Heidi Petijova

Heidi’s clinical practice is grounded in a humanistic and strength-based approach. She believes that every person has the inner capacity to grow and change when given the right support. Her sessions are collaborative and goal-oriented. She works alongside clients to help them understand their emotional patterns, build awareness, and develop practical tools for change.

She integrates several evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-Centered and Humanistic approaches, Existential Therapy (Logotherapy), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Narrative Therapy. Heidi selects each method based on the client’s goals, personality, and emotional needs, ensuring that care remains flexible and individualized.

Her work often involves supporting clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and stress-related issues. She also works with individuals navigating life transitions, self-esteem challenges, relationship difficulties, and substance use concerns. Through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, she helps clients process and integrate past traumatic experiences in a safe and structured way, reducing the emotional impact of distressing memories and helping them move toward stability and calm.

Heidi views therapy as a process of understanding the root causes of emotional pain while building resilience and self-acceptance. Her sessions emphasize self-awareness, emotional regulation, and developing healthier patterns of thinking and behaviour. She helps clients identify unhelpful beliefs and replace them with perspectives that promote growth and confidence.

Her background and experience have shaped a deep understanding of the human condition. Before moving to Canada, Heidi completed a British Psychiatry Diploma in the UK and worked with mental health charities serving vulnerable populations. These experiences strengthened her ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Working in these settings also deepened her understanding of trauma and emotional complexity, as well as the importance of empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity in therapy.

Heidi’s decision to become a therapist was influenced by her own personal and professional journey. She believes that vulnerability is a natural and necessary part of being human. Rather than avoiding pain, she helps clients face it with compassion and courage, guiding them to transform difficult experiences into personal insight and strength. Her calm and grounded presence helps clients feel supported as they explore their emotions at their own pace.

She often reminds her clients that growth is an ongoing process, not a pursuit of perfection. Her therapeutic philosophy is centered on progress and improvement, helping clients see that small, consistent steps can lead to meaningful and lasting change. She encourages clients to view setbacks as opportunities for learning rather than failure, reinforcing the idea that resilience comes from experience and reflection.

Heidi resonates strongly with the belief that progress equals happiness. This philosophy aligns with her focus on helping clients recognize their progress, no matter how gradual. She often quotes the idea that “change happens when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change,” which reflects her approach to helping clients find motivation and empowerment through awareness and self-compassion.

Her sessions are built on confidentiality, respect, and genuine care. Heidi aims to create an atmosphere where clients feel safe to share their experiences and explore their emotions without judgment. She values authenticity and believes that therapy works best when clients feel heard, validated, and understood.

Heidi continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing professional development, attending workshops and training in trauma-informed care, EMDR, and advanced psychotherapy methods. This commitment ensures that her practice remains aligned with current evidence and best practices in mental health care.

Her work is guided by the standards and ethics set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). She upholds principles of integrity, informed consent, and respect for client autonomy in every aspect of her practice.

Heidi welcomes clients seeking support for emotional distress, trauma recovery, or personal development. She helps individuals move from self-doubt and overwhelm toward clarity, balance, and self-acceptance. Her goal is to provide the tools and understanding that empower clients to lead more meaningful and emotionally stable lives.