FOUNDER, CLINIC DIRECTOR & EMDR THERAPIST (In-person & Virtual)

Currently Accepting New Clients

I’m Katharine De Santos, a Registered Psychotherapist with over 25 years of clinical experience in both Canada and the U.S. As the founder and Clinic Director of Healthy Minds Psychotherapy, I’ve built a trauma-informed, culturally attuned clinic here in Toronto, serving clients across Ontario and other Canadian provinces. I’m passionate about creating a space where healing can happen, and I work alongside clients navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, fertility challenges, and more.

My journey as a therapist began with a pivotal experience working in a private psychiatric hospital in Washington, D.C., during the aftermath of September 11, 2001. That experience shaped my dedication to trauma work, particularly supporting individuals affected by crisis, catastrophe, and those working on the frontlines—like first responders and military personnel.

I use a combination of EMDR, DBT, CBT, mindfulness, and attachment-based approaches in my practice. My goal is to help you understand your emotional responses, process difficult experiences, and empower you to move forward with a greater sense of clarity and strength. I work with adults who are navigating life’s challenges, whether it’s trauma, grief, anxiety, or relationship issues, and I’m committed to creating a warm, inclusive, and anti-oppressive space where all individuals—especially those from diverse and marginalized communities—feel seen and valued.

As the current President of the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals (OAMHP), I’m dedicated to advocating for over 3,000 mental health professionals in Ontario. My work focuses on expanding access to care, advancing professional development, and fostering community and collaboration in the mental health field.

When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me enjoying laughter (it’s medicine!), making pasta from scratch (it’s a passion), or spending time with my family, friends, and my puppy, Rosie, who’s working toward her own unofficial therapy dog credentials.

If you're ready to begin your journey of healing, I’d love to work with you. Reach out to schedule an appointment, and let’s explore how we can move forward together.

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Currently Accepting New Clients

I believe that therapy looks different for everyone, which makes it important for me as your therapist to facilitate a collaborative and flexible environment. This helps to meet your unique needs while building a strong therapeutic relationship. I draw from a variety of approaches in my practice including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

After graduating from Yorkville University with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology, I gained employment in a residential hospice where I worked alongside clients and their families as they navigated the end of life journey. During my time at the hospice, I supported individuals experiencing grief and bereavement, caregiver stressors, symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, family and relationship conflicts, general life transitions, and work stressors.

I have a strong passion for travel and have lived in Finland, Australia, and several cities across Canada. In my spare time I enjoy running, quilting, and reading fiction.

REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Currently Accepting New Clients

To me, the foundation of good therapy is working collaboratively with clients to create a safe space where they feel empowered to grow and move towards their goals. I place a great deal of importance on building a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients and do so through a humanistic and client-centered approach. This means meeting a client where they are at in their process and walking alongside them on their therapeutic journey. I have a background in hospice palliative care and have worked with many individuals and families navigating end-of-life and grief. This experience allowed me to specialize in working with clients experiencing bereavement, loss, life changes and transitions. I have also worked with clients diagnosed with concurrent disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, substance use and trauma. To facilitate change in collaboration with my clients, I like to work with an eclectic variety of therapeutic approaches which include: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Narrative Therapy.

Currently Accepting New Clients

I believe in the power of creating a non-judgmental and collaborative therapeutic environment where healing can occur. Having personally witnessed and experienced therapy's transformative impact, I feel privileged to facilitate this journey for others. 

By infusing warmth, compassion, and curiosity into my practice, I aim to empower clients to reach their goals and actualize well-being. 

My therapeutic approach draws from my background as a registered nurse, supporting folks of diverse backgrounds. As a nurse, I bring valuable experience working with clients managing chronic and acute health conditions, concurrent disorders, substance use concerns, navigating life transitions, and coping with various mental health concerns. 

My education and work experiences support me in recognizing the systemic impacts on health and wellness and how that manifests in the therapeutic space. 

I work from a trauma-informed and person-centered approach, utilizing various therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), all personalized to address each client's needs.

Currently Accepting New Clients

Therapy is malleable and can take on various forms. My intention as a facilitator is to work collaboratively with my client to help them achieve their desired goals.

Having over 4 years of hands-on experience in the mental health field has allowed me to develop and enhance the necessary skills to support individuals facing various challenges in their life.

My prior experience includes working with clients dealing with addictions, trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief, to name a few. My work background also includes working closely with first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction. Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

My therapeutic approach also utilizes a trauma-informed outlook that helps the client gain awareness on how other variables may be contributing to their presenting concerns. By integrating evidence-based techniques with a person-centered approach I foster a supportive and empowering environment for growth and transformation.

OFFICE MANAGER

I'm proud to serve as the Office Manager at Healthy Minds Psychotherapy. While my background may be in organizational behaviour and business, my passion lies in supporting the well-being of our clients and ensuring the smooth operation of our office.

My extensive experience in client services has prepared me to provide the best possible experience for our clients. I understand the importance of a warm, welcoming, and efficient office, where you can feel comfortable and supported from the moment you walk in the door.

My experience as a consultant has taught me the importance of a nurturing and supportive environment. It's a philosophy I bring to our office daily.

At Healthy Minds Psychotherapy my mission is to create an environment where you can focus on your well-being, knowing that our office is here to provide you with the care and support you need.