Goldhopf Psychotherapy

I offer talk therapy for individuals and couples online and in person in Toronto at my office at Yonge and Eglinton.

As a therapist, I welcome diversity of all kinds, and prize inclusivity of sexualities, genders, abilities, races, cultures, religions, ages, body sizes, and political values.

Take your time to read about what I offer as a therapist, and see if you think I might be able to help you on your journey. If you feel  we’re a potential fit, you can check out my website or book a free 30-minute consultation by emailing me to get to know me further.

Approach to Individual Therapy

My approach to individual therapy focuses on delving into underlying issues, rather than just addressing symptoms, to support sustained growth and healing. Our work begins with a warm, supportive and non-judgmental environment. My goal is to understand your experience as accurately and empathically as possible. I then draw from a variety of models and techniques. These range from a focus on our relationship as a microcosm to understand relational patterns that exist outside the therapy room, to a deep interest in your dreams to understand what your unconscious might be communicating, to an understanding of coping mechanisms and how they once served you, to techniques that teach you how to skillfully navigating challenging thoughts and emotions while living a life in line with your values. I work from this range because I don’t believe that one approach is sufficient to address your unique needs.

Approach to Couples Therapy

I aim to create a safe and supportive space for you and your partner to explore the emotions, behaviors, and patterns affecting your authentic connection. Emotions are essential for understanding and healing relationships, and by working together, we can uncover the underlying emotional needs driving your interactions.

During our sessions, I will assist you and your partner in recognizing and effectively expressing your feelings, cultivating empathy and understanding between you. By attuning to each other’s vulnerabilities, we can break the cycles of negative interactions and build more secure, loving connections. Additionally, we will delve into the unconscious dynamics that might be contributing to your relational struggles, enabling you to gain insights into the deeper aspects of your relationship

I am committed to supporting diverse relationships, including those within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. My approach is inclusive and affirming, recognizing the unique experiences and challenges that may be present for individuals and couples who do not fit into traditional, Eurocentric, cis-heteronormative frameworks. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where all relationships can thrive and grow.

Therapy for Artists 

Artists face unique challenges to their mental well-being that stem from choosing to do the hardest (and potentially most rewarding) thing in the world: to display vulnerability and honesty while attempting to channel something meaningful, authentic, and unique, and put this creative child into the world with the hope that it will be appreciated.

Having trained and worked as an actor and filmmaker I have an intimate understanding of the creative process. I have also faced severe creative blocks in my work, and as a result have read many books, spoken to other artists, and sought my own therapy to help me work through these challenges. This has not only helped me immensely in my own creative life, but it inspired me to focus my training as a therapist on how to effectively support other artists.

My hope is that in working together we can help you overcome the difficulties of your creative journey and live a fulfilling life as you bring your unique gifts to the world.

Background

I have completed a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies for Studies in Education. I have also volunteered at the Distress Centres of Greater Toronto as a crisis worker on their distress lines, and as a grief counsellor for folks who lost someone to suicide or homicide. In addition to my training and therapy work experiences, I draw upon my life experiences as a filmmaker, husband and father.

Areas of Practice Include:

–Anxiety

-Artists and Artistic Practice

-Depression

-Chronic Pleasing

-Conflict Avoidance

-Existential Distress

-Fear of Death

-Grief, Loss, and Traumatic Loss

-Loss of Meaning

-Life Purpose

-Life Transition

-Masculinity Issues

-Parenting and Family Challenges

-Parents of trans and gender non-conforming kids

-Perfectionism

-Relationship Issues

-Spiritual Exploration

-Self and Identity Exploration

-Work Challenges

Types of Therapy

-Relational Psychodynamic

-Anti-Oppressive

-Trauma Informed

-Couples Therapy

-Existential

-Jungian Dream Work

-Internal Family Systems (IFS)

-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

-Emotional-Focused Therapy (EFT)