Holistic Psychotherapy and Clinical Consultation
TENDER HEART TORONTO
WELCOME
While the choice to begin therapy may feel difficult or scary, the counselling process itself doesn’t have to be. I work to create a container where you can safely explore the issues bringing you to therapy: from anxiety, depression, chronic stress or illness, to relationship challenges, trauma, or substance use, to the deeper questions of identity, the self, and the construction of meaning in your life. The pace and depth of the work is set by you. I welcome all goal choices and processing styles.
I am currently accepting new clients for remote psychotherapy and clinical consultation. Click here to get in touch.
MEET IRYNA DUTKO
I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) and a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist, and a background in community development and social services. I come to this work from a place of deep respect for and admiration of the human capacity for self-exploration, resilience, and growth. As human beings, we possess a core dignity and worthiness. We all have an innate ability to heal.
Honouring this understanding, I position myself as the support rather than the expert of your healing journey. My approach to therapy is collaborative, holistic, and trauma-informed. I bring warmth, authenticity, and compassion into our work together. Depending on what is coming up for you from session to session, I can be gentle or direct, serious or humorous. Most of all, I strive to hold a rooted presence in order to support your comfort in therapy.
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I draw on contemporary research in neuroscience and attachment theory, and integrate relational, body-based (somatic), mindfulness, and client-centered therapies to create an individualized approach that is unique and responsive to each person’s goals and needs.
My work is also informed by a commitment to anti-oppression, anti-racism, and social justice. Western society teaches us that our challenges with mental health and well-being result from personal failings with coping and adaptability. I believe that factors such as chronic stress and illness, trauma, systemic oppression, white supremacy, and the pressures of capitalism shape both our well-being and our attempts to get well. Working from and within this understanding, a holistic approach can help us to find our way back to self by connecting mind, body, and spirit, honouring our deep wisdom, and building on existing skills in a compassionate manner.
I welcome you to come to therapy as your authentic self. My practice is kink, polyam, and sex work positive, rooted in principles of community healing, and dedicated to uplifting the LGBTQ2S+ community.
If you are interested in exploring whether I am the right therapist for you, contact me to set up a free phone consultation.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.”
-Rumi
SPECIALIZATIONS
I work with a number of issues in therapy, including:
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Chronic Stress and Burnout
Family and Relational Conflict
Life Transitions
Low Self Esteem
Addiction and Substance Use
Chronic Illness, Disability
Mild TBI and Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
Gender, Sexuality, and Identity Issues
I am particularly adept at working with “heady” or "cerebral" people who struggle with rumination, perfectionism, intellectualization, emotional connection, and/or a strong inner critic, and who are interested in exploring how they might connect to their body and felt experience. Many of my clients have previous therapy experience and are interested in exploring a new approach that focuses on synthesizing mind, body, and spirit to facilitate healing.
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I am especially interested in working with issues that bring people to a crossroads or a crisis of self: chronic illness or pain, acquired disability, traumatic loss, or other life transitions that bring about questions regarding who and how we are, and the meaning of our lives.
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I am able to provide remote (telephone or video) psychotherapy to anyone located in Ontario.
HOURS AND FEES
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Sunday: 12:00PM - 6:00PM
Monday to Wednesday: 12:00PM - 6:30PM
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and charged at $155/session.
For more information, contact me via e-mail or using the contact form below.
