Hiral Amin-Sharma
Social Worker/Psychotherapist
As a Registered Social Worker (MSW RSW), I would like to invite you into a non-judgmental, nurturing, and anti-oppressive space, where we can work together to address the challenges in your life. Sometimes life can bring hardship and unexpected events, which can produce negative feelings and emotions. Some of these challenges require less support to process and work through, while others may take longer and require more frequent support to overcome.
As your therapist, my goal is to understand you, your needs, and guide you to cope with or overcome the difficulties interfering with your everyday life.
I have more than 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families.
I have knowledge with many issues including;
Anxiety
Relationship Issues/Infidelity
Peer Relationships
Sleep/Insomnia
Depression
Life Transitions
Parenting Support
Stress
Grief counselling
Codependency
Self Esteem / Confidence
Trauma and PTSD
Psychotherapy in Queen West/Parkdale – Toronto
Virtual and In Person Therapy
Virtual therapy is a form of therapy that takes place over secure video. It is privacy protected, easy to use and can be done from anywhere, even the comfort of your own home.
In person therapy is offered at the Parkdale office. The office offers a safe and comforting space for clients.
Therapeutic Approach
I offer a range of evidence-based, neurobiologically informed therapeutic modalities that support deep healing, nervous system regulation, and meaningful long-term change. The therapeutic approach used is aligned with your individual history, needs, and pace, ensuring a safe and grounded framework to support your recovery and ongoing growth.
I use various modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Safe and Sound Protocol/Rest and Restore Protocol (SSP/RRP), Ego State Therapy, psychodynamic (talk therapy) or Solution Focused, that align with your needs.
I will work closely with you to ensure that the therapeutic approach is one that best supports you on your journey.
Modalities
Psychotherapy is an empowering journey of self-awareness and growth. Together we will explore the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors guiding your life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that supports individuals in resolving the impact of traumatic or distressing life experiences. EMDR reduces the emotional intensity of past events and supports healthier, more adaptive responses in the present.
Clients often find EMDR to be a gentle and effective method for addressing trauma, anxiety, and persistent patterns that have not fully shifted with traditional talk therapy.
EMDR facilitates the brain’s natural ability to process information by incorporating bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements, taps, or tones within a structured therapeutic framework.
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase protocol designed to ensure safety, structure, and clarity throughout the process. EMDR has been found to be effective for a variety of psychological issues, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma related symptoms.
Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening-based intervention that uses specially filtered music to help calm and reset the nervous system.
SSP listening can help shift the nervous system from defense to regulation, which can allow clients to feel safe and connect better with others. This also helps makes therapy more effective. SSP can be particularly helpful for clients experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or sensory sensitivity. It is often integrated with other trauma therapies to enhance grounding, social engagement, and overall resilience.
Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory: the Science of Feeling Safe Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior. Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCRmkGSdN_0
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
DBR processing helps resolve the deep, automatic responses the brain and body form during overwhelming or early life experiences.
DBR focuses on the brainstem-level reactions, such as subtle tightening, turning toward or away, or freezing, that often continue to influence emotions and relationships long after the event has passed.
DBR is helpful for clients whose challenges may feel “pre-verbal,” longstanding, or not fully resolved through traditional talk therapy. It offers a calm, steady pathway for healing that does not require retelling traumatic stories and instead supports the body’s natural capacity to restore safety and balance.
In DBR sessions, we work slowly and attentively, tracking these subtle sensations and allowing the body to release the underlying tension at its own pace. This gentle process can lead to meaningful shifts in chronic stress, anxiety, emotional reactivity, and trauma-related symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
It is a highly effective treatment method used to reduce symptoms associated with a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias.
Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP)
The Rest and Restore Protocol supports deep nervous system settling through structured listening, gentle sensory input, and paced regulation exercises. RRP helps shift the body out of stress responses and into a state where healing and clarity naturally occur. This protocol is well-suited for individuals who feel overstimulated, depleted, or stuck in cycles of tension and fatigue.
SSP and RRP may be helpful in reducing symptoms and supporting overall health and resiliency for people seeking support for:
-
Depression and Anxiety
- Sleep issues
- Neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism, hyperactivity and attention
- Learning difficulties
- Sensory processing differences
- Trauma history
Therapy Sessions and Rates
Free Initial 15 Minute Consultation
I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation prior to booking a session, in order to have a brief discussion about your therapeutic needs, and answer any questions prior to booking an initial appointment.
You are also welcome to email me with any questions you may have. Please keep in mind that the privacy of what you share in email cannot be guaranteed unless all users are using encryption software. Kindly use your own discretion when communicating personal matters in this way.
Session Rates:
Individual Session: 50 minutes - $180
Insurance Coverage
As a Registered Social Worker (RSW), I am covered by most private insurance plans, however I recommend you check your individual plan for coverage details.
Receipts are available for insurance and tax purposes. Payment can be made by credit card (AMEX, Visa, Master Card), cash, or e-transfer.
Confidentiality
A consent and confidentiality form will be provided to you to review and sign at the first session. I take your confidentiality very seriously; we will discuss your rights as a client and my role as your therapist in our first meeting.
Cancellation Policy
A full 24 hours notice is required to cancel a session. A cancellation with less than 24 hours notice is subject to a cancellation fee of the full session rate.
What To Expect For The First Session
Many people seek therapy when they are feeling stuck, and facing challenges. Feeling nervous, apprehensive and/or excited about what to expect in the session is normal. It is not always easy to talk to someone about what you are going through, and how you are trying to cope. Therapy is a collaborative effort, and I strongly believe that it is important for you to be an active participant in the process that is your emotional healing.
In your first session, I ask certain questions about you and your life. This information helps me make an initial assessment of your situation. We also discuss reasons why you are seeking therapy as well as what your goals might be. Subsequent sessions are tailored to your needs and goals.
For Appointments
info@hiralpsychotheraphy.ca
(647) 493-3688
Toronto
Working Days
Parkdale – Monday – Friday
Session are offered both virtually and in person