Frank Kakarelis
Frank Kakarelis, RP (he/him)
Registered Psychotherapist
Provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nunavut
Living with unresolved trauma can be a burden so large that it colours every aspect of your world. It’s a big step to even recognize (or hope) that life could be different with therapy.
Before I became a psychotherapist, I worked as a Kinesiologist for over a decade. It was from helping people recover from physical injuries, that I became aware of how much the emotional state of a person can influence their health and wellbeing. I saw how depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder could impact a person’s physical recovery from an injury or surgery. I also witnessed that if someone had the right social support, or if their overall mood and outlook on life was relatively balanced, their physical outcomes were often more positive. These observations impacted me deeply, and I realized that I could do more for people in the field of mental health, than working only with the physical side of things. As a psychotherapist, I specialize in a form of therapy called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy which is clinically proven to be especially helpful for those who carry trauma from their past. I also am trained in Existential Therapy, Jungian Counselling, and other evidence based mental health modalities for individuals and couples to offer support for whatever you may be struggling with.
As a therapist, I take a holistic, whole person approach to counselling.
From my previous career, I see how different aspects of a person can increase, or decrease their quality of life. It’s important for me to understand you as a whole, and what inspires and motivates you. When I’m working with couples, I strive to understand each of you individually and how you find each other and noticing how that connection is interrupted, leaving each of you feeling isolated and unheard. Together, we will explore what needs to happen to feel better. This could be supporting you in healing from past trauma, taking a look at what could be changed in your current environment (such as relationship issues, work struggles, etc.) or exploring the roots of your anxiety or depression. This is always done at a pace that feels right for you.
Too many people mistake suffering in silence for strength. Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do.
Growing up I witnessed deep struggles and strife in my community, and as an adult I have grieved many friends who kept their pain and troubles a secret until it was too late. I was raised by my Greek immigrant parents in a low income area of Toronto. I was fortunate to have a supportive homelife, but many of my friends weren’t so lucky, and some of them didn’t live past their twenties due to mental health struggles. I have seen first hand the traumatic impacts that an environment filled with drugs, violence and unsafe situations have on the young, old, and to relationships. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be complex and chronic, from years of abuse, or acute, from one devastating experience. My past has strengthened my will when it comes to being compassionate, respectful, and nonjudgmental to whomever has the courage to reach out for help.
Yes, I’m a therapist, but I am also a fellow traveller on this journey through life.
You are the expert of your world, and I am here to listen and learn from you, so that I can support you on your path. This story is yours, you get to decide your next steps. It’s up to you if it feels like the right move at this moment is to finally share the struggles you’ve been shouldering alone for so long.
Areas of Practice and Approach
Individual Counselling
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Trauma Focused
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Jungian Therapy
- Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBCT)
- Person Centered
Support For
- Trauma & PTSD
- Childhood/Developmental Trauma
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Pain
- Obesity
- Weight Loss
- Grief
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Self-Esteem & Perfectionism
- Sports Performance
- Career Guidance
- Coping Skills
- Stress
- Anger
Age Group I Work With
- 8 and older
Professional Qualifications and Experience
M.A. in Counselling Pyschology, Yorkville University
Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology, York University
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, CRPO
Registered Kinesiologist, College of Kinesiologists of Ontario, COKO
EMDR International Association, EMDIRA
Professional Fees
Consultations
- Initial consultations are FREE
- All consultations are 20 minutes long
Individual Counselling
- $160 + HST
- 50 minute session
Couples Counselling
- $180 + HST - 60 minutes
- $205 + HST - 75 minutes
Crypto Payments
- Are available
- Email us for more information
