Irem Koc | Shanti Psychotherapy

Meet Irem Koc

Registered Psychotherapist (Q)

RP (Q)

She / Her

You might look like you’re coping on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or constantly in your head on the inside. If you’ve spent a long time carrying things on your own, starting therapy can feel overwhelming.

Anxiety and depression can show up in many ways, racing thoughts that won’t slow down, a constant sense of heaviness, emotional numbness, or feeling disconnected from yourself and the people you care about. I offer a calm, supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re carrying, without judgment or pressure to have it all figured out.

I work with Children, Teens, Adults, Couples and International University and College students who may be struggling with anxiety, overthinking, rumination, depression or low mood, relationship concerns, identity questions, or the stress of navigating multiple cultural expectations. Together, we focus on understanding what’s beneath the surface while also developing practical tools to help you feel more grounded, emotionally regulated, and connected in your daily life.

As a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), my approach is person-centred, trauma-informed and culturally responsive. I integrate CBT, DBT, attachment-based, and psychodynamic perspectives, along with mindfulness-informed practices. Therapy with me is collaborative and paced to your individual needs.

As a Turkish therapist living and practicing in a Western context, I deeply understand the tension between collectivistic and individualistic cultures. I’ve never felt fully at home in just one, and I recognize how confusing and isolating it can be to move between worlds. Many of my clients come from diverse cultural backgrounds and value working with a therapist who truly understands the nuances of their experience.

I believe therapy is not about fixing you, but about reconnecting with parts of yourself that may have been silenced, stretched thin, or overlooked over time. If you’re seeking a therapist who understands anxiety, depression, identity, and the quiet struggle of belonging, I would be honoured to work with you.

Sessions are available in both Turkish and English.

Please book a no-charge 20-minute consultation to explore whether we’re a good fit.

Men’s mental health is often shaped by silence. Many men are taught to “push through,” stay strong, or handle things on their own, even when something feels heavy inside.Struggling doesn’t mean you’re weak. Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, irritable, or exhausted doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
Mental health support isn’t about fixing you, it’s about having space to speak honestly, at your own pace, without judgment.Therapy support is available for men who want a supportive space to talk. Reach out to connect with Michael Chu, our men’s mental health expert for a free 20 minute consultation using the link in our bio or on our website - it’s okay to talk about it.#mentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #mensmentalhealth #maletherapist

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Therapy can be a place to slow down and make sense of what’s beneath the surface.

Michael Chu, Registered Psychotherapist (qualifying), works with adults (18+), with a focus on men’s mental health. His work supports clients navigating anxiety, self-confidence, relationships, cultural identity, and life transitions.Michael brings a thoughtful, psychodynamic approach—helping clients explore patterns, emotions, and deeper self-understanding at their own pace. 💬🌱book a free 20-minute consultation using the link in our bio or on our website to learn more and see if working with michael feels like a good fit.#shantipsychotherapy #mensmentalhealth #psychodynamictherapy #adulttherapy #torontotherapy #mentalhealthsupport #therapyjourney

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Grounding techniques are tools that help regulate your nervous system by engaging your senses. When anxiety takes over, your body may go into “fight, flight, or freeze.”Bringing awareness to your surroundings helps signal to your brain that you are safe in this moment.Try this 5-4-3-2-1 method:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can tasteSlow your breath between each one and allow your body to settle. ✨✨✨#grounding #anxietyrelief #mindfulness #mentalhealth #selfcare #mentalwellness #stressrelief #calm #therapytools #mindfulmoment #presentmoment #mentalhealthawareness #selfregulation

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University life is full of new experiences, exciting challenges, and sometimes significant overwhelm. Between deadlines, transitions, and expectations, it’s easy for mental health to take a backseat. 💭💫Our latest blog shares practical ways students can access mental health care, from campus counselling and peer programs to private therapy and insurance coverage tips.Whether you’re adjusting to a new environment or managing ongoing stress, support is available, and you don’t have to do it alone. 💙Read it on our website: https://www.shantipsychotherapy.ca/blog/

#studentwellness #mentalhealthmatters #campussupport #therapyresources #youarenotalone #studentlife #mentalhealthawareness

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