
"We're all just walking
each other home."
-Ram Dass
MY
APPROACH
TO THERAPY

Rae Luise (they / she)
Being human means knowing confusion, loss, and uncertainty, but what feels heavy or overwhelming need not be held alone. It takes courage to seek help, to push against stigma, and to break out of silence or isolation. The relationship between therapist and client can offer a safe space to be heard, and to make sense of the thoughts, feelings and patterns that are occurring in your life and in your most important relationships. Together we can explore new ways of connecting that may bring greater understanding and compassion, and strengthen your capacity to connect and to manage life's difficulties. Our work together will be collaborative as we navigate a pace that feels right for you and develop a curiosity about the experiences that have shaped how you understand yourself and others. Empowerment and growth through interpersonal connection, mindful reflection, and body awareness, are both the process and the goal of my work with clients.
​
As a relational therapist I take seriously the interpersonal impact of race, class, culture, ableism, gendering, and sexuality and I work with these experiences as they exist in my clients' lives and within our therapeutic relationship. My approach to the process of therapy takes into consideration the interconnection between mind and body, and between the personal and systemic. I strive to work in the spirit of cultural humility and to practice anti-oppressive, harm reductive, and sex positive approaches to healing and personal growth.
​
Our work together might help you to identify and attend to:
​
-
Depression
-
Anxiety
-
Grief
-
Chronic pain
-
Abuse
-
Addiction
-
Trauma / PTSD
-
Sexuality
-
Gendering & Identity
-
Relationship difficulties
-
Eating disorders
-
Family conflict
-
Self-esteem
-
Self-harming
-
Suicidal ideation
-
Womxn's issues
-
Life transitions
-
Spirituality
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Part of my commitment to our work together is participation in ongoing professional supervision, somatic & mindfulness studies and continuing education. Each of the courses listed below contribute to the way I understand what wounds us and the way I approach healing.
​
Current Training
Integrative Somatic Parts Work Certificate - The Embody Lab, Francis D Booth LICSW
Basic Principles of Somatic Experiencing - Somatic Experiencing Institute
​
Past Training
Healing the Wounds of Trauma - Dr. Gabor Maté & Dr. Bruce Perry, Psychotherapy Networker
Rhythm of Regulation; Polyvagal Theory in Therapy - Deb Dana LCSW
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Healing Trauma in Couples - Katherine Rheem EdD, LMFT
Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 - Dr. Janina Fisher
Dip. Relational Therapy - Toronto Institute for Relational Therapy
CE Certificate Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies - University of Toronto
MBSR Facilitation Certificate - Centre for Mindfulness Studies Toronto
Integrative Yoga Therapy & Trauma Informed Teaching Practices - Yoga Campus U.K.
​
​