I’m Jolien Benjamin, a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), providing psychotherapy in Toronto and virtual counselling across Ontario. With over 20 years of experience offering client-centred counselling and trauma-informed therapy in the Netherlands, the UK, and Canada, I bring a compassionate, integrative, and evidence-based approach to supporting adults on their healing journey.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in diverse settings including hospitals, schools, perinatal mental health services, women’s rights organizations, and child protection agencies. These experiences have shaped my deep understanding of how personal history, identity, culture, migration, and systemic factors influence emotional well-being, mental health, and relationships.

In my practice, I draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches — including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness-based strategies — to help clients heal from trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. My approach is trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and anti-oppressive, meaning I consider the impact of trauma, cultural identity, and lived experience on behaviour, emotional health, and readiness for change. Together, we work gently and collaboratively, always at a pace that feels safe and supportive.

I have a strong passion and extensive experience in working with adult children of emotionally immature parents (ACEIP), helping clients understand how their early family dynamics have shaped patterns such as people-pleasing, over-functioning, low self-esteem, and self-doubt. Therapy offers an opportunity to transform these patterns into healthy boundaries, self-trust, and authentic connection.

I also specialize in supporting women’s mental health through major life transitions, including perinatal mental health, PMDD, perimenopause, and hormonal changes, fostering resilience, self-compassion, and identity development. My work includes supporting survivors of narcissistic abuse and those recovering from toxic relationships, empowering clients to rebuild self-worth and create healthier relationships.

Having lived and worked in three countries — the Netherlands, the UK, and Canada — I bring a nuanced understanding of migration, settlement, and cultural identity. I am fluent in English and Dutch, and I strive to honour the unique stories, strengths, and cultural contexts each client brings to the therapy room.

Whether you’re beginning to explore how your past has shaped your present or you’re ready to take meaningful steps toward healing and growth, I offer a safe and compassionate space to support you on your journey.

See my profile on Psychology Today