“The foundation of the therapeutic relationship is the compassionate, curious presence of the therapist,
which allows the client to safely explore all aspects of their experience. We gain a sense of freedom
from being honest and open with ourselves; great freedom and joy.”
I provide the
following services:
ABOUT
Education
Current Positions
Previous Positions
Professional Trainings
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
– Anais Nin
“We look at the world once, in childhood. The rest is memory.”
– Louise Gluck
PAT DURISH RSW/MSW, PhD.
Welcome.
Therapy is collaborative process that requires both the therapist and the client to be curious, compassionate and non judgmental. Therapy is also effortful; it is most effective when you take risks and actively work to apply what you learn in therapy to your everyday life. As a therapist, I strive to cultivate an empathetic and honest presence. My intention is to support you but also to gently challenge you.
I have been in private practice since 2007. My clinical experience includes working in a range of social service organizations providing service to children, families, individuals and couples. In addition, I have worked as a policy analyst, researcher and educator. I have extensive post graduate training in the areas of gender based violence and trauma.
I am an accredited expert witness and have appeared before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, Provincial and Federal Courts.
I have been on faculty at the University of Toronto since 2006 teaching in the Equity Studies and Women and Gender Studies programs.
My practice is located in the heart of the Annex neighbourhood at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor.
I am a clinical social worker registered with the OASW and OASWSSW.
APPROACH
I am relationally oriented, which means that I understand that a caring and respectful relationship between a therapist and client is essential to healing. I am committed to providing you with a safe therapeutic environment that will encourage honesty and exploration.
I am trained as a sensorimotor psychotherapist so I am interested in how your body holds and expresses your early memories and learnings about the world and your place within it.
I encourage body awareness and the use of mindfulness meditation as a tool to aid us in our work together.
I am committed to an anti oppressive practice that is respectful of difference.
I offer support for the
following issues: