Position: MA (WES), Mental Wellness Coach

Email: mkryvonis.starmindtherapy@gmail.com

BIO:

About Me

Hi and welcome! My name is Martha, and I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO. In my practice, I strive to create a space where you feel safe and empowered to explore parts of yourself that feel painful or scary. We will work together to slow down the moments that usually get rushed past, notice the patterns that have been running in the background, and make changes that move you closer towards the life you want to live. My goal is that you’ll leave each session feeling more understood, better connected to yourself, and having clarity about your next step.

My practice is shaped by my experience as a Psychotherapist working with adults, couples, families, and youth, volunteering as a Crisis Responder, and facilitating support groups for individuals experiencing grief and loss. Through these roles, I gained over 6 years of experience in the mental health field, working with folks from different walks of life. This has allowed me to develop a wealth of knowledge and skills that I tap into to support you through the concerns you’re facing.

As a second generation Ukrainian, I have witnessed firsthand the unique challenges faced by immigrants and refugees, and have developed an understanding of the impacts of these experiences. I recognize how family expectations, bicultural stress, generational patterns, and trauma can shape our identities, relationships, and understanding of the world. In our work together, these parts of you are explored and honoured with compassion and curiosity.

I chose this work because I believe every human deserves to have someone to sit with them in hard moments, where they can let their guard down, and feel truly safe and accepted. I invite you to reach out to book a free consultation to see if we might be a good fit working together. I look forward to meeting you!

Areas of Focus

Individual adults:

–          Stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression

–          Life and role transitions

–          Body image, self-esteem, self-worth, and identity

–          Relationships (familial, romantic, platonic, workplace), communication, boundaries

–          Perfectionism, people-pleasing, hyper-independence

–          Grief and loss

–          Sleep concerns, insomnia, nightmares

Teens and children:

–          Academic-related challenges

–          Bullying

–          Relational concerns (familial, romantic, platonic, school)

–          Emotion regulation and expression

Couples:

–          Infidelity and betrayal

–          Trust and intimacy

–          Communication and conflict resolution

–          Emotional disconnection

–          Parenting and values alignment

Families:

–          Communication and conflict resolution

–          Boundary-setting

–          Life and role transitions

Modalities & Approach

I integrate several approaches including, EFT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman for couples. I know that this jargon might leave you with more questions than answers. Here is a brief note on how each modality can help:

–          EFT – identify and process your emotions, understand how emotions influence your relationships, and build more secure connections

–          ACT – create space for discomfort, gain distance from thoughts and feelings, and take action aligned with your values

–          Narrative Therapy – identify and let go of old stories that no longer serve you, and create new ones that feel more authentic

–          Gottman (couples) – improve communication, conflict resolution, and rebuild connection and intimacy

Although I value the above modalities, I also integrate the following approaches as needed: CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My ultimate goal is for you to feel supported so I invite feedback around how we can adapt therapy to be most helpful for you.

Languages Spoken

English

Ukrainian

Education

Master of Education in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy – University of Toronto

Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Counselling and Mental Health, York University

Certifications and Training

Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1 training) – The Gottman Institute

Emotionally Focused Therapy Workshop – Canada Association of Couple and Family Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy of Nightmares Training – Medical University of South Carolina

CBT Training: Master the Core Skills and Competencies of CBT – PESI

DBT Course: 15 Core Techniques to Improve Emotional Regulation, Manage Distress and More – PESI

ACT for PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, & Personality Disorders – PESI

Certification in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

CBT with Children, Adolescents and Families – Dr. Jemma Helfman