Bio
Nice to meet you!
Sara Kohtala
She /Her Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
** Accepting new clients for VIRTUAL sessions only
Life is hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Some people might feel uncomfortable by the idea of seeing a therapist, but everyone needs a little help when facing life’s challenges. Many people come out of therapy feeling calmer, more in control, and more confident, so why not give it a try?
Sara is an experienced psychotherapist who specializes in treating mental health concerns including anxiety, OCD, trauma, sexual dysfunction, and ADHD. She can help you work through negative self-talk, difficulty setting boundaries, and navigating relationships. Sara helps clients achieve their goals through evidence-based treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Sara also works with couples facing difficulties in their relationship. She can help you and your partner establish better communication, improve sex and intimacy, and navigate periods of stress. She assists couples in getting on the same page using emotion-focused therapy, which is considered the gold-standard treatment modality for relationship counselling.
Sara has been working in both private and public practices for over 3 years. Sara continues to expand her learning so that her clients receive the most recent evidence-based treatment available.
Sara is a published author in the field of domestic violence. Her involvement and expertise in this research allow her to provide effective and compassionate care for those navigating domestic violence.
“The journey of self-improvement is life-long. Engaging in therapeutic treatment can be a large part of that journey. I work hard to ensure that my clients have a safe space to grow and become the best versions of themselves"
Read Sara’s blog post on domestic violence here.
Associations / Professional Designation
Registered Psychotherapist with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
Education
Bachelor of Arts Honours Psychology - University of Guelph
Master of Arts Counselling Psychology – University of Western Ontario
Specialties
Anxiety / Phobias / Trauma / Sexual Dysfunction / Relationships / OCD / Gender and Sexuality / Domestic Violence / Sexual Abuse/ LGBTQ2S+ Stressors / Dating in the modern world / Intimacy / Addiction / Self-esteem / Depression
Offers
Individual sessions (adult), couples and marriage sessions
Therapies
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
Fees
Virtual sessions: $180 no HST
In-person sessions: $180 no HST (Burlington)
Couples sessions: $200 no HST
More than just my work:
Favourite Quote
"The mind is everything. What you think, you become." - Buddha
Quick Facts
I have three cats that I absolutely adore. Their names are Pancake, Bean, and Olive.
In my spare time I make a lot of art! Painting, drawing, sewing, and sculpting are just a few of the mediums I use.
I love all things witchy and spooky! I love attending Halloween markets where I can explore all the oddities and curiosities.