Maybe your mind always seems to be one step ahead, imagining what could go wrong. You replay conversations, worry about things that haven’t happened yet, struggle to make decisions, or feel your heart race over situations that other people seem to handle with ease. Even when you know logically that you’re safe, your body doesn’t always seem to get the message.
For some people, anxiety becomes especially intense around their health or medical care. Maybe you’ve been putting off a dental appointment for months because just thinking about sitting in the chair makes your stomach tighten. Perhaps needles, medical tests, procedures, unfamiliar sensations, or waiting for results leave you feeling panicked or out of control. You might even feel embarrassed about your fear or worry that healthcare providers won’t understand how overwhelming it feels.
Anxiety can also show up in relationships, school, parenting, social situations, major life changes, or seemingly out of nowhere. However it appears, constantly anticipating, worrying, and trying to keep everything under control can be exhausting.
I provide a warm, client-centred, non-judgmental space where you can slow things down and understand what is happening beneath your anxiety. Together, we can identify the thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and patterns that keep anxiety going while developing practical strategies to help you feel calmer and more grounded when it shows up.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a dental hygienist, where I regularly supported patients who felt nervous, fearful, or overwhelmed about dental treatment. I learned how powerful it can be to have someone remain calm beside you, listen without judgment, help you feel grounded, and give you the space you need to regain a sense of control. I bring that same patience and understanding to my work as a therapist.
My goal is not simply to help you avoid the things that make you anxious. It is to help you build confidence in your ability to cope with anxiety when it arises. Over time, you can begin to understand your anxiety rather than fear it, feel more grounded in your body, trust yourself in difficult moments, and approach situations you once avoided with greater confidence.
Whether that means finally booking the dental appointment you’ve been dreading, feeling calmer before a medical procedure, worrying less about what others think, or simply getting through your day without your mind constantly jumping to the worst-case scenario, we can work toward helping anxiety take up less space in your life.
Experience
Marsha is a Qualifying Registered Psychotherapist who has completed the course requirements for her Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology and is completing the clinical hours required for psychotherapy licensing. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from the University of Toronto.
Before entering the psychotherapy field, Marsha worked as a dental hygienist, providing one-on-one, client-centred healthcare. During this time, she frequently worked with patients experiencing fear and anxiety surrounding dental appointments and procedures. She developed an ability to remain calm and supportive, helping anxious patients feel safer, more grounded, and more comfortable during their care. Her healthcare and science background also gives her a unique perspective when supporting clients experiencing anxiety related to dental treatment, medical procedures, health concerns, and healthcare environments.
Marsha also brings experience working with children, teens, and families. As a mother of two teenagers, she understands many of the pressures facing young people today as well as the challenges parents can experience while supporting them. Her volunteer experience as a children’s choir leader and program coordinator has given her additional experience supporting children with diverse emotional and behavioural needs, encouraging emotional expression and confidence while collaborating with their families.
Marsha believes in creating a therapeutic environment built on safety, compassion, confidence, and inclusivity. She values cultural awareness and identity affirmation and strives to create a space where clients from diverse backgrounds feel respected, heard, and comfortable being themselves.
Clients Served
Individuals, teens, children, and families
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centred Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Cognative Behavioural Therapy, Attachment-Focused Therapy
Issues Supported
Anxiety
Depression, stress, emotional dysregulation
Generalized anxiety
Anxiety stemming from work/career related challenges
health anxiety
dental anxiety, medical and procedure-related anxiety,
fears and phobias
social anxiety, panic, anticipatory anxiety,
parenting and youth concerns
Education and Certifications
Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, University of Toronto
Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology, Yorkville University
More Than Just My Work
I’m a proud mom of two teenagers, which means life is rarely boring! Being their mom has given me a firsthand appreciation for the joys, challenges, and constant changes that come with the teenage years. I love watching them grow into their own unique personalities and pursue the things that matter to them. Although parenting can be difficult at times, it has helped to shape me as an individual in my personal and professional life journey.