Relational Therapy with Adults and Youth

Relational Therapy is a powerful and compassionate process that supports mental and emotional healing, self-discovery and empowerment. It emphasizes the importance of relationships in shaping our emotional well-being, whether these relationships are with partners, family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, service providers, the therapist, or with ourselves. In a ‘safe enough’ and supportive therapeutic dynamic, clients can identify patterns, address emotional wounds, and build healthier ways of relating. 

  • Conversational

  • Psychodynamic and somatic

  • Attachment-based

  • Parts work

  • Trauma-Informed

  • Anti-racist and anti-oppressive

  • Queer lens

Helpful for issues such as:

  • Anxiety, depression, burnout, and people pleasing

  • Navigating social and family dynamics

  • Strengthening emotional regulation

  • Processing grief and trauma

  • Supporting queer and trans identities

  • Honouring neurodivergence

The Role of the Therapist

The therapist in relational psychotherapy is an engaged participant in the client's healing journey. Their role is to co-create a therapeutic relationship where clients can explore, understand, and revise relational patterns, allowing for deep emotional growth and connection.

About Vivian

My name is Vivian Simone (they/she). I am a Registered Psychotherapist. I use a client-led relational therapy approach, grounded in both experience and theory, with a deep respect for people and the natural world.

I was born and raised in Tkaronto (Toronto), the traditional territory of many nations, including the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Mississaugas of the Credit, and Anishnaabeg people. For the past nine years, I have lived rurally near Marmora, Ontario, the traditional territory of the Anishinabewaki, Wendake-Nionwentsio, and Mississauga people.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as an educator, specializing in Environmental Studies and Decolonizing Education. Trained as a teacher, I initially focused my career outside of schools, running an environmental education childcare program. From there, I coordinated, taught, and provided assessments in a trauma-informed education and mentoring program. While working in community settings with children, youth, and their families, I continually felt inspired by the complex interpersonal dynamics people navigated. From this place, a deep calling to practice psychotherapy emerged.

I come to this work from my own lived experience of mental and emotional health. I know how difficult it can be to access support and build trust with someone new. I also know the profound potential for healing and growth.

I am at the intersection of many identities, and this shapes how I experience the world. If you have curiosities about me, I welcome you to ask.

In therapy, I hope to learn about you, in your uniqueness, as we go.

Credentials

  • 3 years in private practice

  • Registered Psychotherapist (#17183), trained by the Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy (TIRP), a graduate program that is intensive and experience-based

  • Member of the Canadian Association for Psychodynamic Therapy (CAPT)

  • 20+ years working with children and youth in community settings

  • Bachelor of Arts with Honours - Indigenous Studies, Bachelor of Education, Masters in Environmental Studies