTherapy #MentalHealthSupport #AnxietySupport #CulturallyResponsiveTherapy
Please join us in warmly welcoming Karina Karys, Registered Social Worker, to the Shanti Psychotherapy team! ✨
Karina supports individuals (14+) navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, attachment wounds, relationship patterns, perfectionism, and chronic illness.
As a Certified EMDR & Trauma Therapist, she brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to healing and growth. 💛
📍 In-person & virtual sessions
🗣️ Therapy available in English & Polish
📅 Accepting new clients, book a consultation using our bio or website!
We’re so excited to have her on the team! 🌿
#ShantiPsychotherapy #MeetTheTherapist #EMDRTherapy #TraumaTherapy #MentalHealthSupport
Not every relationship that starts with connection ends in safety.
Toxic relationships often develop slowly — through patterns that create confusion, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. Over time, you may find yourself questioning your feelings, minimizing your needs, or walking on eggshells.
Recognizing these patterns is the first step.�Healing takes time, support, and self-compassion.
You deserve relationships that feel safe, respectful, and steady.
If you’re navigating the impact of a toxic relationship, therapy can help you rebuild your sense of self and move forward with clarity.
#toxicrelationships #mentalhealthawareness #therapy #healingjourney #selfworth boundaries emotionalwellbeing
Narcissistic patterns can leave you questioning your reality, your needs, and your worth.
Clarity begins with recognizing the pattern.
Healing begins with trusting yourself.
Read more on our website by Rashmi Kumar, R.P.
#mentalhealthawareness #narcissism #therapy #emotionalwellbeing #selfworth
“Narcissism” is a word we hear often — but it’s more than confidence or a big ego.
Narcissistic patterns can include manipulation, lack of accountability, and a strong need for admiration, often leaving others feeling confused, invalidated, or emotionally drained.
Understanding these dynamics can help you recognize what’s happening and begin to set healthier boundaries.
You are allowed to protect your well-being.
If you’re struggling in a relationship impacted by these patterns, therapy can provide support, clarity, and tools to move forward.
Learn more on our website, in a blog post by Registered Psychotherapist Rashmi Kumar!
#narcissism #mentalhealth #therapy #boundaries selfawareness healing emotionalhealth psychotherapy
Meet Sonomi Tanaka, Registered Psychotherapist ✨
We’re so excited to welcome Sonomi to the Shanti Psychotherapy team 💛
Sonomi creates a warm, supportive space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace. She works with children, teens, and adults, supporting concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, cultural identity, and relationship challenges.
Her approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in curiosity. a space where you can show up as you are, without judgment.
Sonomi offers virtual and in-person sessions at our danforth location and is currently accepting new clients
📩 book a free 20-minute consultation — link in bio.
#meettheteam #shantipsychotherapy #torontotherapist #mentalhealthsupport therapytoronto
Shanti Psychotherapy was so honored to speak and present at the @okhyouth Sexual Health Summit yesterday engaging in important conversations with youth around sexual safety and healthy relationships!!
So grateful to engage in such important conversations and connect with community partners leading the normalization of conversations around sexual health ✨
Witnessing community in action like this was truly special 🤍
@rpmentalhealthmatters continues to create spaces that bring people together while addressing real needs like food scarcity and access.
From distributing essentials like bread, bananas, and halal meat to offering moments of reflection and care, the impact was tangible and heartfelt.
We also felt deeply honoured to learn more about Ramadan, the intention, the gathering, and the powerful experience of breaking fast through prayer.
A reminder of how nourishment goes far beyond food, it’s also about connection, culture, and community ✨
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