Therapy for people who are tired of putting themselves last
At The Found Self, my philosophy is simple: You deserve to be a priority in your own life. I provide a supportive space to help you move from feeling overwhelmed and overlooked to feeling grounded and clear. Together, we’ll work on:
Understanding your needs: Learning what truly matters to you.
Setting healthy limits: Saying "no" to others so you can say "yes" to yourself.
Building self-kindness: Letting go of the pressure to be perfect.
You don’t have to navigate this path alone. I am here to support you as you rediscover your interests, your boundaries, and—most importantly—your self.
Individual therapy for people-pleasing, boundaries and reconnecting with yourself. Based in Mississauga and offering virtual appointments.
In-person therapy in Mississauga and virtual therapy for clients in Ontario and select provinces and territories across Canada.
Accepting new clients · $150 per 50-minute session · In-person and virtual · Sliding-scale spaces may be available
You may be used to being the strong one
Other people may see you as capable, thoughtful and dependable. They may not see how often you question yourself, carry other people’s emotions or push your own needs aside.
You say yes and later feel resentful, depleted or overwhelmed.
You replay conversations and worry that you upset someone.
You feel guilty when you rest, ask for help or set a limit.
You keep the peace even when something does not feel right.
You know what everyone else needs but struggle to name your own.
You appear independent while privately wishing someone would take care of you too.
Therapy can help you understand why these patterns developed and create more room for your own needs, limits and voice.
“The essence of trauma is disconnection from the self. The healing is reconnection.”
— Gabor Maté
How I can support you
You do not need to fit neatly into one category. These experiences often overlap, and we can begin with whatever feels most difficult right now.
People-Pleasing & Boundaries
Practise recognizing your needs, setting limits and speaking more directly without becoming consumed by guilt.
Anxiety, Burnout & Overwhelm
Understand the beliefs and responsibilities that keep your mind switched on and make rest feel difficult.
Family & Cultural Expectations
Explore how to honour your family and culture while making room for privacy, choice and an adult sense of self.
Attachment & Relationship Patterns
Notice what happens during closeness, conflict or uncertainty, and build connection without losing yourself.
Not sure which area fits? You do not need to choose before reaching out.
Meet Desiree
Meet your therapist
Hi, I’m Desiree.
I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who works with adults who are used to holding everything together for everyone else. My approach is warm, collaborative and culturally responsive. We will make sense of the patterns that have shaped you while also developing practical ways to express your needs, manage difficult emotions and relate to others differently.
You do not need to arrive with the right words or a perfectly defined goal. We can begin with what feels hardest right now and move at a pace that respects your comfort, values and circumstances.
Individual therapy
In person in Mississauga
Virtual appointments available
Starting therapy can be simple
1.
Book a free consultation
Choose a time for a complimentary 20-minute call. You can briefly share what has been bringing you to therapy and ask questions about the process.
2.
See whether the fit feels right
We will discuss what you are looking for and whether my experience and approach align with the support you need. There is no obligation to continue.
3.
Begin at your pace
If you decide to proceed, we will schedule a first session and begin identifying what you would most like to understand or change.
Practical details
Free consultation
20 minutes
Individual therapy
50 minutes · $150
Extended individual session
80 minutes · $215
Appointment format
In person in Mississauga and virtual appointments for clients in Ontario and select provinces and territories
Availability
Currently accepting new clients
Sliding scale
A limited number of reduced-fee spaces may be available for clients with financial constraints.
Insurance and reimbursement
Many extended-health plans reimburse services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Coverage varies, so confirm directly with your insurer. Detailed receipts are provided, and direct billing is available when supported by the plan.
Unsure whether therapy fits your needs?
The free consultation gives you an opportunity to ask about fees, scheduling, insurance and my approach before deciding whether to book a full session.
Questions before getting started
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No. Many clients begin with a general sense that they are overwhelmed, disconnected, repeating the same relationship patterns or having difficulty speaking up. We can clarify your goals together over time.
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We will spend approximately 20 minutes discussing what has been bringing you to therapy, what you are looking for in a therapist and any practical questions about scheduling, fees or format. The consultation is not a therapy session, and there is no obligation to continue.
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In-person appointments are available in Mississauga. Virtual appointments are available to clients located within Ontario and select provinces and territories.
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Coverage depends on your specific extended-health plan. Ask whether your plan reimburses psychotherapy provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). A detailed receipt is provided after each session.
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A limited number of reduced-fee spaces may be available. Please contact me to ask about current availability.
You do not have to be certain before reaching out.
The free 20-minute consultation is an opportunity to ask questions, briefly share what has been bringing you to therapy and see whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no obligation to continue.