Clare Karasik MSW, RSW Claimed

Clare Karasik MSW, RSW – Online Psychotherapy in Toronto, Ontario

Offering Online and Phone Psychotherapy Services

I provide online and phone psychotherapy for individuals aged 16 and older residing in Ontario. Whether you’re looking to find new meaning in your experiences, reduce the impact of life’s challenges, build self-confidence, manage change, or break free from repetitive patterns, my psychotherapy services are designed to support positive change and enhanced well-being.

About Me

I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from McGill University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. My extensive training and experience inform my practice. Currently, I offer counseling to survivors of abuse and violence at a Toronto community agency and have previously worked with trauma survivors and youth in inpatient psychiatric settings.

Specializations

• Identity and Self-Esteem: Using a narrative approach, I help clients explore and redefine their self-concept. This method addresses stuck self-perceptions and aims to enhance self-esteem through skill development, values, and personal growth.
• Trauma, Violence, and Abuse: My trauma-informed approach supports survivors in managing the effects of trauma such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. I assist clients in finding new meaning from past experiences and transitioning from victimhood to empowerment.
• Difficult Emotions: I help clients understand and manage emotions like anxiety, sadness, and anger through a non-judgmental and curious approach. This helps in reducing the negative impacts of these emotions and better understanding their role in your life.
• Life Conflict: Whether you’re facing life transitions, relationship issues, or family conflict, I provide support for navigating these challenges. My experience includes helping individuals through separation/divorce, family struggles, and building fulfilling relationships.
• Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Self-Compassion: I integrate mindfulness practices and self-compassion techniques to support emotional regulation and therapeutic goals. Techniques include guided meditations and mindfulness exercises.
• Discrimination and Oppression: I acknowledge the impact of societal issues on mental health and well-being. My anti-oppressive framework addresses how power, privilege, and systemic discrimination affect our lives.

Therapeutic Approaches

• Narrative Therapy: This collaborative, strengths-based approach helps clients reframe their self-narratives to improve mental well-being by examining and rewriting problematic stories.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on altering unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors to improve emotional and behavioral responses.
• Somatic Regulation: By incorporating body awareness and regulation techniques, we address physical responses to emotions and enhance emotional stability.
• Psychoeducation: I provide evidence-based information on topics like trauma, attachment styles, stress management, and anxiety to support understanding and personal growth.
• Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: These practices foster emotional awareness, reduce the impact of difficult thoughts, and promote self-acceptance during challenging times.
• Intersectional Feminist and Anti-Oppressive Framework: This approach examines how intersecting aspects of identity impact experiences of privilege and oppression, aiming to minimize discrimination and support mental well-being.