Karen Freud
About Karen
Their own wordsI’m a North York, Ontario-based Registered Psychotherapist and Registered Art Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals across diverse communities. My work is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow.
### Credentials & Professional Background
Experienced care, rooted in clinical training and creativity.
I hold a Master’s Level Diploma from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and am a Certified Anxiety Treatment Professional. My clinical experience spans private practice, community mental health, long-term care, and addiction recovery.
### What Guides My Work
A deep respect for your story and a belief in your strength.
At the core of my approach is the belief that every person deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered. I aim to create a space where you feel safe to explore, reflect, and reconnect with your inner strengths. Through therapy, my hope is to help you cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and self-compassion.
Learn more about my [therapeutic philosophy and style] (https://karenfreud.com/pages/meet-karen)
### Areas of Focus & Clinical Interest
Support for anxiety, self-esteem, recovery, and life’s transitions.
While I specialize in helping adults manage anxiety, I also work with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Addiction recovery aftercare
- Grief and loss
- Identity
- Life transitions
- Aging-related issues
- Relationship challenges
- Setting boundaries
- Self-Care
- Building self-confidence
- Stress management and burnout
- Healing from trauma
### How I Work: A Flexible, Client-Centred Approach
The way we work together will reflect who you are and what you need.
My approach is collaborative, creative, and adaptable. Some clients prefer talk therapy, others feel more at ease exploring through art — many choose a combination of both. Together, we’ll find the approach that feels right for you and supports your goals.
My training in art therapy was grounded in psychodynamic theory, which continues to inform how I understand emotional patterns, unconscious dynamics, and creative expression in therapy. Even when drawing from CBT or other present-focused tools, this foundation helps me approach your story with greater depth and nuance.
### Therapeutic Modalities I Draw From
These are some of the frameworks I may integrate into our work:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
Identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that are keeping you stuck.
Psychodynamic Therapy:
Exploring and understanding how past experiences may be shaping your current thoughts, emotions, and patterns.
Attachment Theory:
Exploring and understanding how early relationships may be shaping how you connect with others (and with yourself) today.
Person-Centred Therapy:
Creating a safe, non-judgmental space for self-exploration and growth at your own pace.
Strength-Based Therapy:
Helping you identify and connect with your strengths, values, and inner resilience.
Learn more about the [therapeutic modalities](https://karenfreud.com/pages/therapeutic-modalities) I draw from.
### My Style in Session
Compassionate, curious, and grounded in respect.
I’m warm, thoughtful, and present in the room with you. I’ll meet you with openness, and gently support your growth at a pace that feels right for you. While I may offer reflections or invite you to consider new perspectives, I do so with care — always prioritizing your comfort and readiness.
We can start with a conversation—[choose a time that works for you](https://karenfreud-psychotherapy.janeapp.com/)
- Often treats
- AddictionAgingAnxietyChronic Pain or IllnessDepressionDual DiagnosisElderly Persons DisordersEmotion RegulationEmotional Abuse
+9 moreShow fewer
Geriatric CounsellingLonelinessMood disordersRelationship IssuesSelf EsteemSocial Anxiety DisorderSocial IsolationStressWorkplace stress - Sees
- Adults (18+) · Seniors (65+)
- Trained at
- York University · Toronto Art Therapy Institute
- Member of
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) · Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) · Ontario Art Therapy Association (OATA)
Art Therapy with a Student InquiryNew patientStudent practitioner
“Interested in Exploring Art Therapy with a Student in Training?
Working with a Student Art Therapist is a great way to access art therapy at a reduced rate — 55% lower than my standard fee.
To get started, book a free 15-minute video consultation with me, Karen Freud. In this call, I’ll answer your questions, learn more about your needs, and help determine whether working with a Student Art Therapist is the right fit for you. There’s no cost and no obligation.
📌 If you're interested in working with a Student Art Therapist — or even just exploring the option — you’ll need to book an “Art Therapy with a Student Inquiry (15-minutes)” consultation with Karen Freud before beginning.
🛡️ Please note: Student Art Therapists work under ongoing clinical supervision and oversight to ensure safe, ethical, and effective care.”Clinical SupervisionFollow-up
“This is an appointment for Clinical Supervision. (Please only select this option if you are a current client or if we have already communicated and agreed to enter into a Supervisory relationship.
📌 If you are a student therapist I am already working with for Clinical Supervision, please contact me directly to book our next appointment.”Clinical Supervision Inquiry - (Meeting)New patient
“If you are a Professional or Registered Art Therapist interested in receiving Clinical Supervision, select this option. This meeting will provide you the opportunity to let me know your Supervision needs and to learn more about my services.”Individual Psychotherapy (Registered Psychotherapist)
“This session is for active clients who are continuing their therapeutic journey with me.
During our session, we’ll build upon the work we’ve already begun, focusing on your current needs, concerns, and goals.
Please contact me to confirm space availability.
📌 First visit? If this is your first therapy session with me, please select the "Intake Session" option to get started.”2 options: Intake Session (Registered Psychotherapist)
“This first session is a chance for us to talk so I can get to know you, what you’re looking for, and how I can best support you. Together, we’ll start to put a plan in place for your goals.
Please contact me to confirm space availability.”2 optionsPsychotherapy or Art Therapy Services Inquiry - (Meeting)New patient
“If you are curious about starting therapy but not sure yet, select this option. This meeting will provide you the opportunity to tell me a bit about what you’re looking for, ask questions, and get a feel for whether working together feels like a good fit.”Trial Session for (Registered Psychotherapist)
“FOR NEW CLIENTS ONLY
I invite you to book your first session at a one-time, reduced fee. You can choose to schedule this as your very first step, or after we’ve had a free 15-minute consultation. All sessions are held online by video.”Openings checked 23 min ago

