Sylvia Kraus MA, RYT, Member CAPT

A dream that has not been interpreted is like a letter that has not been opened.
The Talmud

Many of us first come to therapy feeling that we are having trouble letting go. We are blocked creatively or emotionally, refreshing sleep is problematic, satisfying sexual loving seldom happens. Feelings of isolation or alienation might be encroaching upon us or otherwise an overwhelming sense of emptiness is perhaps beginning to prevail. We are looking for a way to feel more real and yet everything about us is seized up.

This scenario describes how I felt some years ago when I began my own journey into the realm of psychotherapy. I had not yet realized that in order to feel more real I had to willingly push myself further into the very places from which I most wanted to run or hide. The challenging journey without warning led me to discover aspects of myself of which I was totally unaware - both disturbing and exhilarating.

Moving toward the essence of what we are enables us be more genuine and creative: to act more spontaneously, to feel more intensely and above all to live life more meaningfully in the present. This is where psychotherapy has brought me and this is where I aspire to guide my clients.

As a Jungian psychotherapist, Spiritual director and Yoga instructor my work with clients tends to focus on an exploration of the unknown aspects of ourselves that need to be brought into awareness in order for life to be rich and fulfilling. Recurring emotional and physical challenges are almost always symptomatic of 'dis- ease' within one's Self.

In the view of the eminent Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, any degree of neurotic behaviour can be understood as a metaphor created by the psyche in an effort to draw our attention to something crucial that needs to be addressed.

Many of the painful problems and unresolved issues that we carry with us through life today arise as a result of the spiritual vacuity that characterizes the landscape of our western culture.

Most individuals are no longer connected to anything intrinsically meaningful, and the consequence of this desolate post-modern view can be felt and experienced in every dimension of life.

That which is truly significant and fulfilling has become a struggle to define. Rather than run from our feelings of emptiness we need to confront these areas in our life in order to reconnect to our basic human nature.

Professional History

My career as a psychotherapist and spiritual director began in Toronto almost a decade ago. Since that time I have worked at various mental health and religious institutions and also in private practice.

In these settings I have provided therapy to individuals of all ages experiencing difficulties in life, ranging from relational and sexual problems and mid-life crisis to depression, addiction and eating disorders.

I have also had training in Brief Therapy, Focusing and Gestalt techniques, all of which have proven to be beneficial toward addressing the specific issues and challenges of individuals.

My practice is to some extent informed and oriented around Jungian concepts in psychology including the symbolic interpretation of dreams.

In addition, as a spiritual director formally trained in pastoral counselling, I have discovered the importance of meditation and reflective thought.

Finally, my experience as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) has convinced me of the intrinsic connections between body, mind and soul.

At best I believe that the process of psychotherapy within each individual serves to enhance the evolution of human consciousness for the benefit of all life on Earth.

If it seems that I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to email me for a free consultation. Here's a map to my St. Clair & Yonge location in Toronto.