At the Heart of Healing is… Connection

Counselling and psychotherapy · Toronto · Virtual across Ontario

Therapy in Ontario, where you feel heard

The Heart of Healing is a Toronto counselling and psychotherapy practice. We offer virtual sessions to children, teens, adults, couples and families anywhere in Ontario. Whether it is anxiety, burnout, trauma or relationship stress, you will work with a registered clinician who takes the time to understand what you are going through. Connection is the foundation of every session, and the reason therapy works so you feel seen, understood, and not alone.

Book a free 15-minute consult Book a session online

No pressure. It is a short conversation to see if we are a good fit.

Christina Abounassar, Registered Social Worker and founder of The Heart of Healing

Megan Sigmundson, Registered Psychotherapist at The Heart of Healing

Daria, Admin and Client Care at The Heart of Healing

Regulated Ontario clinicians

Virtual sessions anywhere in Ontario

Free 15-minute consult

Receipts for insurance claims

What is The Heart of Healing?

The Heart of Healing is a Toronto-based counselling and psychotherapy practice offering virtual therapy across Ontario. Our team includes Registered Social Workers (MSW, RSW) and Registered Psychotherapists (RP). We support children, teens, adults, couples and families with anxiety, burnout, trauma, ADHD, relationship stress, divorce and major life transitions. Every new client starts with a free 15-minute consultation.

What are you carrying right now?

Start with what feels closest to home. Each page explains how we work with it.

I feel anxious all the time

Anxiety therapy in Ontario

Racing thoughts, a tight chest, trouble sleeping. Learn practical ways to settle your nervous system and stop bracing for the worst.

I'm exhausted and can't switch off

Burnout and work stress

For driven professionals and executives running on empty. Rebuild energy, boundaries and a sense of meaning in your work.

Something from my past keeps showing up

Trauma therapy

Go at a pace that feels safe. We build stability first, then work through what is weighing on you.

We keep having the same argument

Couples therapy

Understand your patterns, repair connection and learn to talk in ways your partner can actually hear.

I can't focus and my mind feels chaotic

ADHD support for adults

Support with focus, overwhelm and the emotional weight of living with ADHD, or wondering if you have it.

My life is changing and I feel lost

Life transitions, divorce and separation

A steady place to think through big changes in work, relationships, identity or family.

I'm carrying everyone's expectations

Therapy for South Asian and Brown women

Family expectations, culture, career and your own needs can pull in every direction. Learn to manage the pressure and set priorities that include you.

I'm overwhelmed by everything on my plate

College and university students

New classes, deadlines, money and relationships pile up fast. Learn to manage the stress of all your new priorities and feel steadier.

I never feel like I fully fit in

Multiracial and mixed people

Moving between worlds can leave you feeling like you belong nowhere. Explore your identity and learn to blend your worlds on your own terms.

How to start therapy with us

Three simple steps. You set the pace.

1

Book a free 15-minute consult

Tell us what is going on and what you hope will change. We talk about fit, availability and fees. No pressure.

2

Meet your clinician

Your first session is by secure video. We listen, get clear on your goals and agree on a plan that suits you.

3

Build momentum

How often we meet is something we decide together. We check in on progress and adjust as you go.

Book a free 15-minute consult

Meet our team

Registered clinicians who believe real change starts with genuine connection, and the person who looks after you from your first message.

Christina Abounassar

Founder · MSW, RSW · Registered Social Worker

Over 10 years in practice. Christina works with driven professionals, couples and individuals who are ready to do deeper work, in a space where you can feel heard without judgment. Registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Meet Christina →

Megan Sigmundson

BA, BEd, MA, RP · Registered Psychotherapist

Nine years in practice. Megan supports students, young adults, women, men and parents with anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions, and is a Certified EFFT Caregiver Workshop Facilitator. Registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Meet Megan →

Daria

Admin & Client Care

Daria is often your first point of contact. She helps you book your free consult, answers questions about scheduling, fees and receipts, and makes sure you feel looked after from your first message.

Not sure who to book with? Tell us what you are looking for in your free consult and we will help you choose.

Ways to work with us

Virtual therapy across Ontario for individuals, couples, families and groups.

Woman meditating with her eyes closed in a calm home setting

Individual therapy

One-to-one support for anxiety, burnout, trauma and life changes.

Couple talking with a therapist during a counselling session

Couples therapy

Understand your patterns, rebuild trust and communicate in ways that land.

Family therapy

Reduce conflict and support a loved one who is struggling.

Group therapy

Learn alongside others in a structured, supportive setting.

Therapy approaches we draw on

Our work is shaped by well-researched approaches. Which ones we use depends on you and on your clinician.

EMDRA structured therapy that helps your brain process distressing memories.Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT and EFFT)Strengthens emotional bonds in couples and families.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Practical skills to change unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns.Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)Skills for intense emotions, stress and difficult relationships.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Make room for hard feelings while acting on what matters to you.Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)An experiential approach that helps you process emotion and build resilience.

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers about therapy in Ontario, fees and insurance.

Do you offer online therapy across Ontario?

Yes. We offer secure video sessions to clients anywhere in Ontario. Because our clinicians are registered in Ontario, you need to be physically located in Ontario during your session. In-person sessions can be discussed.

What is the difference between a Registered Social Worker and a Registered Psychotherapist?

Both are regulated Ontario professionals who provide talk therapy. Registered Social Workers (RSW) are regulated by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Registered Psychotherapists (RP) are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Either can be a great fit. The right choice depends on your goals and the clinician’s experience, and we are happy to help you decide during your free consult.

How much does therapy cost?

The 15-minute consultation is free. For example, a 50-minute individual session with Megan is $180 and a couple or family session is $220. Ask us about current rates for other clinicians during your consult. If cost is a barrier, reach out and we will talk through options.

Does insurance cover therapy in Ontario?

OHIP does not cover private psychotherapy or counselling. Many extended health plans through work or school do cover Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists, but coverage varies by plan. We provide receipts you can submit to your insurer. Check your plan for the clinician type covered and any per-session or yearly limits. Many clients can also claim their receipts as a medical expense on their taxes. Check with your accountant or the CRA to confirm what applies to you.

Are there free or lower-cost therapy options in Ontario?

Yes. Some organizations offer publicly funded therapy, although there may be waitlists. If you would like to work with us and cost is a concern, tell us during your consult. We can explore options with you, such as a sliding scale rate or a student clinician, when available.

What happens in the free 15-minute consultation?

It is a relaxed phone or video conversation. You share what is going on and what you hope will change. We talk about fit, availability and fees, and answer your questions. There is no pressure to book.

How do I know if I need therapy?

You do not need to be in crisis. If worry, exhaustion, relationship stress or past experiences have been affecting your sleep, work, health or relationships for more than a few weeks, therapy can help. If you are unsure, the free consult is a low-pressure place to find out.

How long does therapy take?

It depends on your goals. Some people work on a specific challenge in a few months, while others stay longer for deeper work such as trauma recovery. We check in regularly about progress and adjust the plan together.

Is what I share confidential?

Yes. Your personal health information is protected under Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the standards of our professional colleges. There are limited legal exceptions, such as a risk of serious harm or a child-protection concern, which we explain at your first session.

Who do you work with?

We work with children, teens, adults, couples and families across Ontario, including professionals, parents, students and young adults. Our areas of practice include anxiety, burnout, trauma, ADHD, divorce and separation, life transitions, student stress and support around culture and identity.

Helpful reading

Plain-language guides from our clinicians.

What’s the difference between anxiety and trauma, and why it matters for treatmentRead the guide →EMDR vs. CBT for trauma: how to know which one is right for youRead the guide →How long does trauma therapy actually take? A realistic timelineRead the guide →

See all articles →

You do not have to figure this out on your own

Book a free 15-minute consultation and tell us what is going on. We will talk about how we would work together and whether we are the right fit.

Book a free 15-minute consult Call (289) 819-3399

Contact us

Phone: (289) 819-3399
Email: theheartofhealingcs@gmail.com
Mailing address: 1015 Lakeshore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4M 1B0

Virtual therapy for clients across Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo and Barrie.

Book a session online →

If you are in crisis

Call or text 9-8-8, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, 24/7 anywhere in Canada.
Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 for mental health and addictions services.
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.

The Heart of Healing is not a crisis or emergency service.

Free 15-min consult Call