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Individual Therapy

Counselling is a combination of head and heart, science and art.

An intersection of intuition and evidence-based treatment.

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 Arielle Schwartz

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Welcome to a space where healing, growth, and self-discovery are nurtured through a tailored approach rooted in acceptance, empowerment, and compassion. I believe in providing every individual with holistic and integrative care that respects the complexities of their unique journey.

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I am fascinated by attachment-based, humanistic and experiential therapeutic modalities. My primary therapeutic modalities include Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, Polyvagal and Somatic approaches.
 

What does this mean?


It means that in our work together, I’ll support you in exploring your inner world with compassion and curiosity. I draw from approaches that understand how our early relationships shape us (attachment-based), that see you as the expert of your own experience (humanistic), and that help you connect with your emotions and body in the present moment (experiential).
 

We might gently explore different parts of you (Internal Family Systems), notice how your nervous system responds to stress (Polyvagal Theory), and use body-based tools to help you feel more grounded and safe (Somatic therapy). I also offer Brainspotting, a focused technique that uses eye position to access deep parts of the brain where trauma and emotion are stored. This technique often helps people process things they haven’t been able to put into words.​

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During our therapy sessions, we'll embark on a journey of self-exploration and growth. I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. We'll consider your unique identity and experiences and work together to help you navigate life's challenges and cultivate resilience.

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Community Focus

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  • Adults +21

  • Older Adults

  • Couples & Partners

  • 2SLGBTQIA+

  • Neurodivergent (ADHDers, Autistic, Gifted, Complex, Creative, Intense Minded, Highly Sensitive)

  • New to Canada

  • Immigrants

  • Survivors of trauma and Abuse

  • Spiritual

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Issues

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  • Anxiety

  • Anger

  • Body Image

  • Break-ups

  • Career Crisis and Vocational Identity

  • Chronic Pain and Illness Management

  • Climate Trauma, Eco-anxiety, Ecological Grief

  • Depression

  • Emotional Dysregulation

  • Existential Issues

  • Family of Origin

  • Grief/Loss

  • High Sensitivity

  • Immigration and Acculturation

  • Intimacy/Sex

  • Life Transitions 

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ issues

  • Neurodiversity Struggles 

  • PTSD and C-PTSD

  • Relationship & Family issues

  • Religious Trauma

  • Self-esteem

  • Sexuality & Gender

  • Spirituality & Intuition

  • Stress

  • Trauma

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As an integrative practitioner, I draw from different modalities:

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  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

  • Brainspotting 

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)

  • Existential

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Mindfulness

  • Narrative

  • Person-centred

  • Polyvagal Theory

  • Solution-Focused (SFBT) 

  • Somatic 

  • Strength-Based

Contact Me

For any questions you have, you can reach me here:

Nina Santiago, PhD

Registered Health and Nutrition Counsellor

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

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©2025 Authentic Self Counselling

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