Tracy@therapytoronto.ca
Bayview-Eglinton

647-723-5274
ext 235

Tracy Richards RIHR

I Can Relate

“I’m so afraid. Please, god help me.  I fear I’ve made some terrible mistakes and that I am somehow heading for a disaster of huge proportions.”

Believe it or not, these are the first few lines of a journal entry of mine. When I wrote this, I had been in the process of a very difficult divorce for over 3 years and I was battling an episode of fear that was so crippling, I could not go five minutes without feeling intense panic and a sense of doom. This may come as surprise to some because, not only do I make my living helping others with their life’s challenges, I also have a reputation for strength, optimism and resiliency.  Those who know me would find it hard to believe that I could be capable of going to such a dark place and, thankfully, I can recall only a few times that I have felt like that in my life.  Nevertheless, under the tremendous strain of my divorce and the subsequent upheaval in my life, I found myself in the grip of a fear so unbearable, it made me question my worth, my choices and everything I believe in. 

I think its important to share this with you to illustrate that none of us are exempt from having periods where we feel overwhelmed, sad, confused, fearful, panicky or generally unable to cope but we often don’t know what to do to help ourselves, no matter how much experience we have in helping others. It is in these moments that we need unbiased support and the encouragement to  keep going and work through our challenges but we often find that friends and family lack the skills and objectivity to deal with our needs effectively. This is where the help of a therapist becomes extremely valuable. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Experience and Areas of Focus

In addition to my professional training as a Psychotherapist at Transformational Arts College in Toronto, Canada, I have had several decades of personal and practical experience in personal growth, spirituality, relationships, and family issues. My background is wide and I will share it with you.

I am raising four children and have lived through a very difficult divorce and, as such, I feel that I have valuable insights about relationships and family dynamics that can only be gained through first hand experience.  In addition, I have acquired considerable knowledge and an understanding of the separation and divorce process in Ontario from the perspective of one who has been through the system and this area has emerged as one which I feel very strongly about. 

I feel that there is a great need for a therapeutic program that addresses the thoughts,  questions and issues that are unique to couples and individuals who are considering or who have decided to end a relationship, particularly when children are involved.  I have seen how dramatically different the effects of separation can be when approached with awareness, inner strength and compassion but this is not easy to achieve without constant support and proper skill development and practice.

My Philosophy

I have a philosophy that every person, of any age or background, has the power to live an inspired life and I believe that one’s attitude and perspective have a lot to do with how we respond to whatever challenges we face.  We cannot always control what happens to us, but we do have the power to choose how we respond. Working with me, either individually, as a couple or with a group offers you the benefit of developing awareness skills that will lead you to a greater understanding of what makes you tick.  I will share with you my relevant personal experiences, my principles and my philosophy while giving you the freedom to address your immediate needs as well as to appreciate your infinite potential as it reveals itself throughout the process.  The Joy you were born to live with is just waiting for you. All you have to do is line up with it.

My Offices

I work in Leaside. Here's a map to my office. Please feel free to contact me for a free consultation.